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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 first appeared with an intriguing trailer as part of Microsoft’s summer showcase, teasing a dream world where squads of adventurers fight in a bid to defeat “The Paintress” who is gradually shaving years off the maximum life that people could live.
It’s a very JRPG-sounding premise. It’s the first title from new French studio Sandfall Interactive, set in a bleak, ethereal world inspired by Belle Époque-era France (spot the twisted Eiffel Tower), adding slightly more reason to battle this powerful, mysterious Paintress. You’ll play a team of Expeditioners, exploring fantastical landscapes and fighting monsters to defeat the Paintress. It sounds vague because well, I don’t quite understand what the hell is going on. I went back to the trailer – perhaps that will help clarify things.

Clear as mud. But that’s fine, this is a fantasy RPG — I didn’t expect to understand the story from the outset. I recently watched some hands-off gameplay with Guillaume Broche, Creative Director for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the game’s producer, François Meurisse.
We toured a handful of levels and locations, also introducing a handful of the party characters. You’ll start the game with Gustave. Each party member has their own unique battle mechanic, which charges up during battles. You can increase the charge speed with judicious guarding, dodging and parrying. With Gustave’s robotic arm, for example, he can build up a shock attack that he can unleash early for extra damage, or charge up further for an extra aggressive strike.
Maelle, Gustave’s adoptive sister who goes missing early in the game, has a stance technique that can augment her battle stats after an attack from her fencing saber. The game is turn-based, with enemies and allies able to attack (or recover) in a predetermined order. This is augmented with some action RPG touches and QTEs (quick-time events) where you’ll need to defend with precision timing. Get enough parries in a row, and characters will damage the enemy heavily. I got to see a boss monster strike my entire party — fortunately, you only have to nail the dodge once for the entire team to block or parry. The fights themselves are reminiscent of Persona 5, with dramatic camera-angle shifts, inky, paint-themed special effects and a focus on the beautiful character (and monster) design. Special attacks and spells use ability points, which are also replenished from successful guarding and QTE timing. In short, you will still have to pay attention during battles. Sorry.
Alongside Maelle and Gustave, the party in the demo was rounded out by Lune, apparently the team’s mage. You’ll come across the rest of your expeditionary party during the adventure, in typical JRPG style. Broche told me at the outset that Expedition 33 was a tribute to the classic RPGs of the ‘90s, even if it looks nothing like them. Outside of pixelated Switch adventures, turn-based RPGs have long fallen out of favor, replaced by action RPGs, even for remade titles. This is Sandfall Interactive’s attempt to reinvigorate the turn-based RPG for 2024.
Each character has a dedicated weapon type that can be gradually enhanced and strengthened, adding new abilities as the character grows. I caught a glimpse of a complicated skill tree that players will get to chip away at. Elemental attacks will depend on the weapon your character is wielding, likely meaning some careful party creation (or customization) will be needed later in the game.
Beyond elemental weaknesses, some enemies will also have shielding that will protect them from your attacks. As you progress, some will have visible weaknesses that players will have to shoot at – usually with visual tells, like the weak spots on early anchor enemies. This free-aim system is also used in the environments. I saw a few ‘shooting’ puzzles used to unlock treasure and other rewards. Expedition 33 will be separated into different thematic areas, each offering alternative routes (some may offer extra treasure or tougher enemies) and visual landmarks that will offer more insight into the world and lore. The developers said that much of the story will have to be unearthed by players themselves, hunting down collectible notes from the husks of failed expeditions of the past.
Sandfall Interactive
The early environments I saw of Expedition 33 were gorgeous. One of the initial areas is built as if you’re walking along the bottom of the ocean, laced with plankton, coral and curtains of seaweed. In fact, the beautiful world is only outdone by the character models. The team seems to have put a lot of effort into making its heroes emote and react in a way you wouldn’t have seen in RPGs of old.
I’m wary of how much of an RPG epic the Sandfall Interactive team will be able to make, given its size. While I didn’t get to play Expedition 33 at this point, I wonder how much exploration will be possible in the finished game and whether it will reward players’ curiosity beyond plot lore and mournful letters from dead expeditions.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/clair-obscur-expedition-33-is-a-turn-based-rpg-with-beautiful-artistic-flair-130050721.html?src=rss

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 first appeared with an intriguing trailer as part of Microsoft’s summer showcase, teasing a dream world where squads of adventurers fight in a bid to defeat “The Paintress” who is gradually shaving years off the maximum life that people could live.

