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There are a few things I carry with me at all times in the winter: a hat, gloves, scarf and thermos. The latter provides me with that extra bit of warmth on the coldest days and stops me from buying tea while I’m out. If this sounds like you — and you’re looking for an upgrade — then check out the 30 percent discount on the Ember Travel Mug 2+. We’re big fans of Ember and have put its products in a few out our gift guides. 
The Ember Travel Mug 2+ is currently down to $140, from $200, bringing it down to the same price as the mug without Apple Find My. That’s right, if you didn’t know, one of the biggest perks of the Ember Travel Mug 2+ is that you can locate it through the Find My app on your Apple device. It will also ping if you’re trying to locate it. Android users: this is likely a gift rather than something for yourself. 
Along with Apple’s Find My technology, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ offers three hours of keeping your drink at a set temperature (between 120 degrees and 145 degrees) or all day if it sits on the charging coaster. Ember also claims the Travel Mug 2+ is leakproof and allows you to drink from any side. Plus, it’s IPX7 rated and safe to hand wash — do not put it in the dishwasher. 

I have to admit that $140 is still a lot of money to spend on a travel mug that only keeps drinks warm for three hours. I’ve spent over $100 less than that on a thermos that keeps my tea hot for 12 hours, no coaster needed. But, if the perks Ember’s Travel Mug 2+ brings are worth it then definitely pick one up during this deal.  
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/embers-smart-travel-mug-with-find-my-integration-is-30-percent-off-154735829.html?src=rss

There are a few things I carry with me at all times in the winter: a hat, gloves, scarf and thermos. The latter provides me with that extra bit of warmth on the coldest days and stops me from buying tea while I’m out. If this sounds like you — and you’re looking for an upgrade — then check out the 30 percent discount on the Ember Travel Mug 2+. We’re big fans of Ember and have put its products in a few out our gift guides. 

The Ember Travel Mug 2+ is currently down to $140, from $200, bringing it down to the same price as the mug without Apple Find My. That’s right, if you didn’t know, one of the biggest perks of the Ember Travel Mug 2+ is that you can locate it through the Find My app on your Apple device. It will also ping if you’re trying to locate it. Android users: this is likely a gift rather than something for yourself. 

Along with Apple’s Find My technology, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ offers three hours of keeping your drink at a set temperature (between 120 degrees and 145 degrees) or all day if it sits on the charging coaster. Ember also claims the Travel Mug 2+ is leakproof and allows you to drink from any side. Plus, it’s IPX7 rated and safe to hand wash — do not put it in the dishwasher. 

I have to admit that $140 is still a lot of money to spend on a travel mug that only keeps drinks warm for three hours. I’ve spent over $100 less than that on a thermos that keeps my tea hot for 12 hours, no coaster needed. But, if the perks Ember’s Travel Mug 2+ brings are worth it then definitely pick one up during this deal.  

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/embers-smart-travel-mug-with-find-my-integration-is-30-percent-off-154735829.html?src=rss

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According to the Wall Street Journal, various US authorities are investigating TP-Link’s routers, linking them to China-backed cyberattacks. The Commerce, Justice and Defense departments each have their own investigations, and sources told the Journal the Commerce Department has subpoenaed TP-Link. These investigations may contribute to a potential ban on these routers next year.
In September, the Journal reported on a wave of Chinese cyberattacks in the US that involved many TP-Link routers. The attackers targeted government organizations and Defense Department suppliers, as well as non-government organizations and think tanks.
TP-Link currently holds about 65 percent of the US router market for small businesses and homes. They’re also widely used by the Department of Defense and NASA. But sources told the Journal the devices often ship with security flaws, and that the company fails to address these issues or engage with the security community.
“We welcome any opportunities to engage with the U.S. government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, U.S. consumers, and addressing U.S. national security risks,” a TP-Link spokesperson told WSJ.
If TP-Link routers are banned, it would be the biggest Chinese telecom equipment extraction in the US since the 2019 Huawei ban.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/tp-link-routers-are-being-investigated-by-several-us-authorities-151552304.html?src=rss

According to the Wall Street Journal, various US authorities are investigating TP-Link’s routers, linking them to China-backed cyberattacks. The Commerce, Justice and Defense departments each have their own investigations, and sources told the Journal the Commerce Department has subpoenaed TP-Link. These investigations may contribute to a potential ban on these routers next year.

