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Intel’s been trying to recapture its glory days and establish itself, once again, as a leading chipmaker. However, this dream has run into a major snag. The company’s next-gen manufacturing process, currently referred to as 18A, has reportedly failed crucial tests, according to Reuters.
Semiconductor developer Broadcom helped conduct these tests as part of an evaluation process for a potential order. The report indicates that Intel sent Broadcom’s silicon wafers, which are the components used to form the base of a semiconductor, through the 18A manufacturing process, which is supposed to increase efficiency. Broadcom was reportedly not happy with the results, suggesting that Intel’s new-fangled manufacturing process isn’t ready for high-volume production.
A Broadcom spokesperson said the company is “evaluating the product and service offerings of Intel Foundry and have not concluded that evaluation.” Intel had planned on using this new process to produce chips for major partners like Microsoft beginning next year. Despite these reported test results, the company says that timetable is still viable.
“Intel 18A is powered on, healthy and yielding well, and we remain fully on track to begin high volume manufacturing next year,” a spokesperson told Reuters. “There is a great deal of interest in Intel 18A across the industry but, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on specific customer conversations.”
It’s no secret that Intel has fallen a bit from the chipmaking perch it once dominated. It recently reported $1.6 billion in losses in the second quarter of 2024. This led to layoffs that impacted more than 15,000 workers. It’s also been dealing with widespread stability issues affecting its 13th and 14th Gen CPUs.
Reports indicate that Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger will soon pitch more cost-cutting measures to get the company back on track. These measures allegedly include delays on new manufacturing facilities in Germany and Ohio. The company could also sell off Altera, a business that makes programmable logic devices.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/intels-next-gen-chip-manufacturing-process-reportedly-hits-snag-after-failing-crucial-tests-172220843.html?src=rss

Intel’s been trying to recapture its glory days and establish itself, once again, as a leading chipmaker. However, this dream has run into a major snag. The company’s next-gen manufacturing process, currently referred to as 18A, has reportedly failed crucial tests, according to Reuters.

Semiconductor developer Broadcom helped conduct these tests as part of an evaluation process for a potential order. The report indicates that Intel sent Broadcom’s silicon wafers, which are the components used to form the base of a semiconductor, through the 18A manufacturing process, which is supposed to increase efficiency. Broadcom was reportedly not happy with the results, suggesting that Intel’s new-fangled manufacturing process isn’t ready for high-volume production.

A Broadcom spokesperson said the company is “evaluating the product and service offerings of Intel Foundry and have not concluded that evaluation.” Intel had planned on using this new process to produce chips for major partners like Microsoft beginning next year. Despite these reported test results, the company says that timetable is still viable.

“Intel 18A is powered on, healthy and yielding well, and we remain fully on track to begin high volume manufacturing next year,” a spokesperson told Reuters. “There is a great deal of interest in Intel 18A across the industry but, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on specific customer conversations.”

It’s no secret that Intel has fallen a bit from the chipmaking perch it once dominated. It recently reported $1.6 billion in losses in the second quarter of 2024. This led to layoffs that impacted more than 15,000 workers. It’s also been dealing with widespread stability issues affecting its 13th and 14th Gen CPUs.

Reports indicate that Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger will soon pitch more cost-cutting measures to get the company back on track. These measures allegedly include delays on new manufacturing facilities in Germany and Ohio. The company could also sell off Altera, a business that makes programmable logic devices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/intels-next-gen-chip-manufacturing-process-reportedly-hits-snag-after-failing-crucial-tests-172220843.html?src=rss

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ASUS is now outfitting its NUC 14 Pro mini PC with a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of reaching 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The new model, the ASUS NUC Pro AI, will have up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor. With a height of only 1.3 inches, this mini PC can be carried anywhere and won’t get in your way. Most of the features like ports and internals should be similar compared to its predecessor.
To prevent overheating, ASUS installed some advanced thermal management solutions that meet EPEAT Climate+ energy efficiency requirements. Other features include Secure Boot, built-in speakers and voice command-ready microphones. There’s also a fingerprint reader for extra security, along with a trusted platform module (TPM). The latter is designed to secure the PC further using cryptography. Upgrading the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI doesn’t require tools, and the mini PC can be controlled with ASUS Control Center.
This mini PC might be convenient, but it’s likely not going to run AAA games at higher settings. Fortunately, ASUS does have some NUC PCs capable of gaming.
As of now, there’s no release date for the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, but its announcement is less than a year following the first ASUS-built NUC that we saw at CES 2024.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/asus-equips-its-nuc-14-pro-mini-pc-with-ai-capabilities-160052047.html?src=rss

ASUS is now outfitting its NUC 14 Pro mini PC with a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of reaching 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The new model, the ASUS NUC Pro AI, will have up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor. With a height of only 1.3 inches, this mini PC can be carried anywhere and won’t get in your way. Most of the features like ports and internals should be similar compared to its predecessor.

