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Sony has revealed the trio of games that all PlayStation Plus members can claim in November and keep in their library as long as they maintain their subscription. Arguably the most recognizable title of the bunch is Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5), an action-adventure game from former Bethesda studio Tango Gameworks.
Ghostwire: Tokyo, which debuted in early 2022, is a fairly well-reviewed first-person game that sees you battling supernatural forces in Japan’s capital using an array of abilities. A sequel had been mooted before Bethesda owner Microsoft shut down Tango earlier this year. While Tango has found a second life after PUBG: Battlegrounds publisher Krafton snapped it up, it’s unclear whether the Ghostwire: Tokyo franchise will continue into another game. 
It’s worth noting that the PC version of Ghostwire: Tokyo will be available to claim for free on the Epic Games Store starting Thursday as well. You’ll have until next Thursday morning (November 7) to snag that.
PS Plus members can also claim Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged (PS4 and PS5) at no extra cost. It’s a racing game, as you might expect. It includes a track editor, so you can create your own courses.

Last but not least is Death Note Killer Within (PS4 and PS5). This is a brand-new social deduction game for up to 10 people in which you can play as characters from the manga. It looks like a Death Note-flavored spin on games like Among Us.
You can claim all three of these titles between November 5 and December 2, so they could help keep your mind occupied while the general election results become clear. If you haven’t yet snagged October’s PS Plus Monthly Games — WWE 2K24, Dead Space and Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! — you’ve got until November 4 to do so.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/novembers-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-ghostwire-tokyo-and-hot-wheels-unleashed-2-174051803.html?src=rss

Sony has revealed the trio of games that all PlayStation Plus members can claim in November and keep in their library as long as they maintain their subscription. Arguably the most recognizable title of the bunch is Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5), an action-adventure game from former Bethesda studio Tango Gameworks.

Ghostwire: Tokyo, which debuted in early 2022, is a fairly well-reviewed first-person game that sees you battling supernatural forces in Japan’s capital using an array of abilities. A sequel had been mooted before Bethesda owner Microsoft shut down Tango earlier this year. While Tango has found a second life after PUBG: Battlegrounds publisher Krafton snapped it up, it’s unclear whether the Ghostwire: Tokyo franchise will continue into another game. 

It’s worth noting that the PC version of Ghostwire: Tokyo will be available to claim for free on the Epic Games Store starting Thursday as well. You’ll have until next Thursday morning (November 7) to snag that.

PS Plus members can also claim Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged (PS4 and PS5) at no extra cost. It’s a racing game, as you might expect. It includes a track editor, so you can create your own courses.

Last but not least is Death Note Killer Within (PS4 and PS5). This is a brand-new social deduction game for up to 10 people in which you can play as characters from the manga. It looks like a Death Note-flavored spin on games like Among Us.

You can claim all three of these titles between November 5 and December 2, so they could help keep your mind occupied while the general election results become clear. If you haven’t yet snagged October’s PS Plus Monthly Games — WWE 2K24, Dead Space and Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! — you’ve got until November 4 to do so.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/novembers-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-ghostwire-tokyo-and-hot-wheels-unleashed-2-174051803.html?src=rss