In September, the Journal reported on a wave of Chinese cyberattacks in the US that involved many TP-Link routers. The attackers targeted government organizations and Defense Department suppliers, as well as non-government organizations and think tanks.

TP-Link currently holds about 65 percent of the US router market for small businesses and homes. They’re also widely used by the Department of Defense and NASA. But sources told the Journal the devices often ship with security flaws, and that the company fails to address these issues or engage with the security community.

“We welcome any opportunities to engage with the U.S. government to demonstrate that our security practices are fully in line with industry security standards, and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, U.S. consumers, and addressing U.S. national security risks,” a TP-Link spokesperson told WSJ.

If TP-Link routers are banned, it would be the biggest Chinese telecom equipment extraction in the US since the 2019 Huawei ban.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/tp-link-routers-are-being-investigated-by-several-us-authorities-151552304.html?src=rss

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The Secret Level official X account just teased a new season for the series of short animations. For those unaware, Secret Level adapts various games and franchises like Warhammer 40,000, Pac-Man and Concord into short animated episodes. The team behind it is the same that did Love, Death and Robots on Netflix.
We don’t know much more about the second season of Secret Level. So far there’s no information on what games season two will adapt, or when that season will premier.
You can now watch the first season of Secret Level on Amazon Prime Video now, where it recently premiered. There are currently 15 episodes based on various games. The short based on Warhammer 40,000 reminds me of the Astartes project. Additionally, the Pac-Man-based short is actually a sort of reveal for a Bandai Namco game, Shadow Labyrinth.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/were-getting-a-second-season-of-secret-level-140856980.html?src=rss

The Secret Level official X account just teased a new season for the series of short animations. For those unaware, Secret Level adapts various games and franchises like Warhammer 40,000, Pac-Man and Concord into short animated episodes. The team behind it is the same that did Love, Death and Robots on Netflix.

We don’t know much more about the second season of Secret Level. So far there’s no information on what games season two will adapt, or when that season will premier.

You can now watch the first season of Secret Level on Amazon Prime Video now, where it recently premiered. There are currently 15 episodes based on various games. The short based on Warhammer 40,000 reminds me of the Astartes project. Additionally, the Pac-Man-based short is actually a sort of reveal for a Bandai Namco game, Shadow Labyrinth.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/were-getting-a-second-season-of-secret-level-140856980.html?src=rss

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After unveiling Exodus just over a year ago at The Game Awards, developer Archetype Entertainment has shown off the first gameplay for the sci-fi RPG. The trailer features a troupe of space mercenaries called Travelers, a lot of battle action and a particularly angry boss bear. It looks a lot like Mass Effect, which isn’t a surprise given that the studio employs former Bioware devs, along with ex-employees from 343 and Naughty Dog. 
During a livestream, the team revealed that Exodus is set in a post-Earth scenario at a time when humanity has ventured into faraway star systems and created new civilizations. That doesn’t mean everything is kumbaya, though, as characters create alliances and compete for resources to make a profit. The game involves genetically modified creatures like the aforementioned bear, along with a valuable element called Livestone created by “Celestials.” It also uses time dilation, so when the Travelers make a short jaunt to a star system, much more time may have passed on their homeworld. 
Exodus stars Matthew McConaughey in his first video game role and will be published by Wizards of the Coast, Archetype’s parent company. There’s still no release date, and we don’t yet know which character will be played by McConaughey. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/watch-the-first-exodus-gameplay-trailer-134504291.html?src=rss

After unveiling Exodus just over a year ago at The Game Awards, developer Archetype Entertainment has shown off the first gameplay for the sci-fi RPG. The trailer features a troupe of space mercenaries called Travelers, a lot of battle action and a particularly angry boss bear. It looks a lot like Mass Effect, which isn’t a surprise given that the studio employs former Bioware devs, along with ex-employees from 343 and Naughty Dog. 

During a livestream, the team revealed that Exodus is set in a post-Earth scenario at a time when humanity has ventured into faraway star systems and created new civilizations. That doesn’t mean everything is kumbaya, though, as characters create alliances and compete for resources to make a profit. The game involves genetically modified creatures like the aforementioned bear, along with a valuable element called Livestone created by “Celestials.” It also uses time dilation, so when the Travelers make a short jaunt to a star system, much more time may have passed on their homeworld. 