To prevent overheating, ASUS installed some advanced thermal management solutions that meet EPEAT Climate+ energy efficiency requirements. Other features include Secure Boot, built-in speakers and voice command-ready microphones. There’s also a fingerprint reader for extra security, along with a trusted platform module (TPM). The latter is designed to secure the PC further using cryptography. Upgrading the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI doesn’t require tools, and the mini PC can be controlled with ASUS Control Center.

This mini PC might be convenient, but it’s likely not going to run AAA games at higher settings. Fortunately, ASUS does have some NUC PCs capable of gaming.

As of now, there’s no release date for the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, but its announcement is less than a year following the first ASUS-built NUC that we saw at CES 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/asus-equips-its-nuc-14-pro-mini-pc-with-ai-capabilities-160052047.html?src=rss

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ASUS unveiled a large collection of new Copilot+ PC laptops at IFA 2024, bringing AI power to several of its product lines. The company is splitting this portfolio into two branches, each powered by a different brand’s processors. Some of them will have the entry-level Snapdragon X Plus from Qualcomm and others will run on the codenamed Lunar Lake models from Intel, including the new Core Ultra 200V.
The Zenbook S14 is the lightweight option at 2.7 pounds and less than half an inch thick. The 14-inch machine runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor that can provide up to 47 TOPS in its neural processing unit (NPU) for AI performance. Its screen is a 3K 120Hz OLED display. The Zenbook S14 will retail for $1,400. It is available now from the ASUS online store and will be available for pre-order at Best Buy beginning September 6.
Next is the Vivobook S14, another 14-inch laptop running the same Intel processor. This machine has a 16:10 OLED screen and a Dolby Atmos audio system. It’s also designed for portability, weighing 2.87 pounds and measuring 0.55 inches thick. The first configuration will be available for pre-order starting September 5, and other versions will be available some time in Q4. It is priced at $1,000. ASUS also added two machines to its Vivobook line of convertible laptops. The Vivobook 14 Flip and Vivobook 16 Flip are due out in Q4, and no pricing is available yet. The 14-inch version has similar specs to its standard laptop counterpart, and offers support for the ASUS Pen 2.0. The 16 Flip also offers the same innards, but with a larger 16-inch OLED screen.
Vivobook S14ASUS
The other additions to the Intel-powered lineup are the 14-inch Expertbook P5 laptop and the NUC 14 Pro AI mini PC. The Expertbook runs on the same processors as the other laptops, while the mini-PC boasts the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with up to 48 TOPS for AI performance. Pricing has not been revealed for either machine.
On the Qualcomm side of the announcements are the Vivobook S15 and the ProArt PZ13. The Vivobook S15 has a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz OLED display and Dolby Atmos audio. The laptop promises “up to 19+ hours of use” on the battery. It is available now for $900.
The ProArt PZ13 is a detachable laptop with “up to 21 hours of FHD video playback” for battery life. It has a 16:10 3K OLED touchscreen that also supports stylus use and is available now for $1,100.
Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PC program in May 2024. These machines are built to handle AI processes locally instead of in the cloud, and ASUS had a Vivobook S15 with the Snapdragon X Elite as part of the first wave of Copilot+ PC releases in June. To be branded a Copilot+ PC, computers require an NPU with at least 40 TOPS to manage those tasks. Now that Qualcomm is no longer the exclusive processor provider for Microsoft’s program, we can expect to see more brands potentially following in ASUS’ steps.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-introduces-six-new-copilot-pc-laptops-160014998.html?src=rss

ASUS unveiled a large collection of new Copilot+ PC laptops at IFA 2024, bringing AI power to several of its product lines. The company is splitting this portfolio into two branches, each powered by a different brand’s processors. Some of them will have the entry-level Snapdragon X Plus from Qualcomm and others will run on the codenamed Lunar Lake models from Intel, including the new Core Ultra 200V.