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When iOS 18.1 arrived earlier this week, Apple delivered the highly-anticipated suite of hearing health features that it announced at the iPhone event in September. This includes hearing aid and hearing protection tools, as well as a “clinically-validated” hearing test in your pocket. With the combination of an iPhone and a pair of second-gen AirPods Pro, you can take a hearing test that’s similar to what you’d get at an audiologist’s office without leaving home. Most importantly, the whole thing takes about five minutes and gives you detailed results immediately. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
Update your iPhone and AirPods Pro 2
Billy Steele for Engadget
Before you can access Apple’s hearing test, you’ll need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.1 and your AirPods Pro 2 have the latest firmware (7B19). None of the new hearing health features will show up in the AirPods settings or in the Apple Health app if you don’t have both of those updates. What’s more, you won’t be able to run the hearing test or use any of the other new tools on the first-gen AirPods Pro (2019 model).
You can check your current iOS version from the iPhone Settings menu. Scroll down to General and tap Software Update. From here, you can see which version of iOS you’re running and if you’ve got a pending update that’s ready to download and install. Once again, you’re looking for iOS 18.1 here since this is the software version that delivers the suite of hearing health features.
To check the firmware on your AirPods Pro 2, connect the earbuds to your iPhone and navigate to the Settings menu. Here, your AirPods Pro 2 should appear near the top of the list and tapping that option will take you into the settings. You can also access AirPods Pro 2 details from the Bluetooth menu by tapping the “i” icon next to the device name. 
Once you’re in the AirPods settings menu, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the main screen. One of the last things you’ll see is a bunch of firmware info, including the current version for the AirPods Pro 2. If you see 7B19, you’re good to go. If not, your earbuds haven’t updated yet, but you can try to force them to do so instead of waiting for the over-the-air process to take place on its own.
To do this, connect the AirPods Pro 2 to your iPhone for at least 30 seconds and play music to confirm the connection is stable. Then put the earbuds back in the charging case and close the lid, keeping the AirPods Pro 2 in range of the iPhone. Now check Bluetooth settings, and if you see the AirPods Pro 2 stay connected for more than 10 seconds while in the charging case with the lid closed, that should indicate the update is in progress.
Where to find Apple’s hearing test
Billy Steele for Engadget
Apple allows you access its hearing test from two places, and both of them are easy to find. The first is in the AirPods menu, which you can get to from the main Settings menu or from the Bluetooth menu. The Hearing Health section is prominently displayed on the main screen, just under the Noise Control options. In this section, “Take a Hearing Test” will be the third item after Hearing Protection and Hearing Assistance, and it will appear in blue.
In the Health app, the fastest way to get to the hearing test is to tap Browse on the menu on the bottom of main Summary screen. From there, select “Hearing” with the blue ear icon and scroll down to “Get More From Health.” Here, you’ll see the option to take the hearing test with the AirPods Pro 2.
How to take Apple’s hearing test
Billy Steele for Engadget
After you update your devices and find the hearing test, the hardest part is over. The software-based test guides you through the entire process, with detailed info on what you can expect and what the results mean for you. After you select “Take Hearing Test,” you’ll tap “Get Started” to begin the process. First, the software will ask you if you’re 18 or older, if you’re experiencing allergy or cold symptoms and if you’ve been in a loud environment (like a concert) in the last 24 hours. The second two items could impact the accuracy of your test if the answer is yes to either one.
On the next screen, the AirPods and iPhone tandem will make sure that your surroundings are quiet enough for the hearing test. Too much background noise will make it difficult for you to hear the more subtle tones during the screening. Next, the setup will make sure that the AirPods Pro 2 fit properly in your ears and that they provide an adequate seal for the test. You’ll be notified that Do No Disturb will be active during the test to prevent distractions and active noise cancellation (ANC) mode will be enabled at this point. The test will then offer some sample tones and let you know that each tone during the test will play three times.
When the test begins, you’ll simply tap the screen of your iPhone when you hear a tone (you only have to tap once for each tone). The test begins with your left ear before moving over to the right. Don’t worry if you miss one: the test will repeat any of the sounds it thinks you missed along the way. When the test is over, you’ll immediately get the results on your iPhone for each ear, including a detailed audiogram that shows which frequencies you struggle hearing (if any). Results are also viewable in the Health app at any time, and you can export a PDF to share with a doctor or for other purposes as needed.
What to do with your hearing test results
If you have little to no hearing loss, Apple’s tool will offer suggestions on how to keep your hearing healthy and inform you that no changes are needed to the tuning of your AirPods Pro 2. If you exhibit mild to moderate hearing loss, the software will ask if you want to set up Apple’s Hearing Assistance features which include hearing aid, Media Assist and Conversation Boost. Lastly, if the test determines that you have severe or profound hearing loss, Apple will recommend that you see a professional for further evaluation. 
AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid features are only designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss and the hearing test can only measure hearing loss under 85 dBHL. Here’s how the hearing loss categories break down, according to the World Health Organization:

Little to No Loss: Up to 25 dBHL
Mild Loss: 26 – 40 dBHL
Moderate Loss: 41 – 60 dBHL
Severe Loss: 61 – 80 dBHL
Profound Loss Above: 80 dBHL
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/how-to-take-apples-hearing-test-with-the-airpods-pro-2-173014978.html?src=rss

When iOS 18.1 arrived earlier this week, Apple delivered the highly-anticipated suite of hearing health features that it announced at the iPhone event in September. This includes hearing aid and hearing protection tools, as well as a “clinically-validated” hearing test in your pocket. With the combination of an iPhone and a pair of second-gen AirPods Pro, you can take a hearing test that’s similar to what you’d get at an audiologist’s office without leaving home. Most importantly, the whole thing takes about five minutes and gives you detailed results immediately. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it.

Update your iPhone and AirPods Pro 2

Before you can access Apple’s hearing test, you’ll need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.1 and your AirPods Pro 2 have the latest firmware (7B19). None of the new hearing health features will show up in the AirPods settings or in the Apple Health app if you don’t have both of those updates. What’s more, you won’t be able to run the hearing test or use any of the other new tools on the first-gen AirPods Pro (2019 model).