Exodus stars Matthew McConaughey in his first video game role and will be published by Wizards of the Coast, Archetype’s parent company. There’s still no release date, and we don’t yet know which character will be played by McConaughey. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/watch-the-first-exodus-gameplay-trailer-134504291.html?src=rss

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YouTube is teaming up with one of the world’s largest talent agencies, CAA, to help its high-profile actors and athletes monitor their AI likenesses. “Through this collaboration, several of the world’s most influential figures will have access to early-stage technology designed to identify and manage AI-generated content that features their likeness, including their face, on YouTube at scale,” YouTube wrote on its official blog.
The video platform plans to begin testing its “likeness management technology” with unnamed award-winning actors and top NBA and NFL athletes, all clients of CAA (Creative Artists Agency). The system will surface AI-generated content that depicts their likeness and provide easy access to submit requests for removal through its privacy-complaint process. 
Through CAA and its influential client list, YouTube says it will gain insight before releasing it more widely to other creators and artists. Down the road, it will announce further testing for top YouTube creators, creative professionals and other talent agencies. 
CAA is an ideal first partner to test its likeness management tech, YouTube wrote. The agency has been on the forefront of AI and digital rights, via its CAAvault talent-focused serivce that scans, captures and securely stores clients’ digital likeness including face, body and voice. 
Technology platforms like YouTube have been at odds with creators over the use of AI, particularly when it comes to training large language models (LLMs) on copyrighted text, artworks and the likenesses of famous people. The issue is particularly contentious in Hollywood; some stars have agreed to let AI replicate their voices under license, but many have railed against its use. 
Last week in a podcast interview with Armchair Expert, Friends actor Lisa Kudrow called the use of digital versions of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in the film Here an “endorsement” of AI. “What will there be left for, forget actors, but what about up-and-coming actors? They’ll just be licensing and recycling. What work will there be for human beings?”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/youtube-is-helping-high-profile-actors-and-athletes-monetize-their-ai-likenesses-133029330.html?src=rss

YouTube is teaming up with one of the world’s largest talent agencies, CAA, to help its high-profile actors and athletes monitor their AI likenesses. “Through this collaboration, several of the world’s most influential figures will have access to early-stage technology designed to identify and manage AI-generated content that features their likeness, including their face, on YouTube at scale,” YouTube wrote on its official blog.

The video platform plans to begin testing its “likeness management technology” with unnamed award-winning actors and top NBA and NFL athletes, all clients of CAA (Creative Artists Agency). The system will surface AI-generated content that depicts their likeness and provide easy access to submit requests for removal through its privacy-complaint process. 

Through CAA and its influential client list, YouTube says it will gain insight before releasing it more widely to other creators and artists. Down the road, it will announce further testing for top YouTube creators, creative professionals and other talent agencies. 

CAA is an ideal first partner to test its likeness management tech, YouTube wrote. The agency has been on the forefront of AI and digital rights, via its CAAvault talent-focused serivce that scans, captures and securely stores clients’ digital likeness including face, body and voice. 

Technology platforms like YouTube have been at odds with creators over the use of AI, particularly when it comes to training large language models (LLMs) on copyrighted text, artworks and the likenesses of famous people. The issue is particularly contentious in Hollywood; some stars have agreed to let AI replicate their voices under license, but many have railed against its use. 

Last week in a podcast interview with Armchair Expert, Friends actor Lisa Kudrow called the use of digital versions of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in the film Here an “endorsement” of AI. “What will there be left for, forget actors, but what about up-and-coming actors? They’ll just be licensing and recycling. What work will there be for human beings?”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/youtube-is-helping-high-profile-actors-and-athletes-monetize-their-ai-likenesses-133029330.html?src=rss

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If you’ve driven a car made in the last decade, there’s a good chance you’ve already used Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which mirrors the contents of your phone on your car’s infotainment display. Both features are a major step up from Bluetooth audio, but there’s one potential downside: Most of the time, you’ll have to plug your phone into your car with a USB cable. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto options exist on premium vehicles and pricier trim levels, but they’re far from commonplace.
So what to do if you’re stuck with wired CarPlay or Android Auto? Behold, the wireless dongle. Plug one of these boxes into your car’s USB port, pair your phone, and voila, you’ve got phone mirroring without any messy cables.

