Month: July 2024
Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering in hundreds of locations by end of year
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$99BTC Presale Enters Final Stage – Last Chance to Invest in a Platform Combining Education with Earnings
The 99Bitcoins presale is in its final stages, concluding on August 6th at 2 PM UTC. This Learn-to-Earn project incentivizes… Continue reading $99BTC Presale Enters Final Stage – Last Chance to Invest in a Platform Combining Education with Earnings
The post $99BTC Presale Enters Final Stage – Last Chance to Invest in a Platform Combining Education with Earnings appeared first on ReadWrite.
The 99Bitcoins presale is in its final stages, concluding on August 6th at 2 PM UTC. This Learn-to-Earn project incentivizes users to gain cryptocurrency knowledge by rewarding them.
This innovative approach not only democratizes crypto education but also creates a compelling financial incentive likely to drive substantial user growth and engagement.
How 99Bitcoins’ Learn-to-Earn model and massive reach are set to revolutionize the space
At its core, 99Bitcoins is designed to onboard new cryptocurrency users through a comprehensive educational ecosystem.
The platform offers 79 hours of crypto courses, providing a robust foundation for newcomers to understand the complexities of the crypto world.
What sets 99Bitcoins apart is its unique Learn-to-Earn model, where users are compensated for their educational engagement. This approach is expected to make the process of learning about crypto both engaging and rewarding, potentially attracting a broader audience.
The success of 99Bitcoins will largely depend on its marketing strategies and ability to leverage its existing audience. The project boasts an impressive following, with 709,000 followers on its YouTube channel and 706,000 subscribers, reflecting a strong and engaged community.
The platform garners around 20,000 views per video, which is significant for promotional efforts. Moreover, 99Bitcoins has a mailing list of 2.8 million subscribers, providing a vast network for marketing and outreach.
This extensive reach will be instrumental in promoting the Learn-to-Earn model and fostering widespread user adoption. The project has already captured the attention of reputable media outlets such as Cointelegraph, Bitcoinist, Cryptonews, Techopedia, NewsBTC, Coindesk, and Cryptonomist.
Additionally, numerous crypto experts with substantial YouTube followings have discussed the project, amplifying its credibility and visibility.
This robust media presence positions 99Bitcoins for a highly successful launch. You can explore the potential future of 99Bitcoins through our 99Bitcoins price prediction.
The last opportunity to invest in a platform merging learning and investment
99Bitcoins features a user-friendly interface designed to streamline the learning experience for cryptocurrency newcomers. This intuitive UI is expected to enhance user engagement and learning effectiveness.
With only five days remaining in its presale, 99Bitcoins is nearing its fundraising goal. The project has already secured $2.5 million, leaving a brief window for investors to acquire $99BTC tokens. The platform supports investments through Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), credit cards, and Binance Coin (BNB).
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
We’ve raised over $2.5 MILLION in the $99BTC presale! 🚀
The presale ends on August 6th, 2024. Secure your spot now!
Join here! 👉 https://t.co/NXD7DAamqr#99Bitcoins #BTC #Crypto #L2E pic.twitter.com/XMevJZHygh
— 99Bitcoins (@99BitcoinsHQ) July 29, 2024
The project has established a robust token economy to drive expansion and engagement. Its token distribution model allocates resources for marketing, community rewards, platform development, and liquidity, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem.
By incentivizing participation through features like staking and airdrops, 99Bitcoins aims to build a loyal and expanding community. Additional features of 99Bitcoins include interactive learning resources, token rewards, and trading signals to support informed decision-making.
The platform also offers specialized tools and educational materials for BRC-20 tokens, along with insights on Bitcoin halving events. To foster community growth, 99Bitcoins provides exclusive training, trading signals, VIP communities, and mentorship opportunities.
The project has passed a thorough audit by Solid Proof, confirming the integrity and security of its smart contracts and overall platform.
With the presale ending soon, this project is poised for a successful launch and has the potential to make a significant impact on the cryptocurrency education sector.
For those interested in participating, now is the time to act before its anticipated surge upon launch.
The project’s strong fundamentals and strategic marketing initiatives make it an attractive investment opportunity and a valuable addition to any investment portfolio. To participate in the $99BTC token presale, visit 99Bitcoins.com.