The Zenbook S14 is the lightweight option at 2.7 pounds and less than half an inch thick. The 14-inch machine runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor that can provide up to 47 TOPS in its neural processing unit (NPU) for AI performance. Its screen is a 3K 120Hz OLED display. The Zenbook S14 will retail for $1,400. It is available now from the ASUS online store and will be available for pre-order at Best Buy beginning September 6.

Next is the Vivobook S14, another 14-inch laptop running the same Intel processor. This machine has a 16:10 OLED screen and a Dolby Atmos audio system. It’s also designed for portability, weighing 2.87 pounds and measuring 0.55 inches thick. The first configuration will be available for pre-order starting September 5, and other versions will be available some time in Q4. It is priced at $1,000. ASUS also added two machines to its Vivobook line of convertible laptops. The Vivobook 14 Flip and Vivobook 16 Flip are due out in Q4, and no pricing is available yet. The 14-inch version has similar specs to its standard laptop counterpart, and offers support for the ASUS Pen 2.0. The 16 Flip also offers the same innards, but with a larger 16-inch OLED screen.

Vivobook S14

The other additions to the Intel-powered lineup are the 14-inch Expertbook P5 laptop and the NUC 14 Pro AI mini PC. The Expertbook runs on the same processors as the other laptops, while the mini-PC boasts the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with up to 48 TOPS for AI performance. Pricing has not been revealed for either machine.

On the Qualcomm side of the announcements are the Vivobook S15 and the ProArt PZ13. The Vivobook S15 has a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz OLED display and Dolby Atmos audio. The laptop promises “up to 19+ hours of use” on the battery. It is available now for $900.

The ProArt PZ13 is a detachable laptop with “up to 21 hours of FHD video playback” for battery life. It has a 16:10 3K OLED touchscreen that also supports stylus use and is available now for $1,100.

Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PC program in May 2024. These machines are built to handle AI processes locally instead of in the cloud, and ASUS had a Vivobook S15 with the Snapdragon X Elite as part of the first wave of Copilot+ PC releases in June. To be branded a Copilot+ PC, computers require an NPU with at least 40 TOPS to manage those tasks. Now that Qualcomm is no longer the exclusive processor provider for Microsoft’s program, we can expect to see more brands potentially following in ASUS’ steps.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-introduces-six-new-copilot-pc-laptops-160014998.html?src=rss

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X will permanently avoid training its AI chatbot Grok on the public posts of users in the European Union and European Economic Area following pressure from a regulator in the region. Last month, the company temporarily suspended the practice after Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) opened High Court proceedings against it. X has now made that commitment a permanent one, which prompted the DPC to end its legal action.
The DPC, which is the chief EU regulator for X, raised concerns that X may have been violating data protection rules and users’ rights. Since May, X had offered users the option to opt-out of having their public posts being used to train Grok, implying that the company had enabled that setting for public accounts by default. Under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), however, companies are typically required to obtain explicit consent from users before processing their data. X does not have a media relations department that can be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, the DPC has urged the European Data Protection Board to weigh in “on some of the core issues that arise in the context of processing for the purpose of developing and training an AI model,” including how personal data is processed for such purposes. “The DPC hopes that the resulting opinion will enable proactive, effective and consistent Europe-wide regulation of this area more broadly,” DPC commissioner Dale Sunderland said in a statement. “It will also support the handling of a number of complaints that have been lodged with/transmitted to the DPC” about such practices.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/x-wont-train-grok-on-eu-users-public-posts-155438606.html?src=rss

X will permanently avoid training its AI chatbot Grok on the public posts of users in the European Union and European Economic Area following pressure from a regulator in the region. Last month, the company temporarily suspended the practice after Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) opened High Court proceedings against it. X has now made that commitment a permanent one, which prompted the DPC to end its legal action.