You can check your current iOS version from the iPhone Settings menu. Scroll down to General and tap Software Update. From here, you can see which version of iOS you’re running and if you’ve got a pending update that’s ready to download and install. Once again, you’re looking for iOS 18.1 here since this is the software version that delivers the suite of hearing health features.

To check the firmware on your AirPods Pro 2, connect the earbuds to your iPhone and navigate to the Settings menu. Here, your AirPods Pro 2 should appear near the top of the list and tapping that option will take you into the settings. You can also access AirPods Pro 2 details from the Bluetooth menu by tapping the “i” icon next to the device name. 

Once you’re in the AirPods settings menu, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the main screen. One of the last things you’ll see is a bunch of firmware info, including the current version for the AirPods Pro 2. If you see 7B19, you’re good to go. If not, your earbuds haven’t updated yet, but you can try to force them to do so instead of waiting for the over-the-air process to take place on its own.

To do this, connect the AirPods Pro 2 to your iPhone for at least 30 seconds and play music to confirm the connection is stable. Then put the earbuds back in the charging case and close the lid, keeping the AirPods Pro 2 in range of the iPhone. Now check Bluetooth settings, and if you see the AirPods Pro 2 stay connected for more than 10 seconds while in the charging case with the lid closed, that should indicate the update is in progress.

Where to find Apple’s hearing test

Apple allows you access its hearing test from two places, and both of them are easy to find. The first is in the AirPods menu, which you can get to from the main Settings menu or from the Bluetooth menu. The Hearing Health section is prominently displayed on the main screen, just under the Noise Control options. In this section, “Take a Hearing Test” will be the third item after Hearing Protection and Hearing Assistance, and it will appear in blue.

In the Health app, the fastest way to get to the hearing test is to tap Browse on the menu on the bottom of main Summary screen. From there, select “Hearing” with the blue ear icon and scroll down to “Get More From Health.” Here, you’ll see the option to take the hearing test with the AirPods Pro 2.

How to take Apple’s hearing test

After you update your devices and find the hearing test, the hardest part is over. The software-based test guides you through the entire process, with detailed info on what you can expect and what the results mean for you. After you select “Take Hearing Test,” you’ll tap “Get Started” to begin the process. First, the software will ask you if you’re 18 or older, if you’re experiencing allergy or cold symptoms and if you’ve been in a loud environment (like a concert) in the last 24 hours. The second two items could impact the accuracy of your test if the answer is yes to either one.

On the next screen, the AirPods and iPhone tandem will make sure that your surroundings are quiet enough for the hearing test. Too much background noise will make it difficult for you to hear the more subtle tones during the screening. Next, the setup will make sure that the AirPods Pro 2 fit properly in your ears and that they provide an adequate seal for the test. You’ll be notified that Do No Disturb will be active during the test to prevent distractions and active noise cancellation (ANC) mode will be enabled at this point. The test will then offer some sample tones and let you know that each tone during the test will play three times.

When the test begins, you’ll simply tap the screen of your iPhone when you hear a tone (you only have to tap once for each tone). The test begins with your left ear before moving over to the right. Don’t worry if you miss one: the test will repeat any of the sounds it thinks you missed along the way. When the test is over, you’ll immediately get the results on your iPhone for each ear, including a detailed audiogram that shows which frequencies you struggle hearing (if any). Results are also viewable in the Health app at any time, and you can export a PDF to share with a doctor or for other purposes as needed.

What to do with your hearing test results

If you have little to no hearing loss, Apple’s tool will offer suggestions on how to keep your hearing healthy and inform you that no changes are needed to the tuning of your AirPods Pro 2. If you exhibit mild to moderate hearing loss, the software will ask if you want to set up Apple’s Hearing Assistance features which include hearing aid, Media Assist and Conversation Boost. Lastly, if the test determines that you have severe or profound hearing loss, Apple will recommend that you see a professional for further evaluation. 

AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid features are only designed for users with mild to moderate hearing loss and the hearing test can only measure hearing loss under 85 dBHL. Here’s how the hearing loss categories break down, according to the World Health Organization:

Little to No Loss: Up to 25 dBHL

Mild Loss: 26 – 40 dBHL

Moderate Loss: 41 – 60 dBHL

Severe Loss: 61 – 80 dBHL

Profound Loss Above: 80 dBHL

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/how-to-take-apples-hearing-test-with-the-airpods-pro-2-173014978.html?src=rss

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A new tactical RPG game for PCs from Ubisoft requires NFTs to play it. Per IGN Ubisoft Quartz, the publisher’s NFT platform, has released Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles without much fanfare.
It’s not really billed as a Web3-based game in the trailer, probably because NFTs are as popular of an investment as Blackberry phones or fax machines. However, it still plays a major part in Champions Tactics. The game starts you with a handful of free temporary figurines to start you off but you’ll need to buy your own NFTs to compete using in-game currency or cryptocurrency that can reach into the thousands. The highest figurine called the “Swift Zealot” will set you back $63,000. 

