engadget-rss

The company behind the news app Flipboard just launched something called Surf, which is sort of like an RSS feed for the open social web. The app allows users to create feeds that pull from the open social web, including services like Mastodon and Bluesky. It also sources content from blogs, podcasts and YouTube videos.
Flipboard CEO Mike McCue calls it a “browser for the social web” and that description makes a whole lot of sense. Surf supports a whole bunch of open protocols, including RSS, Bluesky’s AT Protocol and ActivityPub. That last one is used to power decentralized platforms like Mastodon, Threads, Pixelfed, PeerTube and Friendica, among others. This follows Flipboard itself moving to the fediverse, which allowed for full interoperability with Mastodon and other decentralized networks.
The app has been in development for nearly two years and lets users build custom feeds using a combination of sources. If you wanted to follow a niche topic like, say, 3D printing, you could add notable people to a feed, along with hashtags, specific RSS feeds, preferred podcasts and more. As of the initial beta launch, Surf comes with 30,000 predefined topics to explore. Custom feeds can also explore multiple topics at once, to personalize things.
Flipboard
The app’s home page includes a wide swath of curated feeds to follow that are organized into sections like Featured, Trending, Communities and Expert Voices. Feeds are configurable in a number of ways, which lets users include or exclude stuff like replies, reposts or mature content. Thankfully, the order of the feed is also fully adjustable, with an option for a Twitter-like timeline.
This sounds pretty cool right? One of the main problems in this new era of the social web, in which the old guard has lost so much steam, is the lack of a centralized hub. This looks to solve that problem to some extent.
Now a spot of bad news. Surf is technically available right now, but only as an invite-only, closed beta. If you can get a hold of one of those invites, the app is available for both iOS and Android, with a desktop client coming soon.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/flipboard-just-launched-surf-which-is-sort-of-like-an-rss-feed-for-the-open-social-web-184015833.html?src=rss

The company behind the news app Flipboard just launched something called Surf, which is sort of like an RSS feed for the open social web. The app allows users to create feeds that pull from the open social web, including services like Mastodon and Bluesky. It also sources content from blogs, podcasts and YouTube videos.

Flipboard CEO Mike McCue calls it a “browser for the social web” and that description makes a whole lot of sense. Surf supports a whole bunch of open protocols, including RSS, Bluesky’s AT Protocol and ActivityPub. That last one is used to power decentralized platforms like Mastodon, Threads, Pixelfed, PeerTube and Friendica, among others. This follows Flipboard itself moving to the fediverse, which allowed for full interoperability with Mastodon and other decentralized networks.

The app has been in development for nearly two years and lets users build custom feeds using a combination of sources. If you wanted to follow a niche topic like, say, 3D printing, you could add notable people to a feed, along with hashtags, specific RSS feeds, preferred podcasts and more. As of the initial beta launch, Surf comes with 30,000 predefined topics to explore. Custom feeds can also explore multiple topics at once, to personalize things.

The app’s home page includes a wide swath of curated feeds to follow that are organized into sections like Featured, Trending, Communities and Expert Voices. Feeds are configurable in a number of ways, which lets users include or exclude stuff like replies, reposts or mature content. Thankfully, the order of the feed is also fully adjustable, with an option for a Twitter-like timeline.

This sounds pretty cool right? One of the main problems in this new era of the social web, in which the old guard has lost so much steam, is the lack of a centralized hub. This looks to solve that problem to some extent.

Now a spot of bad news. Surf is technically available right now, but only as an invite-only, closed beta. If you can get a hold of one of those invites, the app is available for both iOS and Android, with a desktop client coming soon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/flipboard-just-launched-surf-which-is-sort-of-like-an-rss-feed-for-the-open-social-web-184015833.html?src=rss

Read More 

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok owner ByteDance’s appeal of a law that could ban the app. The court took up the case (via NBC News) unusually quickly — only two days after the company filed its appeal. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10.
The law being challenged, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, is set to go into effect on January 19, the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The court didn’t provisionally block the law when saying it would take up the case.
The bill mandates that the app be banned if ByteDance doesn’t sell the platform to an American company. It was passed with overwhelming support in Congress and signed by President Biden in April. The argument was that TikTok had become a national security issue.
The Justice Department defended the law in lower courts, citing concerns that the Chinese government could influence the company and collect data about American citizens. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the legislation earlier this month.
ByteDance has claimed the law violates free speech rights, a position the ACLU has supported. Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term but changed his tune during the 2024 Presidential campaign.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/us-supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-tiktoks-ban-appeal-172302392.html?src=rss

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok owner ByteDance’s appeal of a law that could ban the app. The court took up the case (via NBC News) unusually quickly — only two days after the company filed its appeal. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10.