The DPC, which is the chief EU regulator for X, raised concerns that X may have been violating data protection rules and users’ rights. Since May, X had offered users the option to opt-out of having their public posts being used to train Grok, implying that the company had enabled that setting for public accounts by default. Under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), however, companies are typically required to obtain explicit consent from users before processing their data. X does not have a media relations department that can be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, the DPC has urged the European Data Protection Board to weigh in “on some of the core issues that arise in the context of processing for the purpose of developing and training an AI model,” including how personal data is processed for such purposes. “The DPC hopes that the resulting opinion will enable proactive, effective and consistent Europe-wide regulation of this area more broadly,” DPC commissioner Dale Sunderland said in a statement. “It will also support the handling of a number of complaints that have been lodged with/transmitted to the DPC” about such practices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/x-wont-train-grok-on-eu-users-public-posts-155438606.html?src=rss

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The DOJ has sent subpoenas to NVIDIA and other companies as part of an antitrust probe, as reported by Bloomberg. The federal government is seeking evidence that the company violated antitrust laws with regard to its AI processors. The presence of these subpoenas means the DOJ is one step closer to launching a formal complaint.
Officials speculate that NVIDIA is making it difficult for other companies to switch hardware suppliers and that it “penalizes buyers that don’t exclusively use its artificial intelligence chips.” This probe started in June, but recently escalated to include legally binding requests for information.
Nvidia
At the root of the DOJ probe is NVIDIA’s recent acquisition of RunAI, a company that makes software for managing AI computing tasks. The concern is that this purchase will make it harder for business customers to switch away from NVIDIA chips, as it would also necessitate a change in software.
However, that’s not the only reason behind this investigation. Regulators are also looking into whether NVIDIA gives preferential treatment to customers who exclusively use its technology or buy its complete systems. This special treatment allegedly includes first dibs on hardware and related supplies and unique pricing models.
NVIDIA has offered a terse response, telling Bloomberg that it “wins on merit, as reflected in our benchmark results and value to customers, who can choose whatever solution is best for them.” The inference here is that the company’s market dominance comes down to hard work and not sweetheart deals. 
The investigation is still in its early days, as it hasn’t yet blossomed into a formal complaint. The company’s stock took a hit ahead of the DOJ announcement, but that was likely due to continuing delays for its Blackwell AI chip. However, the stock is still up more than double this year as the AI boom continues to do its thing.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/doj-subpoenas-nvidia-as-part-of-antitrust-probe-regarding-ai-processors-153435877.html?src=rss

The DOJ has sent subpoenas to NVIDIA and other companies as part of an antitrust probe, as reported by Bloomberg. The federal government is seeking evidence that the company violated antitrust laws with regard to its AI processors. The presence of these subpoenas means the DOJ is one step closer to launching a formal complaint.

Officials speculate that NVIDIA is making it difficult for other companies to switch hardware suppliers and that it “penalizes buyers that don’t exclusively use its artificial intelligence chips.” This probe started in June, but recently escalated to include legally binding requests for information.

At the root of the DOJ probe is NVIDIA’s recent acquisition of RunAI, a company that makes software for managing AI computing tasks. The concern is that this purchase will make it harder for business customers to switch away from NVIDIA chips, as it would also necessitate a change in software.

However, that’s not the only reason behind this investigation. Regulators are also looking into whether NVIDIA gives preferential treatment to customers who exclusively use its technology or buy its complete systems. This special treatment allegedly includes first dibs on hardware and related supplies and unique pricing models.

NVIDIA has offered a terse response, telling Bloomberg that it “wins on merit, as reflected in our benchmark results and value to customers, who can choose whatever solution is best for them.” The inference here is that the company’s market dominance comes down to hard work and not sweetheart deals. 

The investigation is still in its early days, as it hasn’t yet blossomed into a formal complaint. The company’s stock took a hit ahead of the DOJ announcement, but that was likely due to continuing delays for its Blackwell AI chip. However, the stock is still up more than double this year as the AI boom continues to do its thing.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/doj-subpoenas-nvidia-as-part-of-antitrust-probe-regarding-ai-processors-153435877.html?src=rss

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If the over-the-ear hook design of the Powerbeats Pro is something you fancy, Beats is planning a successor for next year. The company teased the new product on Instagram, with footage of Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani taking batting practice with the upcoming earbuds. While there aren’t any detailed specs or features mentioned in the brief clip, we do get a preview of the updated design. 
The Powerbeats Pro were a great set of earbuds when they arrived in 2019, offering stellar audio quality and the power of Apple H1 chip for convenient features. Earbuds have come a long way in the last five years though, and if Beats was going to keep this model around, it was in dire need of an update. From the looks of the video, the company has developed a smaller set of the sport-friendly buds, with a thinner hook that should be more comfortable to wear. It also appears that the company reduced the size of the casing that sits just outside of your ear. 
And that’s about all we know that this point. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is coming in 2025 and Beats will likely be keen to who them off on athlete’s ears between now and the time they’re available for purchase. 
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/beats-powerbeats-pro-2-earbuds-are-coming-in-2025-151902492.html?src=rss

If the over-the-ear hook design of the Powerbeats Pro is something you fancy, Beats is planning a successor for next year. The company teased the new product on Instagram, with footage of Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani taking batting practice with the upcoming earbuds. While there aren’t any detailed specs or features mentioned in the brief clip, we do get a preview of the updated design. 