Ubisoft launched its NFT platform Quartz a little under three years ago to a wave of backlash. The announcement video on YouTube attracted more than 35,000 dislikes in 24 hours and open criticisms from consumers and employees who felt its environmental impact was not worth the risk. The launch included a set of 15 NFTs in the form of skins and guns for Ghost Recon Breakpoint. The publisher only sold 18 NFTs in its first few weeks.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/ubisoft-stealth-released-an-nft-game-absolutely-no-one-needs-172145079.html?src=rss

A new tactical RPG game for PCs from Ubisoft requires NFTs to play it. Per IGN Ubisoft Quartz, the publisher’s NFT platform, has released Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles without much fanfare.

It’s not really billed as a Web3-based game in the trailer, probably because NFTs are as popular of an investment as Blackberry phones or fax machines. However, it still plays a major part in Champions Tactics. The game starts you with a handful of free temporary figurines to start you off but you’ll need to buy your own NFTs to compete using in-game currency or cryptocurrency that can reach into the thousands. The highest figurine called the “Swift Zealot” will set you back $63,000. 

Ubisoft launched its NFT platform Quartz a little under three years ago to a wave of backlash. The announcement video on YouTube attracted more than 35,000 dislikes in 24 hours and open criticisms from consumers and employees who felt its environmental impact was not worth the risk. The launch included a set of 15 NFTs in the form of skins and guns for Ghost Recon Breakpoint. The publisher only sold 18 NFTs in its first few weeks.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/ubisoft-stealth-released-an-nft-game-absolutely-no-one-needs-172145079.html?src=rss

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Autonomous delivery vehicle company Avride has a fresh design — and NVIDIA AI brains. The company’s engineers have swapped out the old six-wheel configuration for a more efficient four-wheel chassis. It can make 180-degree turns almost instantly, effortlessly park on inclines and move faster without compromising safety.
Avride has been working on autonomous delivery robots since 2019. It began as part of Russian tech company Yandex’s autonomous driving wing. But the spun-off company divested its Russian assets after Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and rebranded as Avride. It’s now owned by the Netherlands-based Nebius Group (formerly Yandex N.V.), headquartered in Austin, TX and making deals with the likes of Uber.
The company’s latest delivery robot shakes up one of the few constants from previous iterations: They all had six wheels. The new four-wheel robo-buggy uses a “groundbreaking chassis design” that eliminates some of the rough spots from older generations. These included additional friction and tire wear caused by excessive braking required for turns, lower maneuverability and less precise trajectory execution. Avride says the new model dramatically improves on all of those counts.
Avride
The new vehicle’s wheels are mounted on movable arms attached to a pivoting axle. For turns, each wheel glides along a circular path stabilized by the central arm. “This design allows the wheels to rotate both inward and outward, reducing friction during turns,” the company wrote in its announcement blog post.
Central to the new design is ditching the traditional front and rear axles for mechanically connected wheel pairs on each side. Avride says this enables simultaneous turning angle adjustment, leading to more precise positioning and maneuvers.
Among the results of the fresh approach are almost instant 180-degree turns. Avride says this especially helps when navigating narrow sidewalks, where sudden adjustments could be necessary. Parking on slopes is also more energy efficient: It now sets its wheels in a cross pattern to park in place without careening downward. The tighter controls also let the company increase its maximum speed. “This means faster deliveries for our customers,” the company wrote. (And, presumably, more profit.)
Avride
Not only did the new generation of delivery bots get a new body, but it also got smarter. Powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform, essentially an “AI brain for robots,” the vehicles can now tap into neural networks as powerful as those in full-size autonomous cars. This lets them process “vast amounts” of sensor data like lidar inputs and camera feeds in real time.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a delivery buggy without a cargo compartment — and that got an upgrade, too. The new model has a fully detachable storage section, allowing for modular swap-outs for different purposes. Avride says its standard cargo hold is big enough to hold several large pizzas and drinks or multiple grocery bags. It also adds a sliding lid that only provides access to the correct section, helping to avoid delivering orders to the wrong customers.
Engineering and design nerds can read much more detail about the new robots in Avride’s Medium post.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/avrides-next-gen-delivery-robot-ditches-two-wheels-and-adds-nvidia-ai-brains-171053813.html?src=rss

Autonomous delivery vehicle company Avride has a fresh design — and NVIDIA AI brains. The company’s engineers have swapped out the old six-wheel configuration for a more efficient four-wheel chassis. It can make 180-degree turns almost instantly, effortlessly park on inclines and move faster without compromising safety.