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Xbox console sales continue to crater with massive 42% revenue drop
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PlayStation Plus free games for August revealed: Lego Star Wars and Five Nights at Freddy’s
PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers will get Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga, Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach, and Ender Lilies:… Continue reading PlayStation Plus free games for August revealed: Lego Star Wars and Five Nights at Freddy’s
The post PlayStation Plus free games for August revealed: Lego Star Wars and Five Nights at Freddy’s appeared first on ReadWrite.
PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers will get Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga, Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach, and Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights in August.
The Lego Star Wars series is this month’s headline attraction and relives all the films in the much-loved science fiction saga across the stars.
Cult hit Five Nights at Freddies joins crowd favorite Star Wars
The brick-building lightsaber battles aren’t the only game that will be getting the pulses racing, as cult favorite Five Nights at Freddies Security Breach has also been added.
The jump-scare-inducing game pits you against the backdrop of the fantasy arcade in the shoes of Gregory. This installment from Steel Wool Games shows off Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex as a survival horror tale where the young boy must survive until the sunlight.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights has also been added as a downloadable title as part of the monthly subscription. The game was developed by Adglobe and Live Wire and published by Binary Haze Interactive.
The two-dimensional (2D) fantasy game takes place in the fantasy setting of Land’s End. The heartstring-pulling, side-scrolling role-playing game journeys through forests, deep underground caverns, and the climactic setting of storied castles.
Subscribers still have until Aug. 6 to add Borderlands 3, NHL 24, and Among Us to their libraries.
Borderlands has received the movie treatment in the latest video game to big screen translation. The movie coming from the mind of Eli Roth of horror staples like Hostel and the Green Inferno teams up with Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart to bring the wild wasteland to life for moviegoers.
Image: PlayStation Blog.
The post PlayStation Plus free games for August revealed: Lego Star Wars and Five Nights at Freddy’s appeared first on ReadWrite.
Spotify Now Says It Won’t Charge Non-Premium Listeners for Song Lyrics
The music streaming giant upset users when it tested charging for song lyrics in May.
The music streaming giant upset users when it tested charging for song lyrics in May.
Etsy just announced a loyalty program that’s (sort of) similar to Amazon Prime
Etsy just announced an upcoming loyalty program for buyers called Etsy Insider. This is the first-ever program of its type on the platform and the company begins testing in September. Select customers will receive an invite for the service as it gets closer to launch.
So what do you get? It’s sort of like Amazon Prime, but without the streaming video and all of that other stuff. Etsy Insider offers free shipping and access to discounts. Pricing has yet to be announced, but COO Raina Moskowitz says the monthly fee will be close to the cost of a latte. So, anywhere from $3 to $9, I guess.
The company hasn’t decided if this program will go beyond the testing phase, as it all depends on how users respond to it. Etsy says this is part of a larger effort to change how consumers think of the platform.
“We want people to start their shopping journey on Etsy rather than come to Etsy when they’re just looking for something very specific,” Moskowitz said in an interview with AP. This is a very good point, as I’ve never, ever thought of heading to Etsy unless I had something very specific in mind, like a Depeche Mode drink coaster or something.
The company has also been plagued with sluggish sales of late, which forced massive layoffs that impacted 11 percent of employees. Etsy has reported merchandise sales are down over five percent this year when compared to the same period last year. The stock price has also dipped, losing nearly 78 percent of its value since late 2021. To be fair, the stock price rose significantly throughout the early days of COVID-19, as new customers flocked to the service. The bubble burst just as people started going outside more.
Etsy has also been facing tons of new competition. This includes Amazon Handmade, the retail giant’s take on the crafting space, and Temu. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/etsy-just-announced-a-loyalty-program-thats-sort-of-similar-to-amazon-prime-173842311.html?src=rss
Etsy just announced an upcoming loyalty program for buyers called Etsy Insider. This is the first-ever program of its type on the platform and the company begins testing in September. Select customers will receive an invite for the service as it gets closer to launch.
So what do you get? It’s sort of like Amazon Prime, but without the streaming video and all of that other stuff. Etsy Insider offers free shipping and access to discounts. Pricing has yet to be announced, but COO Raina Moskowitz says the monthly fee will be close to the cost of a latte. So, anywhere from $3 to $9, I guess.
The company hasn’t decided if this program will go beyond the testing phase, as it all depends on how users respond to it. Etsy says this is part of a larger effort to change how consumers think of the platform.
“We want people to start their shopping journey on Etsy rather than come to Etsy when they’re just looking for something very specific,” Moskowitz said in an interview with AP. This is a very good point, as I’ve never, ever thought of heading to Etsy unless I had something very specific in mind, like a Depeche Mode drink coaster or something.