The Powerbeats Pro were a great set of earbuds when they arrived in 2019, offering stellar audio quality and the power of Apple H1 chip for convenient features. Earbuds have come a long way in the last five years though, and if Beats was going to keep this model around, it was in dire need of an update. From the looks of the video, the company has developed a smaller set of the sport-friendly buds, with a thinner hook that should be more comfortable to wear. It also appears that the company reduced the size of the casing that sits just outside of your ear. 

And that’s about all we know that this point. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is coming in 2025 and Beats will likely be keen to who them off on athlete’s ears between now and the time they’re available for purchase. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/beats-powerbeats-pro-2-earbuds-are-coming-in-2025-151902492.html?src=rss

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This is last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. We don’t expect a radical redesign for the new models.Apple
It’s that time of year again – Apple is set to debut its latest lineup of the iPhone 16 models at its iPhone event next week on Monday, Sept. 9. And if you plan to upgrade your phone next week, don’t immediately rush to the Apple Store when the event ends because the new iPhones won’t be available to buy yet.
Apple is pretty consistent when it comes to releasing their new products and we don’t expect that to change this year. We’ll tell you when we expect Apple to release the iPhone 16 after its event. We’ll also let you know when you can expect to download iOS 18 – Apple’s latest software – on your current iPhone.
Want to follow along with us during Apple’s big event? Here’s how to watch the iPhone 16 announcement. (We’ll post our liveblog link closer to the event start time.)
When can I buy the new iPhone 16?
While we won’t have a set date for when the iPhone 16 will become available until the iPhone event on Monday, we can predict the date based on Apple’s past consistency. Here’s what we expect:

Monday, Sept. 9: Apple’s official event (confirmed)
Friday, Sept. 13: Preorders open
Week of Sept. 16: iOS 18 available for download
Friday, Sept. 20: New iPhones and other devices in stores

Again, aside from the confirmed announcement event, these dates are only speculation based on Apple’s previous iPhone release history. For instance, Apple generally opens preorders the Friday following the iPhone event. So if Apple follows its previous cadence, you’ll be able to preorder an iPhone 16 on Friday, Sept. 13. Likewise, if Apple keeps the same schedule as the past, that would mean the iPhone 16 will officially be available to buy on Friday, Sept. 20.
How about new Apple Watch and AirPods products expected to be announced alongside the presumed new iPhone 16 series? Generally, they also follow the same dates, but there have been some delays in the past. It’s entirely possible that one or more of these expected products could hit stores in later weeks – possibly even as late as October.
When can I download the new iOS 18?
If you’re not planning to buy the new iPhone 16, you’ll still have the option to make your older iPhone similar with the new iOS 18 update – assuming your iPhone is eligible. (Nearly all models introduced in the past six years are.)
While Apple won’t announce when it’ll release iOS 18 to the public until its event, we can again speculate based on the past. The newest software will be available the week after the event – at earliest, that would be Monday, Sept. 16, though it’s possible it won’t become available until mid-week.
We’ll update with the official dates for new hardware and software after Apple announces them on Monday.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/when-does-the-new-iphone-16-come-out-heres-everything-we-know-144939213.html?src=rss

This is last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. We don’t expect a radical redesign for the new models.

It’s that time of year again – Apple is set to debut its latest lineup of the iPhone 16 models at its iPhone event next week on Monday, Sept. 9. And if you plan to upgrade your phone next week, don’t immediately rush to the Apple Store when the event ends because the new iPhones won’t be available to buy yet.

Apple is pretty consistent when it comes to releasing their new products and we don’t expect that to change this year. We’ll tell you when we expect Apple to release the iPhone 16 after its event. We’ll also let you know when you can expect to download iOS 18 – Apple’s latest software – on your current iPhone.