Avride has been working on autonomous delivery robots since 2019. It began as part of Russian tech company Yandex’s autonomous driving wing. But the spun-off company divested its Russian assets after Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and rebranded as Avride. It’s now owned by the Netherlands-based Nebius Group (formerly Yandex N.V.), headquartered in Austin, TX and making deals with the likes of Uber.

The company’s latest delivery robot shakes up one of the few constants from previous iterations: They all had six wheels. The new four-wheel robo-buggy uses a “groundbreaking chassis design” that eliminates some of the rough spots from older generations. These included additional friction and tire wear caused by excessive braking required for turns, lower maneuverability and less precise trajectory execution. Avride says the new model dramatically improves on all of those counts.

The new vehicle’s wheels are mounted on movable arms attached to a pivoting axle. For turns, each wheel glides along a circular path stabilized by the central arm. “This design allows the wheels to rotate both inward and outward, reducing friction during turns,” the company wrote in its announcement blog post.

Central to the new design is ditching the traditional front and rear axles for mechanically connected wheel pairs on each side. Avride says this enables simultaneous turning angle adjustment, leading to more precise positioning and maneuvers.

Among the results of the fresh approach are almost instant 180-degree turns. Avride says this especially helps when navigating narrow sidewalks, where sudden adjustments could be necessary. Parking on slopes is also more energy efficient: It now sets its wheels in a cross pattern to park in place without careening downward. The tighter controls also let the company increase its maximum speed. “This means faster deliveries for our customers,” the company wrote. (And, presumably, more profit.)

Not only did the new generation of delivery bots get a new body, but it also got smarter. Powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin platform, essentially an “AI brain for robots,” the vehicles can now tap into neural networks as powerful as those in full-size autonomous cars. This lets them process “vast amounts” of sensor data like lidar inputs and camera feeds in real time.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a delivery buggy without a cargo compartment — and that got an upgrade, too. The new model has a fully detachable storage section, allowing for modular swap-outs for different purposes. Avride says its standard cargo hold is big enough to hold several large pizzas and drinks or multiple grocery bags. It also adds a sliding lid that only provides access to the correct section, helping to avoid delivering orders to the wrong customers.

Engineering and design nerds can read much more detail about the new robots in Avride’s Medium post.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/avrides-next-gen-delivery-robot-ditches-two-wheels-and-adds-nvidia-ai-brains-171053813.html?src=rss

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Panic is holding another showcase for its Playdate portable console on October 31, and you can watch it via the company’s YouTube page. We’ve dropped a stream below for your convenience. The developer promises a focus on upcoming games for the diminutive yellow console, in addition to updates of released titles and “a couple more surprises.”
The livestream starts at 1PM ET. Previous showcase events have lasted around 40 minutes, giving the company plenty of time to detail a whole slew of new crank-powered gems. The stream also heralds the beginning of the second-ever Playdate Catalog Sale, which will run from October 31 until November 14.
Panic says that over 160 games will be on sale, including popular titles like Root Bear, P-Racing, Echo: The Oracle Scroll and Zero Zero: Perfect Stop. Some of these games will be available at their lowest prices ever. The previous sale was an absolute boon for those looking to winnow down their wish lists.
Panic
For the uninitiated, the Playdate is a retro-styled portable console that looks sort of like an OG Gameboy. It’s bright yellow and features a hand-controlled crank that’s used as a primary control input in many games. We love the thing and have called it an “inspiration machine” and “the future of game development.” There are hundreds of indie games available for the console, and many of them are quite good.

The only bad news? The Playdate console itself is currently on back order. Shipments for new orders won’t start going out until December, at the soonest.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/how-to-watch-the-latest-playdate-showcase-170055652.html?src=rss

Panic is holding another showcase for its Playdate portable console on October 31, and you can watch it via the company’s YouTube page. We’ve dropped a stream below for your convenience. The developer promises a focus on upcoming games for the diminutive yellow console, in addition to updates of released titles and “a couple more surprises.”

The livestream starts at 1PM ET. Previous showcase events have lasted around 40 minutes, giving the company plenty of time to detail a whole slew of new crank-powered gems. The stream also heralds the beginning of the second-ever Playdate Catalog Sale, which will run from October 31 until November 14.

Panic says that over 160 games will be on sale, including popular titles like Root Bear, P-Racing, Echo: The Oracle Scroll and Zero Zero: Perfect Stop. Some of these games will be available at their lowest prices ever. The previous sale was an absolute boon for those looking to winnow down their wish lists.

For the uninitiated, the Playdate is a retro-styled portable console that looks sort of like an OG Gameboy. It’s bright yellow and features a hand-controlled crank that’s used as a primary control input in many games. We love the thing and have called it an “inspiration machine” and “the future of game development.” There are hundreds of indie games available for the console, and many of them are quite good.