While there are a slew of dongles on the market, I recently picked up the CarlinKit 5 and, for the most part, it’s delivering a solid wireless CarPlay experience. It was easy to set up on my 2019 Volvo XC90: I just had to plug it in and pair my phone over Bluetooth (all of the mirroring work happens over a local Wi-Fi connection between the devices). Now whenever I hop in my car, I never have to think about connecting a USB-C cable — CarPlay just boots up automatically and starts playing whatever I’m currently listening to.
Sound quality is great, and I haven’t noticed any major lag while swiping around the CarPlay interface. Siri voice commands, something I rely on a lot while driving, also work about as well as wired CarPlay (most of the time it’s accurate, but sometimes background noise leads to wildly off-base replies). The CarLinkIt also works seamlessly with the volume and track change controls on my steering wheel.

Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

While I’m well aware that plugging in a USB-C cable doesn’t sound like a huge annoyance, and in fact it may be the epitome of First World problems, it’s an issue that’s plagued me across several cars. USB-C cables (and Apple’s Thunderbolt before it) bend and break easily, especially when you’re trying to cram them into a car’s cramped accessory compartments. Phone charging ports also accumulate debris that can make connections flaky. After having several cables fail during long drives, I simply had enough.
I’m honestly surprised that my wireless CarPlay experience has led to far fewer headaches than using a simple cable. That goes directly against my typical mantra for any sort of gadget: A wired connection is usually best. In this case, though, I just haven’t had to fight with the CarLinkIt 5 much. It works 90 percent of the time, and it only occasionally has connection issues if I’m tethering my phone to my kid’s tablets (I’d bet there’s some sort of Wi-Fi conflict happening there). In those instances, unplugging and re-plugging the CarlinKit fixes the issue.

Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

My wife was also able to pair with the CarlinKit and it’s been just as helpful to her. If we’re both in the Volvo, we just have to choose the phone we want to mirror as CarPlay kicks in. I was worried about mirroring conflicts, but in general it hasn’t given us much trouble.
The one downside to using wireless CarPlay is that your phone isn’t automatically charging when it’s connected to your car. So you’ll either have to use a wireless charging pad built into your car, or get some sort of accessory to handle that. I’m using iOttie’s MagSafe vent charger, and it works like a dream. I don’t use it for short drives, but when I do need to juice up, I just throw my phone up and rely on the magic of magnets and wireless charging.

Devindra Hardawar for Engadget

The CarlinKit is one of those devices you just never really have to think about, save for the occasional unplug/replug reset. To address compatibility issues, the company releases firmware updates that you can install wirelessly over your phone. (There’s also a more complex USB firmware update method, but I haven’t had to deal with that.) Beyond that, though, it doesn’t require much babysitting. And really, isn’t that exactly what we want with every single-purpose gadget?This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/carlinkit-5-delivers-solid-wireless-carplay-most-of-the-time-130056316.html?src=rss

If you’ve driven a car made in the last decade, there’s a good chance you’ve already used Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which mirrors the contents of your phone on your car’s infotainment display. Both features are a major step up from Bluetooth audio, but there’s one potential downside: Most of the time, you’ll have to plug your phone into your car with a USB cable. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto options exist on premium vehicles and pricier trim levels, but they’re far from commonplace.

So what to do if you’re stuck with wired CarPlay or Android Auto? Behold, the wireless dongle. Plug one of these boxes into your car’s USB port, pair your phone, and voila, you’ve got phone mirroring without any messy cables.

While there are a slew of dongles on the market, I recently picked up the CarlinKit 5 and, for the most part, it’s delivering a solid wireless CarPlay experience. It was easy to set up on my 2019 Volvo XC90: I just had to plug it in and pair my phone over Bluetooth (all of the mirroring work happens over a local Wi-Fi connection between the devices). Now whenever I hop in my car, I never have to think about connecting a USB-C cable — CarPlay just boots up automatically and starts playing whatever I’m currently listening to.

Sound quality is great, and I haven’t noticed any major lag while swiping around the CarPlay interface. Siri voice commands, something I rely on a lot while driving, also work about as well as wired CarPlay (most of the time it’s accurate, but sometimes background noise leads to wildly off-base replies). The CarLinkIt also works seamlessly with the volume and track change controls on my steering wheel.

While I’m well aware that plugging in a USB-C cable doesn’t sound like a huge annoyance, and in fact it may be the epitome of First World problems, it’s an issue that’s plagued me across several cars. USB-C cables (and Apple’s Thunderbolt before it) bend and break easily, especially when you’re trying to cram them into a car’s cramped accessory compartments. Phone charging ports also accumulate debris that can make connections flaky. After having several cables fail during long drives, I simply had enough.