Want to follow along with us during Apple’s big event? Here’s how to watch the iPhone 16 announcement. (We’ll post our liveblog link closer to the event start time.)

When can I buy the new iPhone 16?

While we won’t have a set date for when the iPhone 16 will become available until the iPhone event on Monday, we can predict the date based on Apple’s past consistency. Here’s what we expect:

Monday, Sept. 9: Apple’s official event (confirmed)

Friday, Sept. 13: Preorders open

Week of Sept. 16: iOS 18 available for download

Friday, Sept. 20: New iPhones and other devices in stores

Again, aside from the confirmed announcement event, these dates are only speculation based on Apple’s previous iPhone release history. For instance, Apple generally opens preorders the Friday following the iPhone event. So if Apple follows its previous cadence, you’ll be able to preorder an iPhone 16 on Friday, Sept. 13. Likewise, if Apple keeps the same schedule as the past, that would mean the iPhone 16 will officially be available to buy on Friday, Sept. 20.

How about new Apple Watch and AirPods products expected to be announced alongside the presumed new iPhone 16 series? Generally, they also follow the same dates, but there have been some delays in the past. It’s entirely possible that one or more of these expected products could hit stores in later weeks – possibly even as late as October.

When can I download the new iOS 18?

If you’re not planning to buy the new iPhone 16, you’ll still have the option to make your older iPhone similar with the new iOS 18 update – assuming your iPhone is eligible. (Nearly all models introduced in the past six years are.)

While Apple won’t announce when it’ll release iOS 18 to the public until its event, we can again speculate based on the past. The newest software will be available the week after the event – at earliest, that would be Monday, Sept. 16, though it’s possible it won’t become available until mid-week.

We’ll update with the official dates for new hardware and software after Apple announces them on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/when-does-the-new-iphone-16-come-out-heres-everything-we-know-144939213.html?src=rss

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It took a decade, but we finally have a teaser for the live-action A Minecraft Movie. The first look comes courtesy of a video released by Warner Bros. today that clocks in at just over one minute — but, hey, we’ll take it. The film studio has confirmed its previous target, April 4, 2025, is moving forward with a theater-only release. Yes, once upon a time, it had release dates for May 2019 and March 2022, but the existence of a teaser makes us feel a little more hopeful (gullible?) this time.
After a series of directors joined and left the project, A Minecraft Movie is led by filmmaker Jared Hess. The Nacho Libre director is joined by his former lead, Jack Black, who plays Minecraft Steve. Rounding out the cast are Jason Momoa, Emma Meyers, Danielle Brooks, Sebastian Eugene Hansen, and Jennifer Coolidge. Check out the teaser to get your first look at the world where, as Black says, “Anything you can dream about here, you can make.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/a-minecraft-movie-trailer-gives-us-our-first-look-at-jason-momoa-and-jack-black-ahead-of-its-2025-release-143741392.html?src=rss

It took a decade, but we finally have a teaser for the live-action A Minecraft Movie. The first look comes courtesy of a video released by Warner Bros. today that clocks in at just over one minute — but, hey, we’ll take it. The film studio has confirmed its previous target, April 4, 2025, is moving forward with a theater-only release. Yes, once upon a time, it had release dates for May 2019 and March 2022, but the existence of a teaser makes us feel a little more hopeful (gullible?) this time.

After a series of directors joined and left the project, A Minecraft Movie is led by filmmaker Jared Hess. The Nacho Libre director is joined by his former lead, Jack Black, who plays Minecraft Steve. Rounding out the cast are Jason Momoa, Emma Meyers, Danielle Brooks, Sebastian Eugene Hansen, and Jennifer Coolidge. Check out the teaser to get your first look at the world where, as Black says, “Anything you can dream about here, you can make.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/a-minecraft-movie-trailer-gives-us-our-first-look-at-jason-momoa-and-jack-black-ahead-of-its-2025-release-143741392.html?src=rss