The company has also been plagued with sluggish sales of late, which forced massive layoffs that impacted 11 percent of employees. Etsy has reported merchandise sales are down over five percent this year when compared to the same period last year. The stock price has also dipped, losing nearly 78 percent of its value since late 2021. To be fair, the stock price rose significantly throughout the early days of COVID-19, as new customers flocked to the service. The bubble burst just as people started going outside more.
Etsy has also been facing tons of new competition. This includes Amazon Handmade, the retail giant’s take on the crafting space, and Temu.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/etsy-just-announced-a-loyalty-program-thats-sort-of-similar-to-amazon-prime-173842311.html?src=rss
At almost 131 feet high, the world’s tallest projector screen is so big that it needs seven ultra-bright laser projectors to make it work
At almost 131 feet high, the world’s tallest projector screen is the centerpiece of an ocean theme exhibition in Germany.
We’ve seen a few impressive projection screens lately, including, of course, the Las Vegas Sphere, which is covered with 1.2 million LED lights and has an equally impressive 16x16K resolution interior. Then there is the giant “acoustically transparent” LED movie screen installed at the Xinjiekou International Cinema in China, which cleverly makes massive loudspeakers invisible.
However the world’s tallest projection screen, from AV Stumpfl, is just as impressive in its own way as both of those. The L-shaped 40m x 20m (131 feet x 66 feet) custom screen, designed with AV Stumpfl’s Flex Contrast PRO surface, is a centerpiece in an ocean-themed exhibition being held at the 100-metre high Gasometer museum in Oberhausen, a repurposed gas holder turned exhibition arena known as the “cathedral of industrial culture.”
The Planet Ozean (Planet Ocean) exhibition, which runs until the end of the year, highlights the beauty of the oceans and uses AV Stumpfl’s giant screen for the Die Welle (The Wave) sculpture, created by Ars Electronica Solutions.
Life-sized whales
“The Wave sculpture that we have developed here, in close collaboration with Ars Electronica Solutions and the composer Rupert Huber of Tosca, enables a completely new, immersive experience that would only be possible here in the Gasometer,” said Nils Sparwasser, curator of Die Welle.
AV Stumpfl’s 40-metre high screen rises upwards from the Gasometer’s central gallery and is supported by seven 30,000-lumen laser projectors. The photo-realistic computer-generated visuals for Die Welle were created from scratch and show life-sized whales, fish and jellyfish.
Jeanette Schmitz, managing director of Gasometer Oberhausen and Planet Ozean’s curator, said, “We were immediately won over by the concept of The Wave, as it plays on this gigantic space and casts a spell over visitors to the exhibition – where else would you get the chance to go on a hunt with sharks or marvel at humpback whales in their original size? The Wave is also an important pillar of our fundamental concept, as our new exhibition opens up as an overall model with various communicative approaches providing an unrivaled insight into the world of the ocean.”
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What to expect from Google’s Pixel 9 event
Image: Google
Google’s earlier-than-expected Pixel hardware event is just around the corner — it’s scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th. Thanks to the relentless flow of leaks that have emerged over the past few weeks, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Google has already confirmed that it’s launching the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but the company may have some other surprises in store, including the Buds Pro 2 and maybe even the Pixel Watch 3.
Here’s a roundup of everything we know so far.
Google Pixel 9 lineup adds a smaller Pro option
Alongside the Pixel 9, Google is expected to release the Pixel Pro in two sizes: a larger 6.8-inch model and a smaller 6.3-inch variant. It’ll be the first time the Pro features are available in two different sizes, with the telephoto camera previously being reserved only for the larger phone model.
As shown in the image shared by Google itself (and many, many leaks), the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will also come with some design changes. Both the Pro and standard models are getting flatter edges and a rounded camera module that protrudes from the back of the device.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
A leak showing a rose-colored Pixel 9 Pro.
A leaked spec sheet from OnLeaks suggests that the Pixel 9 Pro models will come with an upgraded G4 Tensor chip and 16GB of RAM. The base Pixel 9, on the other hand, is expected to have the same chip with a 6.3-inch display and 12GB of RAM.
The cameras on both devices will likely get some upgrades as well, with the leaked spec sheet showing the Pixel 9 with a 10.5MP selfie camera, a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Meanwhile, the leak indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro will have a 42MP selfie camera and three cameras on the rear, including a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and 48MP telephoto camera.