The only bad news? The Playdate console itself is currently on back order. Shipments for new orders won’t start going out until December, at the soonest.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/how-to-watch-the-latest-playdate-showcase-170055652.html?src=rss

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In a new video caught by TechCrunch, Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas can be seen working autonomously in a demo space, sorting engine parts between numbered bins. The company claims that Atlas doesn’t need to be controlled by humans to do work.
According to the video description, Atlas uses machine learning to detect environmental changes and work around them. It also has a “specialized grasping policy” to help it maintain a firm hold on objects, continuously estimating the state of what it’s holding. After receiving some bin locations to move parts between, Atlas will get to work without prescribed movements, opting to perform tasks independently.
In contrast, Tesla’s Optimus robots were said to receive human remote assistance despite autonomy claims. The Optimus robots were at a live event and, when asked, answered that they were being assisted.
The video shows Atlas sorting and moving the engine parts to designated locations. It does well, transporting them without much awkwardness. After placing one part into a bin, the robot will repeat the process for other parts.
Atlas has undergone plenty of changes since its 2013 reveal, including swapping from hydraulics to electric after almost 11 years of testing. The older Atlas and the current one are markedly different from each other. Take a look at the video below to see for yourself.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-can-now-pick-car-parts-on-its-own-170052539.html?src=rss

In a new video caught by TechCrunch, Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas can be seen working autonomously in a demo space, sorting engine parts between numbered bins. The company claims that Atlas doesn’t need to be controlled by humans to do work.

According to the video description, Atlas uses machine learning to detect environmental changes and work around them. It also has a “specialized grasping policy” to help it maintain a firm hold on objects, continuously estimating the state of what it’s holding. After receiving some bin locations to move parts between, Atlas will get to work without prescribed movements, opting to perform tasks independently.

In contrast, Tesla’s Optimus robots were said to receive human remote assistance despite autonomy claims. The Optimus robots were at a live event and, when asked, answered that they were being assisted.

The video shows Atlas sorting and moving the engine parts to designated locations. It does well, transporting them without much awkwardness. After placing one part into a bin, the robot will repeat the process for other parts.

Atlas has undergone plenty of changes since its 2013 reveal, including swapping from hydraulics to electric after almost 11 years of testing. The older Atlas and the current one are markedly different from each other. Take a look at the video below to see for yourself.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/boston-dynamics-atlas-robot-can-now-pick-car-parts-on-its-own-170052539.html?src=rss

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Cyberpunk 2077 is finally coming to Mac computers. The first-person open world adventure was first released back in 2020, so Apple fans have been waiting nearly half a decade for this release. Developer CD Projekt RED hasn’t issued a launch date yet, but says the game will be available “early next year.”
This isn’t the base game. Mac owners are getting Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which features all pre-existing DLC and patches. This includes the massive Phantom Liberty expansion, which brings Idris Elba into the mix. The expansion was first released last year for consoles and PC.

The developer says this port takes “full advantage of Apple Silicon and the advanced technologies of Metal.” It’ll boast all kinds of modern bells and whistles, like path tracing, frame generation and built-in spatial audio.
As indicated, this port is only for Apple Silicon Macs, but CD Projekt RED hasn’t announced if there would be any barriers beyond that. We reached out to the developer to ask if the game will run on every chip, from the M1 to the recently-announced M4 Max. We’ll update this post when we hear something.
There’s also a cool policy in place for pre-existing players. If you own the game on PC via Steam, the purchase will carry over to Mac. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/cyberpunk-2077-ultimate-edition-will-be-available-for-macs-early-next-year-164520024.html?src=rss

Cyberpunk 2077 is finally coming to Mac computers. The first-person open world adventure was first released back in 2020, so Apple fans have been waiting nearly half a decade for this release. Developer CD Projekt RED hasn’t issued a launch date yet, but says the game will be available “early next year.”

This isn’t the base game. Mac owners are getting Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which features all pre-existing DLC and patches. This includes the massive Phantom Liberty expansion, which brings Idris Elba into the mix. The expansion was first released last year for consoles and PC.

The developer says this port takes “full advantage of Apple Silicon and the advanced technologies of Metal.” It’ll boast all kinds of modern bells and whistles, like path tracing, frame generation and built-in spatial audio.

As indicated, this port is only for Apple Silicon Macs, but CD Projekt RED hasn’t announced if there would be any barriers beyond that. We reached out to the developer to ask if the game will run on every chip, from the M1 to the recently-announced M4 Max. We’ll update this post when we hear something.