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Even though Concord evidently didn’t sell anywhere close to the number of copies it needed to be sustainable, the team shooter does have some dedicated players. Sony and Firewalk Studios have stopped selling the PS5 and PC game before taking it offline this Friday, two weeks after its launch. And yet, some folks are still striving to unlock Concord’s Platinum trophy before the servers are shut down. What’s more, many of them are taking a creative approach to earning that honor, which they get after unlocking the rest of a game’s trophies.
Outside of a few slightly more difficult objectives such as killing five enemies in a row without dying, Concord’s trophies are largely based around grinding. They include eliminating a total of 50 opponents as each character (or Freegunner) and reaching level 10 with each. Earning one trophy is as simple as playing a match with a friend.
Perhaps the most time-consuming trophy to earn is a Silver that requires players to reach a reputation level of 100. After news of the game’s shutdown emerged, some players called for Firewalk to offer extra XP (or experience points) to help them earn the Platinum before Concord goes offline. One of them, GoodGameKofi, wrote on X on Tuesday that they were at level 48 and wouldn’t have enough time to hit level 100 in order to claim the last remaining trophy based on how much XP players earn per game.
However, as noted by Gene Park of The Washington Post, Concord players have found a way to speed up matches and farm XP faster. They’re yeeting themselves off the map over and over again. It seems that they’re primarily doing so in Rivalry, a mode in which players only have one life and don’t respawn.
new concord meta is how fast a squad can commit suicide. if you will, it’s kinda like a … suicide squad pic.twitter.com/CYtfQhAyeN— Gene Park (@GenePark) September 3, 2024

That said, the strategy won’t get players to level 100 in a hurry. After claiming to hurl themselves off the map constantly for an hour, X user Radec “only went from Level 44 to 45… I am NOT getting this Platinum bro.”
I’ve been doing this shit for an hour and only went from Level 44 to 45 I am NOT getting this Platinum bro 💀 pic.twitter.com/EA3wuVvFgX— Radec (@realradec) September 3, 2024

After taking down Concord, Firewalk and Sony plan to “explore options, including those that will better reach our players.” That suggests that Concord may return at some point, and if so it will probably have a free-to-play model. However, if Concord remains offline for good, the game will have one of the rarest of all Platinum trophies. According to one trophy tracker site, just 14 players have earned the Platinum so far. Those are some valuable bragging rights for those willing to do nothing but jump off the map for dozens of hours.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/concord-players-keep-jumping-off-the-map-in-a-race-to-claim-the-platinum-trophy-143258391.html?src=rss

Even though Concord evidently didn’t sell anywhere close to the number of copies it needed to be sustainable, the team shooter does have some dedicated players. Sony and Firewalk Studios have stopped selling the PS5 and PC game before taking it offline this Friday, two weeks after its launch. And yet, some folks are still striving to unlock Concord‘s Platinum trophy before the servers are shut down. What’s more, many of them are taking a creative approach to earning that honor, which they get after unlocking the rest of a game’s trophies.

Outside of a few slightly more difficult objectives such as killing five enemies in a row without dying, Concord’s trophies are largely based around grinding. They include eliminating a total of 50 opponents as each character (or Freegunner) and reaching level 10 with each. Earning one trophy is as simple as playing a match with a friend.

Perhaps the most time-consuming trophy to earn is a Silver that requires players to reach a reputation level of 100. After news of the game’s shutdown emerged, some players called for Firewalk to offer extra XP (or experience points) to help them earn the Platinum before Concord goes offline. One of them, GoodGameKofi, wrote on X on Tuesday that they were at level 48 and wouldn’t have enough time to hit level 100 in order to claim the last remaining trophy based on how much XP players earn per game.

However, as noted by Gene Park of The Washington Post, Concord players have found a way to speed up matches and farm XP faster. They’re yeeting themselves off the map over and over again. It seems that they’re primarily doing so in Rivalry, a mode in which players only have one life and don’t respawn.

That said, the strategy won’t get players to level 100 in a hurry. After claiming to hurl themselves off the map constantly for an hour, X user Radec “only went from Level 44 to 45… I am NOT getting this Platinum bro.”