Image: OnLeaks via 91mobiles
This leaked specs sheet reveals an ‘XL’ Pixel 9 Pro.
Another report from Android Authority suggests Google may add an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor to the Pixel 9 lineup, which could hopefully improve some of the issues users have been having with the existing optical under-display sensor. The Pixel 9 is expected to come in obsidian, porcelain, rose, and green, while the Pro model is rumored to come in charcoal, porcelain, rose, and hazel.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold gets taller and slimmer
Those three phones aren’t the only ones Google is planning to release this summer. It’s also getting ready to release its next-gen foldable, now called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Image: Google
This image of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes straight from Google.
When compared to last year’s device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears to be taller and slimmer. That design change is also reflected in the squircle-shaped camera housing on the rear of the device, which now comes with two sets of cameras.
In terms of specs, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rumored to come with a 6.3-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner screen. That’s larger than the original Pixel Fold’s 5.8-inch outer display and 7.6-inch inner display. The leaked specs sheet indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will come with the same G4 Tensor chip as the other devices in the lineup, as well as 16GB of RAM.
It may also have a 10MP front-facing camera, with a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto sensor on the back of the phone.
Google brings more AI to the Pixel
With Samsung and now Apple making an effort to bring AI to their phones, it’s no surprise to see Google doing the same. A set of leaked marketing materials from OnLeaks hints, among other features, at a new Pixel Screenshots feature that “helps you save info that you want to remember later — like events, places and more.”
Image: OnLeaks via 91mobiles
Leaked marketing materials show a new ‘Pixel Screenshots’ feature.
That tracks with a previous leak from Android Police, which suggests that the feature can “save and process helpful details” from your screenshots, letting you search through them. It sounds a bit like Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature but appears to only work on the screenshots you take manually, rather than scanning your entire device. The marketing materials also show an integration with Google’s AI chatbot Gemini, along with Circle to Search.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
This feature appears to use AI to completely transform the background of a photo.
A leaked Pixel 9 ad posted by Android Headlines (it has since been taken down) gave us a glimpse at a feature called “Add Me,” which appears to use AI to put someone in a photo when they weren’t originally there. It looks like Google is planning to update its Magic Editor tool, too, allowing you to replace the background of an image based on a prompt.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 brings back the wing tip
It’s already been two years since the launch of the original Pixel Buds Pro 2, and now it looks like Google is planning to give them a refresh. Leaked images from OnLeaks show the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a small wing tip that sticks out from the side of each bud — sort of like a smaller version of the “stabilizer arc” on the original Pixel Buds.
Other small changes include larger grills that match the colors of the bud, as well as a charging case that appears to come with a small speaker (maybe to emit a noise when using Google’s Find My feature?). The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to come in gray, white, green, and pink.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
What appears to be the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in a mint green.
We may have a good idea of what the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will look like, but we don’t know much about the specs. A regulatory listing spotted earlier this year suggests the case may come with a larger 650mAh battery. Other than that, we can likely expect the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to feature the same active noise cancellation and multipoint features as their predecessor.
A Pixel Watch 3 with two sizes and bigger screens
So far, we’ve only seen renders of the Pixel Watch 3 that show a device with a slightly chunkier design. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The 41mm version is rumored to come with a 10 percent larger screen than its similarly sized predecessor, thanks to thinner bezels.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
A render of what looks like the 45mm Pixel Watch 3.
Recent leaks also suggest both Pixel Watch 3 models will get a brighter 2,000-nit display and an ultra wideband chip that could make location tracking more accurate. The 41mm watch is also rumored to come with a slightly bigger 310mAh battery and 20 percent faster charging than the Pixel Watch 2.
Both sizes could offer up to 24 hours of battery life with always-on display enabled or up to 36 hours with a new Battery Saver mode, according to leaked marketing materials shared by Android Headlines. The materials also hint at support for offline Google Maps, new camera controls when connecting to a Pixel phone, and the ability to view your Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell’s live feeds from your watch.
Image: Android Headlines
It looks like the Pixel Watch 3 could come with a new “Battery Saver” mode.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to use your current Pixel Watch 2 bands with the larger 45mm device. A report suggests that the 45mm version has an “altered” band connection that could make it incompatible with smaller bands. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 may not get as many band options as the 41mm version, either, according to Android Headlines.
Anything else?