The law being challenged, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, is set to go into effect on January 19, the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The court didn’t provisionally block the law when saying it would take up the case.

The bill mandates that the app be banned if ByteDance doesn’t sell the platform to an American company. It was passed with overwhelming support in Congress and signed by President Biden in April. The argument was that TikTok had become a national security issue.

The Justice Department defended the law in lower courts, citing concerns that the Chinese government could influence the company and collect data about American citizens. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the legislation earlier this month.

ByteDance has claimed the law violates free speech rights, a position the ACLU has supported. Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term but changed his tune during the 2024 Presidential campaign.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/us-supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-tiktoks-ban-appeal-172302392.html?src=rss

Read More 

The survival horror indie hit Pacific Drive is getting turned into a TV show, according to a report by Variety. Director James Wan, who is best known for Saw and Aquaman, has scooped up the rights to the game, though that’s about all we know. There’s no casting news yet, or even information as to which streamer or network it will premiere on. It’s time to play the waiting game.
Pacific Drive is certainly a unique take on the survival horror genre. It’s a first-person driving sim that tasks players with exploring a supernatural version of the wilds of Washington. It’s like Twin Peaks, if it was set entirely in the driver’s side of a beat-up station wagon. The game has been lauded since its release back in February, securing a nomination for Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards, among other accolades.

We are in something of a golden age for video game adaptations. Peacock’s Twisted Metal was surprisingly decent and the Fallout show was a legit phenomenon. The Super Mario Bros. Movie was one of the biggest animated hits of all time and Sonic the Hedgehog now leads an entire cinematic universe. Let us also not forget The Last of Us, Arcane and Five Nights at Freddy’s. Let us do forget Borderlands.
This is to say that Pacific Drive is far from the only forthcoming video game adaptation. The horror-tinged fishing sim Dredge is being turned into a movie and there’s a cartoon coming out based on Vampire Survivors. Even The Legend of Zelda is getting a live action film, as is Minecraft. Are video games the new superheroes?This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nifty-survival-horror-game-pacific-drive-is-getting-turned-into-a-tv-show-163512558.html?src=rss

The survival horror indie hit Pacific Drive is getting turned into a TV show, according to a report by Variety. Director James Wan, who is best known for Saw and Aquaman, has scooped up the rights to the game, though that’s about all we know. There’s no casting news yet, or even information as to which streamer or network it will premiere on. It’s time to play the waiting game.

Pacific Drive is certainly a unique take on the survival horror genre. It’s a first-person driving sim that tasks players with exploring a supernatural version of the wilds of Washington. It’s like Twin Peaks, if it was set entirely in the driver’s side of a beat-up station wagon. The game has been lauded since its release back in February, securing a nomination for Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards, among other accolades.

We are in something of a golden age for video game adaptations. Peacock’s Twisted Metal was surprisingly decent and the Fallout show was a legit phenomenon. The Super Mario Bros. Movie was one of the biggest animated hits of all time and Sonic the Hedgehog now leads an entire cinematic universe. Let us also not forget The Last of Us, Arcane and Five Nights at Freddy’s. Let us do forget Borderlands.

This is to say that Pacific Drive is far from the only forthcoming video game adaptation. The horror-tinged fishing sim Dredge is being turned into a movie and there’s a cartoon coming out based on Vampire Survivors. Even The Legend of Zelda is getting a live action film, as is Minecraft. Are video games the new superheroes?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nifty-survival-horror-game-pacific-drive-is-getting-turned-into-a-tv-show-163512558.html?src=rss

Read More 

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

Read More 

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

Read More 

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

Read More 

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

Read More 

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

Read More 

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

Read More 

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

Read More