There’s also a cool policy in place for pre-existing players. If you own the game on PC via Steam, the purchase will carry over to Mac. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/cyberpunk-2077-ultimate-edition-will-be-available-for-macs-early-next-year-164520024.html?src=rss

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As someone allergic to a big sect of food (hey gluten free eaters!), I know how important accurate allergy markers are on a menu. Yet, a new criminal complaint alleges that a former Disney World employee intentionally altered a menu’s allergy information to state foods didn’t contain peanuts that, in fact, did, 404 Media and Court Watch reported in collaboration. 
The complaint alleges that Michael Scheuer was fired by Disney and then used still viable passwords to access a third-party created proprietary menu creation and inventory system. Over the course of his misdoings, he allegedly changed the allergy information along with adding profanity, altering prices and changing the font to Wingdings. Those wingdings were what initially tipped off employees. All menus in the database were deemed unusable and the application went offline for one to two weeks to fix the issues.
Disney changed the passwords, but then Scheuer allegedly broke into multiple of the third-party company’s FTPs, to change the allergy markers and altered QR codes from directing to a menu to a boycott Israel website. He also tried to break into Disney employees’ accounts nearly 8,000 times. Disney claims that the altered menus were identified before being shipped out to restaurants. 
This case is unrelated to a doctor who died of an allergic reaction after eating at a Disney Springs restaurant last year. Notably, Disney tried to get a lawsuit filed by the doctor’s husband thrown out in August, alleging that he had agreed to settle lawsuits out of court through arbitration. The reason? He had signed a terms of service for a one-month Disney+ trial in 2019 and again when making an account to buy park tickets. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-fired-disney-employee-allegedly-altered-menus-to-change-allergy-markers-161549481.html?src=rss

As someone allergic to a big sect of food (hey gluten free eaters!), I know how important accurate allergy markers are on a menu. Yet, a new criminal complaint alleges that a former Disney World employee intentionally altered a menu’s allergy information to state foods didn’t contain peanuts that, in fact, did, 404 Media and Court Watch reported in collaboration. 

The complaint alleges that Michael Scheuer was fired by Disney and then used still viable passwords to access a third-party created proprietary menu creation and inventory system. Over the course of his misdoings, he allegedly changed the allergy information along with adding profanity, altering prices and changing the font to Wingdings. Those wingdings were what initially tipped off employees. All menus in the database were deemed unusable and the application went offline for one to two weeks to fix the issues.

Disney changed the passwords, but then Scheuer allegedly broke into multiple of the third-party company’s FTPs, to change the allergy markers and altered QR codes from directing to a menu to a boycott Israel website. He also tried to break into Disney employees’ accounts nearly 8,000 times. Disney claims that the altered menus were identified before being shipped out to restaurants. 

This case is unrelated to a doctor who died of an allergic reaction after eating at a Disney Springs restaurant last year. Notably, Disney tried to get a lawsuit filed by the doctor’s husband thrown out in August, alleging that he had agreed to settle lawsuits out of court through arbitration. The reason? He had signed a terms of service for a one-month Disney+ trial in 2019 and again when making an account to buy park tickets. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-fired-disney-employee-allegedly-altered-menus-to-change-allergy-markers-161549481.html?src=rss

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The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is Nothing’s latest smartphone, using designs submitted by the community — and it glows in the dark. Depending on your location, you can register for a chance to buy the device starting today, but that doesn’t guarantee a purchase. Only 1,000 of them will be available, and they won’t be sold in North America, Taiwan and Korea.
Nothing first called for the community to design a product back in March. The contest had four stages: creating a new look, crafting wallpapers, designing a new package and then developing a marketing campaign. People would then submit their ideas and the winners chosen later. These entries later went into the final design as seen now. Those who participated in the community event are given priority to register for a Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, but it will still be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. You can find out how to get one in this post.
Interestingly, those in Malaysia (like me), Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines don’t have to register to potentially purchase one. They can buy one through Nothing’s official partners, although they have to be fast as there are only 25 devices per country. Fans of Nothing’s phones in Japan can also register for the phone, but the ones they’ll get are based on the older Nothing Phone (2a).
Besides buying the phone online, fans in London and Delhi can visit a physical store for one. The Nothing Store in Soho will stock 50 of them starting November 16. However, those in Delhi have to stay tuned for the location, and the phone will become available on November 23.
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition will launch on November 12 and sell for £399, around $430. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothings-first-community-designed-smartphone-glows-in-the-dark-152002042.html?src=rss

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is Nothing’s latest smartphone, using designs submitted by the community — and it glows in the dark. Depending on your location, you can register for a chance to buy the device starting today, but that doesn’t guarantee a purchase. Only 1,000 of them will be available, and they won’t be sold in North America, Taiwan and Korea.