It may seem like we already know all we know about Google’s upcoming hardware event, but the company may still surprise us. For one, there’s a possibility that we may get a look at the new “Google TV Streamer,” which 9to5Google published leaked images of in July. It looks way different than the Chromecast, but we still don’t have any details on specs.
That’s all we know for now, but there’s still time between now and Google’s August 13th event, which means there’s still a chance for more leaks.
Image: Google
Google’s earlier-than-expected Pixel hardware event is just around the corner — it’s scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th. Thanks to the relentless flow of leaks that have emerged over the past few weeks, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Google has already confirmed that it’s launching the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but the company may have some other surprises in store, including the Buds Pro 2 and maybe even the Pixel Watch 3.
Here’s a roundup of everything we know so far.
Google Pixel 9 lineup adds a smaller Pro option
Alongside the Pixel 9, Google is expected to release the Pixel Pro in two sizes: a larger 6.8-inch model and a smaller 6.3-inch variant. It’ll be the first time the Pro features are available in two different sizes, with the telephoto camera previously being reserved only for the larger phone model.
As shown in the image shared by Google itself (and many, many leaks), the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will also come with some design changes. Both the Pro and standard models are getting flatter edges and a rounded camera module that protrudes from the back of the device.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
A leak showing a rose-colored Pixel 9 Pro.
A leaked spec sheet from OnLeaks suggests that the Pixel 9 Pro models will come with an upgraded G4 Tensor chip and 16GB of RAM. The base Pixel 9, on the other hand, is expected to have the same chip with a 6.3-inch display and 12GB of RAM.
The cameras on both devices will likely get some upgrades as well, with the leaked spec sheet showing the Pixel 9 with a 10.5MP selfie camera, a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Meanwhile, the leak indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro will have a 42MP selfie camera and three cameras on the rear, including a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide lens, and 48MP telephoto camera.
Image: OnLeaks via 91mobiles
This leaked specs sheet reveals an ‘XL’ Pixel 9 Pro.
Another report from Android Authority suggests Google may add an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor to the Pixel 9 lineup, which could hopefully improve some of the issues users have been having with the existing optical under-display sensor. The Pixel 9 is expected to come in obsidian, porcelain, rose, and green, while the Pro model is rumored to come in charcoal, porcelain, rose, and hazel.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold gets taller and slimmer
Those three phones aren’t the only ones Google is planning to release this summer. It’s also getting ready to release its next-gen foldable, now called the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Image: Google
This image of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes straight from Google.
When compared to last year’s device, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold appears to be taller and slimmer. That design change is also reflected in the squircle-shaped camera housing on the rear of the device, which now comes with two sets of cameras.
In terms of specs, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rumored to come with a 6.3-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner screen. That’s larger than the original Pixel Fold’s 5.8-inch outer display and 7.6-inch inner display. The leaked specs sheet indicates that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will come with the same G4 Tensor chip as the other devices in the lineup, as well as 16GB of RAM.
It may also have a 10MP front-facing camera, with a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto sensor on the back of the phone.
Google brings more AI to the Pixel
With Samsung and now Apple making an effort to bring AI to their phones, it’s no surprise to see Google doing the same. A set of leaked marketing materials from OnLeaks hints, among other features, at a new Pixel Screenshots feature that “helps you save info that you want to remember later — like events, places and more.”
Image: OnLeaks via 91mobiles
Leaked marketing materials show a new ‘Pixel Screenshots’ feature.
That tracks with a previous leak from Android Police, which suggests that the feature can “save and process helpful details” from your screenshots, letting you search through them. It sounds a bit like Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature but appears to only work on the screenshots you take manually, rather than scanning your entire device. The marketing materials also show an integration with Google’s AI chatbot Gemini, along with Circle to Search.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
This feature appears to use AI to completely transform the background of a photo.
A leaked Pixel 9 ad posted by Android Headlines (it has since been taken down) gave us a glimpse at a feature called “Add Me,” which appears to use AI to put someone in a photo when they weren’t originally there. It looks like Google is planning to update its Magic Editor tool, too, allowing you to replace the background of an image based on a prompt.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 brings back the wing tip
It’s already been two years since the launch of the original Pixel Buds Pro 2, and now it looks like Google is planning to give them a refresh. Leaked images from OnLeaks show the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with a small wing tip that sticks out from the side of each bud — sort of like a smaller version of the “stabilizer arc” on the original Pixel Buds.
Other small changes include larger grills that match the colors of the bud, as well as a charging case that appears to come with a small speaker (maybe to emit a noise when using Google’s Find My feature?). The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to come in gray, white, green, and pink.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
What appears to be the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in a mint green.