I’m honestly surprised that my wireless CarPlay experience has led to far fewer headaches than using a simple cable. That goes directly against my typical mantra for any sort of gadget: A wired connection is usually best. In this case, though, I just haven’t had to fight with the CarLinkIt 5 much. It works 90 percent of the time, and it only occasionally has connection issues if I’m tethering my phone to my kid’s tablets (I’d bet there’s some sort of Wi-Fi conflict happening there). In those instances, unplugging and re-plugging the CarlinKit fixes the issue.

My wife was also able to pair with the CarlinKit and it’s been just as helpful to her. If we’re both in the Volvo, we just have to choose the phone we want to mirror as CarPlay kicks in. I was worried about mirroring conflicts, but in general it hasn’t given us much trouble.

The one downside to using wireless CarPlay is that your phone isn’t automatically charging when it’s connected to your car. So you’ll either have to use a wireless charging pad built into your car, or get some sort of accessory to handle that. I’m using iOttie’s MagSafe vent charger, and it works like a dream. I don’t use it for short drives, but when I do need to juice up, I just throw my phone up and rely on the magic of magnets and wireless charging.

The CarlinKit is one of those devices you just never really have to think about, save for the occasional unplug/replug reset. To address compatibility issues, the company releases firmware updates that you can install wirelessly over your phone. (There’s also a more complex USB firmware update method, but I haven’t had to deal with that.) Beyond that, though, it doesn’t require much babysitting. And really, isn’t that exactly what we want with every single-purpose gadget?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/carlinkit-5-delivers-solid-wireless-carplay-most-of-the-time-130056316.html?src=rss

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LG has announced the 2025 refresh for its QNED evo lineup of premium LCD TVs, along with new features coming with the 40 to 100-inch models that include the capability to wirelessly receive and play 4K content. The company introduced its 4K wireless solution last year on its more expensive OLED M-series TVs, but this rollout will give more people access to its technology. 
Its True Wireless 4K solution requires the use of the company’s Zero Connect Box, so the reality is that it’s not fully wireless. But once you plug your devices into that external box, you’ll be able to transmit 4K content with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz to the TV from as far as 30 feet away without having to run cables directly into the set. The only thing that needs to be plugged into the TV itself is its power cord. 
In addition to the True Wireless feature, the updated QNED evo TVs also use LG’s new Dynamic QNED Color Solution that enables them to produce colors closer to how they appear to the naked eye in real life. They come with AI capabilities, as well, such as the ability to upscale images more naturally and to make voices stand out more against background sounds. The new QNED evo models will ship with the new AI Magic Remote that comes with a dedicated AI button. LG says that a long press on the AI button will allow users to make personalized searches for viewing preferences and recommendations. A user can ask the remote to recommend movies for their trip to Paris, for instance, and the AI will be able to suggest films based on the European capital in genres they enjoy based on their viewing habits. 
LG has yet to announced the new QNED evo TVs’ availability and pricing, but it will most likely showcase them and reveal more information at CES next year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lgs-qned-evo-lcd-tv-lineup-for-2025-can-wirelessly-receive-4k-videos-130050376.html?src=rss

LG has announced the 2025 refresh for its QNED evo lineup of premium LCD TVs, along with new features coming with the 40 to 100-inch models that include the capability to wirelessly receive and play 4K content. The company introduced its 4K wireless solution last year on its more expensive OLED M-series TVs, but this rollout will give more people access to its technology. 

Its True Wireless 4K solution requires the use of the company’s Zero Connect Box, so the reality is that it’s not fully wireless. But once you plug your devices into that external box, you’ll be able to transmit 4K content with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz to the TV from as far as 30 feet away without having to run cables directly into the set. The only thing that needs to be plugged into the TV itself is its power cord. 

In addition to the True Wireless feature, the updated QNED evo TVs also use LG’s new Dynamic QNED Color Solution that enables them to produce colors closer to how they appear to the naked eye in real life. They come with AI capabilities, as well, such as the ability to upscale images more naturally and to make voices stand out more against background sounds. The new QNED evo models will ship with the new AI Magic Remote that comes with a dedicated AI button. LG says that a long press on the AI button will allow users to make personalized searches for viewing preferences and recommendations. A user can ask the remote to recommend movies for their trip to Paris, for instance, and the AI will be able to suggest films based on the European capital in genres they enjoy based on their viewing habits. 