Nothing first called for the community to design a product back in March. The contest had four stages: creating a new look, crafting wallpapers, designing a new package and then developing a marketing campaign. People would then submit their ideas and the winners chosen later. These entries later went into the final design as seen now. Those who participated in the community event are given priority to register for a Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, but it will still be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. You can find out how to get one in this post.

Interestingly, those in Malaysia (like me), Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines don’t have to register to potentially purchase one. They can buy one through Nothing’s official partners, although they have to be fast as there are only 25 devices per country. Fans of Nothing’s phones in Japan can also register for the phone, but the ones they’ll get are based on the older Nothing Phone (2a).

Besides buying the phone online, fans in London and Delhi can visit a physical store for one. The Nothing Store in Soho will stock 50 of them starting November 16. However, those in Delhi have to stay tuned for the location, and the phone will become available on November 23.

The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition will launch on November 12 and sell for £399, around $430. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/nothings-first-community-designed-smartphone-glows-in-the-dark-152002042.html?src=rss

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For the second time in less than two years, Dropbox is laying off a substantial portion of its workforce. In a blog post penned by CEO Drew Houston, the company said it would cut its global headcount by 20 percent or 528 employees. 
Dropbox will provide impacted workers with up to 16 weeks of pay, with tenured employees eligible for one additional week of pay for each complete year they worked at the company. All impacted employees will also receive their year end equity vest, and the company will provide dedicated support to immigrant workers with one-on-one consultation and extra transition time.
Per a filing with the SEC, Dropbox anticipates this latest round of layoffs will cost it up to $68 million in cash expenditures. At the same time, the company expects it will recognize between $47 million and $52 million in incremental expenses related to all the severance and benefit payouts it now needs to make before the end of year and into the first half of 2025.
“As CEO, I take full responsibility for this decision and the circumstances that led to it, and I’m truly sorry to those impacted by this change,” Houston wrote. “We continue to see softening demand and macro headwinds in our core business. But external factors are only part of the story. We’ve heard from many of you that our organizational structure has become overly complex, with excess layers of management slowing us down.”
Partway through last year, Dropbox laid off 500 employees, or about 16 percent of its workforce at the time. Comparing the memo Houston shared then with the one he posted today, there’s a common theme: slowing growth.
“First, while our business is profitable, our growth has been slowing. Part of this is due to the natural maturation of our existing businesses, but more recently, headwinds from the economic downturn have put pressure on our customers and, in turn, on our business,” Houston wrote in 2023. “As a result, some investments that used to deliver positive returns are no longer sustainable.”
Unfortunately for Dropbox, things haven’t improved on that front. As TechCrunch notes, the company only added 63,000 users during its most recent fiscal quarter (PDF link). Year-over-year revenue growth also stalled at 1.8 percent, the lowest in the company’s history. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/dropbox-is-laying-off-20-percent-of-its-workforce-151023877.html?src=rss

For the second time in less than two years, Dropbox is laying off a substantial portion of its workforce. In a blog post penned by CEO Drew Houston, the company said it would cut its global headcount by 20 percent or 528 employees. 

Dropbox will provide impacted workers with up to 16 weeks of pay, with tenured employees eligible for one additional week of pay for each complete year they worked at the company. All impacted employees will also receive their year end equity vest, and the company will provide dedicated support to immigrant workers with one-on-one consultation and extra transition time.

Per a filing with the SEC, Dropbox anticipates this latest round of layoffs will cost it up to $68 million in cash expenditures. At the same time, the company expects it will recognize between $47 million and $52 million in incremental expenses related to all the severance and benefit payouts it now needs to make before the end of year and into the first half of 2025.

“As CEO, I take full responsibility for this decision and the circumstances that led to it, and I’m truly sorry to those impacted by this change,” Houston wrote. “We continue to see softening demand and macro headwinds in our core business. But external factors are only part of the story. We’ve heard from many of you that our organizational structure has become overly complex, with excess layers of management slowing us down.”

Partway through last year, Dropbox laid off 500 employees, or about 16 percent of its workforce at the time. Comparing the memo Houston shared then with the one he posted today, there’s a common theme: slowing growth.

“First, while our business is profitable, our growth has been slowing. Part of this is due to the natural maturation of our existing businesses, but more recently, headwinds from the economic downturn have put pressure on our customers and, in turn, on our business,” Houston wrote in 2023. “As a result, some investments that used to deliver positive returns are no longer sustainable.”

Unfortunately for Dropbox, things haven’t improved on that front. As TechCrunch notes, the company only added 63,000 users during its most recent fiscal quarter (PDF link). Year-over-year revenue growth also stalled at 1.8 percent, the lowest in the company’s history. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/dropbox-is-laying-off-20-percent-of-its-workforce-151023877.html?src=rss

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