We may have a good idea of what the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will look like, but we don’t know much about the specs. A regulatory listing spotted earlier this year suggests the case may come with a larger 650mAh battery. Other than that, we can likely expect the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to feature the same active noise cancellation and multipoint features as their predecessor.
A Pixel Watch 3 with two sizes and bigger screens
So far, we’ve only seen renders of the Pixel Watch 3 that show a device with a slightly chunkier design. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The 41mm version is rumored to come with a 10 percent larger screen than its similarly sized predecessor, thanks to thinner bezels.
Image: OnLeaks via Android Headlines
A render of what looks like the 45mm Pixel Watch 3.
Recent leaks also suggest both Pixel Watch 3 models will get a brighter 2,000-nit display and an ultra wideband chip that could make location tracking more accurate. The 41mm watch is also rumored to come with a slightly bigger 310mAh battery and 20 percent faster charging than the Pixel Watch 2.
Both sizes could offer up to 24 hours of battery life with always-on display enabled or up to 36 hours with a new Battery Saver mode, according to leaked marketing materials shared by Android Headlines. The materials also hint at support for offline Google Maps, new camera controls when connecting to a Pixel phone, and the ability to view your Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell’s live feeds from your watch.
Image: Android Headlines
It looks like the Pixel Watch 3 could come with a new “Battery Saver” mode.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to use your current Pixel Watch 2 bands with the larger 45mm device. A report suggests that the 45mm version has an “altered” band connection that could make it incompatible with smaller bands. The 45mm Pixel Watch 3 may not get as many band options as the 41mm version, either, according to Android Headlines.
Anything else?
It may seem like we already know all we know about Google’s upcoming hardware event, but the company may still surprise us. For one, there’s a possibility that we may get a look at the new “Google TV Streamer,” which 9to5Google published leaked images of in July. It looks way different than the Chromecast, but we still don’t have any details on specs.
That’s all we know for now, but there’s still time between now and Google’s August 13th event, which means there’s still a chance for more leaks.
A big Amazon ruling means it now has to recall over 400,000 dangerous or faulty third-party products in the US
The US’s CSPC has found Amazon responsible for hazardous products sold by third-party sellers through its website.
A new order from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) has found Amazon responsible for hazardous products sold by third-party sellers through its website. The unanimous vote means it must recall 400,00 hazardous items, and it might lead to big changes about how we shop online.
When you’re shopping at Amazon.com, you might reasonably assume it’s the company actually selling you the products. However, Amazon revealed in January this year that over 60% of sales through its site actually come from independent sellers who merely use Amazon as a virtual marketplace.
The CSPC has argued – since it started suing Amazon in 2021 – that because Amazon is facilitating these sales as a “distributor” (as the term is legally defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act), it bears a legal responsibility for recalling and destroying the products should they be found to be faulty – with the CSPC pointing to examples of dangerous items including “faulty carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, hair dryers without electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that violated federal flammability standards,” which it says come from a list of more than 400,000 defective products sold on its website.
Amazon disputes this, saying it does not meet the Consumer Product Safety Act’s definition of a distributor. It did acknowledge that the products were harmful, though, it added in a statement that when it was alerted to the safety issues it “swiftly notified customers, instructed them to stop using the products, and refunded them.”
What happens next?
Well, we’re in a kinda murky stage, which almost always occurs after these big verdicts. The CPSC has told Amazon that it must now work with it by submitting plans on how it will notify customers about the products included in the order and how it will work to recall and/or destroy them; meanwhile, Amazon has said it will appeal the decision.
If said appeal goes ahead, then we might not see any actual changes to how Amazon operates for a while (or ever), at least not until all appeal avenues have been exhausted.
Other marketplaces like Temu might be affected by this Amazon decision (Image credit: Temu)
Regardless of how things end, the decision will likely not just affect Amazon. Similar marketplace sites like Temu – which has also been found to sell potentially hazardous products that do not meet safety standards, as highlighted in separate electric heater and Toy Industries of Europe toy tests (via Which) – may find they’re up against US lawmakers next if they’re successful against Amazon.
While US government decisions will likely only impact US consumers, lawmakers in other regions may feel emboldened to try to impose tighter restrictions on Amazon and other online marketplaces.
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how things pan out, but be prepared to see some big changes to how we shop online as the Amazon and CPSC dispute continues.
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