After taking down Concord, Firewalk and Sony plan to “explore options, including those that will better reach our players.” That suggests that Concord may return at some point, and if so it will probably have a free-to-play model. However, if Concord remains offline for good, the game will have one of the rarest of all Platinum trophies. According to one trophy tracker site, just 14 players have earned the Platinum so far. Those are some valuable bragging rights for those willing to do nothing but jump off the map for dozens of hours.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/concord-players-keep-jumping-off-the-map-in-a-race-to-claim-the-platinum-trophy-143258391.html?src=rss

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Google TV is an easy to use operating system that provides access to all of the best streaming services in one centralized location. But even if your smart TV runs a different OS, you can get access to Google TV easily by buying a Chromecast for as little as $30. You may also not know that if you use a VPN with your Google TV set or Chromecast, you can access even more content. Here’s how to set up a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.
Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?
For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different country’s server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.
Let’s say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content is free if you live in the UK, but blocked everywhere else. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK VPN server and stream to your heart’s content.
VPNs also have considerable security benefits if you use them on your smartphone or PC. Purchasing a single subscription means you can use your VPN on any supported device, so we recommend you purchase one for its flexibility.
What VPNs are available on Google TV?
Google TV doesn’t have many apps to install compared to other smart TV systems like Amazon’s Fire TV OS. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, it’s actually a blessing in disguise.
With VPNs, you want to ensure you invest in a quality and trustworthy product. There are many untested or free VPNs available that sell your data or falsify their encryption claims. Although this might not be a huge issue for streaming purposes alone, it generally poses massive security and privacy risks.
When installing a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we recommend the following VPN services:

ProtonVPN
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
CyberGhost

We also have a guide to the best VPNs where we explain why we recommend them.
How to set up a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast
It’s easy to use a VPN on your Google TV (and perhaps even easier on a Chromecast). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install one:
Google TV

Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Google TV.
Search for the VPN you want to install (alternatively, search for the keyword “VPN” to view your options).
Install the VPN.
Log in or sign up.
Navigate the country server list and connect.

Note that you can use your VPN on as many devices as it supports. So, once you’ve purchased a subscription, it’s wise to download it on as many platforms and devices you can to maximize your investment.
Chromecast
If you have a Chromecast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN — you just need to use your smartphone or laptop in tandem with the streaming device. Here’s how to do it:

Install a VPN on your smartphone or laptop.
Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.
Turn on the VPN on your smartphone/laptop.
Connect your smartphone or laptop to your TV via Chromecast.
Begin streaming your content.

Additional tip: VPNs also work with screencasting. As long as your smart TV is under the same Wi-Fi as the device you’re screencasting from, you can use the VPN securely.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-140619599.html?src=rss

Google TV is an easy to use operating system that provides access to all of the best streaming services in one centralized location. But even if your smart TV runs a different OS, you can get access to Google TV easily by buying a Chromecast for as little as $30. You may also not know that if you use a VPN with your Google TV set or Chromecast, you can access even more content. Here’s how to set up a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.

Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?

For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different country’s server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.

Let’s say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content is free if you live in the UK, but blocked everywhere else. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK VPN server and stream to your heart’s content.

VPNs also have considerable security benefits if you use them on your smartphone or PC. Purchasing a single subscription means you can use your VPN on any supported device, so we recommend you purchase one for its flexibility.

What VPNs are available on Google TV?

Google TV doesn’t have many apps to install compared to other smart TV systems like Amazon’s Fire TV OS. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, it’s actually a blessing in disguise.

With VPNs, you want to ensure you invest in a quality and trustworthy product. There are many untested or free VPNs available that sell your data or falsify their encryption claims. Although this might not be a huge issue for streaming purposes alone, it generally poses massive security and privacy risks.

When installing a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we recommend the following VPN services:

ProtonVPN

ExpressVPN

Surfshark

CyberGhost

We also have a guide to the best VPNs where we explain why we recommend them.

How to set up a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast

It’s easy to use a VPN on your Google TV (and perhaps even easier on a Chromecast). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install one:

Google TV

Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Google TV.

Search for the VPN you want to install (alternatively, search for the keyword “VPN” to view your options).

Install the VPN.

Log in or sign up.

Navigate the country server list and connect.

Note that you can use your VPN on as many devices as it supports. So, once you’ve purchased a subscription, it’s wise to download it on as many platforms and devices you can to maximize your investment.

Chromecast

If you have a Chromecast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN — you just need to use your smartphone or laptop in tandem with the streaming device. Here’s how to do it:

Install a VPN on your smartphone or laptop.

Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.

Turn on the VPN on your smartphone/laptop.

Connect your smartphone or laptop to your TV via Chromecast.

Begin streaming your content.

Additional tip: VPNs also work with screencasting. As long as your smart TV is under the same Wi-Fi as the device you’re screencasting from, you can use the VPN securely.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-140619599.html?src=rss

Read More