LG has yet to announced the new QNED evo TVs’ availability and pricing, but it will most likely showcase them and reveal more information at CES next year. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lgs-qned-evo-lcd-tv-lineup-for-2025-can-wirelessly-receive-4k-videos-130050376.html?src=rss

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OnePlus will launch its new flagship series, the OnePlus 13, on January 7, 2025. It’s getting increasingly difficult for smartphone makers to differentiate or push the envelope, but OnePlus is at least trying. Its new phone series will have IP68 and IP69 ratings.
IP68 certification means the device has protection against submerging and dust, the usual stuff, but the IP69 rating takes water resistance a step further, promising the device can withstand high-pressure jets of water — for all those high-pressure jet moments. The OnePlus 13 might be the first mainstream smartphone to get the certification.
Engadget
The company likes wet phone tech. A few years ago, it introduced a Rain Water Touch feature in the OnePlus 12 and Ace 2 Pro. It used a special chip to algorithmically determine how you touched the screen while operating it in the rain or other wet conditions.
The OnePlus 13 will have three colorways: Arctic Dawn, Black Eclipse and Midnight Ocean, with the latter also being the first phone to use micro-fiber vegan leather. And the Arctic Dawn edition has a new glass coating that resists finger smudges — apparently another first in the industry, according to OnePlus.
— Mat Smith
The biggest tech stories you missed

The best tech gifts under $100 to give for Christmas from Apple, Samsung and more
Elon Musk is opening a preschool
Unofficial mod transforms the Playdate into a charming robot pet

Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!
Honda and Nissan reportedly open merger talks
They’re Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers.

Honda and Nissan are reportedly discussing a merger. The Japanese publication Nikkei said the two automakers are planning to sign a memorandum of understanding to sort out shared equity stakes in a new holding company. The potential merger would combine the assets of Japan’s second- and third-biggest automakers, giving them a better shot of competing with the nation’s market leader, Toyota. Bloomberg adds it would also put them in a better position against Tesla and Chinese EV makers.
Continue reading.

Seagate teases its first HAMR-based hard drive
Finally, the Exos M will go on sale after years of anticipation.

The Seagate website announced a new Exos M 30TM and 32TB hard disk drive (HDD), featuring 3TB per platter with three times the power efficiency per terabyte compared to other hard drives. The new hard drive is Seagate’s first HDD to use heat-assisted magnetic recording. HAMR refers to a magnetic storage process in which localized heat is applied to the disk material during writing, which allows for smaller regions and more space per platter. These and other breakthroughs could someday pave the way to a 50TB HDD.
Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121242613.html?src=rss

OnePlus will launch its new flagship series, the OnePlus 13, on January 7, 2025. It’s getting increasingly difficult for smartphone makers to differentiate or push the envelope, but OnePlus is at least trying. Its new phone series will have IP68 and IP69 ratings.

IP68 certification means the device has protection against submerging and dust, the usual stuff, but the IP69 rating takes water resistance a step further, promising the device can withstand high-pressure jets of water — for all those high-pressure jet moments. The OnePlus 13 might be the first mainstream smartphone to get the certification.

The company likes wet phone tech. A few years ago, it introduced a Rain Water Touch feature in the OnePlus 12 and Ace 2 Pro. It used a special chip to algorithmically determine how you touched the screen while operating it in the rain or other wet conditions.

The OnePlus 13 will have three colorways: Arctic Dawn, Black Eclipse and Midnight Ocean, with the latter also being the first phone to use micro-fiber vegan leather. And the Arctic Dawn edition has a new glass coating that resists finger smudges — apparently another first in the industry, according to OnePlus.

— Mat Smith

The biggest tech stories you missed

The best tech gifts under $100 to give for Christmas from Apple, Samsung and more

Elon Musk is opening a preschool

Unofficial mod transforms the Playdate into a charming robot pet

Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

Honda and Nissan reportedly open merger talks

They’re Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers.

Honda and Nissan are reportedly discussing a merger. The Japanese publication Nikkei said the two automakers are planning to sign a memorandum of understanding to sort out shared equity stakes in a new holding company. The potential merger would combine the assets of Japan’s second- and third-biggest automakers, giving them a better shot of competing with the nation’s market leader, Toyota. Bloomberg adds it would also put them in a better position against Tesla and Chinese EV makers.

Continue reading.

Seagate teases its first HAMR-based hard drive

Finally, the Exos M will go on sale after years of anticipation.

The Seagate website announced a new Exos M 30TM and 32TB hard disk drive (HDD), featuring 3TB per platter with three times the power efficiency per terabyte compared to other hard drives. The new hard drive is Seagate’s first HDD to use heat-assisted magnetic recording. HAMR refers to a magnetic storage process in which localized heat is applied to the disk material during writing, which allows for smaller regions and more space per platter. These and other breakthroughs could someday pave the way to a 50TB HDD.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121242613.html?src=rss

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You can now access Apple’s answer to Google Street View on the web. As 9to5Mac reports, Apple has enabled Look Around for the beta version of Apple Maps on the web, letting you literally look around and explore the cities where it’s available. The company has a full list of “Look Around” locations on its website, and it includes select cities in the US, Japan and several countries in the European Union. To start exploring a place on your desktop, you only have to click on the binocular icon at the bottom left corner of the map. Like on Street View, you’ll be able to virtually fly across roads and drag the screen to show more of the place with the feature’s 360-degree images. 
Apple launched the beta version of Maps for the web in July, with a number of limitations. Access was limited to certain devices and browsers. While you could already use it to look up directions and guides, it didn’t roll out with Look Around, though Apple promised to add more features in the coming months. Although Look Around’s coverage is pretty limited at the moment, MacRumors previously reported finding clues in Apple Maps suggesting that the company is working on expanding its availability. Apple apparently has plans to add smaller cities and rural areas to the Look Around network, as well as to add more countries, such as Egypt, China and Mexico.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-maps-look-around-is-now-available-on-the-web-035431088.html?src=rss

You can now access Apple’s answer to Google Street View on the web. As 9to5Mac reports, Apple has enabled Look Around for the beta version of Apple Maps on the web, letting you literally look around and explore the cities where it’s available. The company has a full list of “Look Around” locations on its website, and it includes select cities in the US, Japan and several countries in the European Union. To start exploring a place on your desktop, you only have to click on the binocular icon at the bottom left corner of the map. Like on Street View, you’ll be able to virtually fly across roads and drag the screen to show more of the place with the feature’s 360-degree images. 

Apple launched the beta version of Maps for the web in July, with a number of limitations. Access was limited to certain devices and browsers. While you could already use it to look up directions and guides, it didn’t roll out with Look Around, though Apple promised to add more features in the coming months. Although Look Around’s coverage is pretty limited at the moment, MacRumors previously reported finding clues in Apple Maps suggesting that the company is working on expanding its availability. Apple apparently has plans to add smaller cities and rural areas to the Look Around network, as well as to add more countries, such as Egypt, China and Mexico.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-maps-look-around-is-now-available-on-the-web-035431088.html?src=rss

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A new hard drive based on the long-promised heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology is almost here. Tom’s Hardware reported that a new sales page popped up on the Seagate website announcing a new Exos M 30TM and 32TB hard disk drive (HDD) featuring 3TB per platter with three times the power efficiency per terabyte compared to other hard drives.
The new hard drive is based on Seagate’s new Mozaic 3+ platform and is its first HDD to use HAMR. HAMR refers to a magnetic storage process in which localized heat is applied to the disk material during writing, which allows for smaller regions and more space per platter. These and other breakthroughs could someday pave the way to a 50TB HDD. Here’s a video from our Upscaled series that breaks down the entire process and what it means for the future of HDD storage.

There’s no official release date yet for the Exos M. You can stay up to date by email of its pending release on Seagate’s product page.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/seagate-teases-its-first-hamr-based-hard-drive-001519503.html?src=rss

A new hard drive based on the long-promised heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology is almost here. Tom’s Hardware reported that a new sales page popped up on the Seagate website announcing a new Exos M 30TM and 32TB hard disk drive (HDD) featuring 3TB per platter with three times the power efficiency per terabyte compared to other hard drives.

The new hard drive is based on Seagate’s new Mozaic 3+ platform and is its first HDD to use HAMR. HAMR refers to a magnetic storage process in which localized heat is applied to the disk material during writing, which allows for smaller regions and more space per platter. These and other breakthroughs could someday pave the way to a 50TB HDD. Here’s a video from our Upscaled series that breaks down the entire process and what it means for the future of HDD storage.

There’s no official release date yet for the Exos M. You can stay up to date by email of its pending release on Seagate’s product page.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/seagate-teases-its-first-hamr-based-hard-drive-001519503.html?src=rss

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