It’s a very JRPG-sounding premise. It’s the first title from new French studio Sandfall Interactive, set in a bleak, ethereal world inspired by Belle Époque-era France (spot the twisted Eiffel Tower), adding slightly more reason to battle this powerful, mysterious Paintress. You’ll play a team of Expeditioners, exploring fantastical landscapes and fighting monsters to defeat the Paintress. It sounds vague because well, I don’t quite understand what the hell is going on. I went back to the trailer – perhaps that will help clarify things.

Clear as mud. But that’s fine, this is a fantasy RPG — I didn’t expect to understand the story from the outset. I recently watched some hands-off gameplay with Guillaume Broche, Creative Director for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the game’s producer, François Meurisse.

We toured a handful of levels and locations, also introducing a handful of the party characters. You’ll start the game with Gustave. Each party member has their own unique battle mechanic, which charges up during battles. You can increase the charge speed with judicious guarding, dodging and parrying. With Gustave’s robotic arm, for example, he can build up a shock attack that he can unleash early for extra damage, or charge up further for an extra aggressive strike.

Maelle, Gustave’s adoptive sister who goes missing early in the game, has a stance technique that can augment her battle stats after an attack from her fencing saber. The game is turn-based, with enemies and allies able to attack (or recover) in a predetermined order. This is augmented with some action RPG touches and QTEs (quick-time events) where you’ll need to defend with precision timing. Get enough parries in a row, and characters will damage the enemy heavily. I got to see a boss monster strike my entire party — fortunately, you only have to nail the dodge once for the entire team to block or parry. The fights themselves are reminiscent of Persona 5, with dramatic camera-angle shifts, inky, paint-themed special effects and a focus on the beautiful character (and monster) design. Special attacks and spells use ability points, which are also replenished from successful guarding and QTE timing. In short, you will still have to pay attention during battles. Sorry.

Alongside Maelle and Gustave, the party in the demo was rounded out by Lune, apparently the team’s mage. You’ll come across the rest of your expeditionary party during the adventure, in typical JRPG style. Broche told me at the outset that Expedition 33 was a tribute to the classic RPGs of the ‘90s, even if it looks nothing like them. Outside of pixelated Switch adventures, turn-based RPGs have long fallen out of favor, replaced by action RPGs, even for remade titles. This is Sandfall Interactive’s attempt to reinvigorate the turn-based RPG for 2024.

Each character has a dedicated weapon type that can be gradually enhanced and strengthened, adding new abilities as the character grows. I caught a glimpse of a complicated skill tree that players will get to chip away at. Elemental attacks will depend on the weapon your character is wielding, likely meaning some careful party creation (or customization) will be needed later in the game.

Beyond elemental weaknesses, some enemies will also have shielding that will protect them from your attacks. As you progress, some will have visible weaknesses that players will have to shoot at – usually with visual tells, like the weak spots on early anchor enemies. This free-aim system is also used in the environments. I saw a few ‘shooting’ puzzles used to unlock treasure and other rewards. Expedition 33 will be separated into different thematic areas, each offering alternative routes (some may offer extra treasure or tougher enemies) and visual landmarks that will offer more insight into the world and lore. The developers said that much of the story will have to be unearthed by players themselves, hunting down collectible notes from the husks of failed expeditions of the past.

The early environments I saw of Expedition 33 were gorgeous. One of the initial areas is built as if you’re walking along the bottom of the ocean, laced with plankton, coral and curtains of seaweed. In fact, the beautiful world is only outdone by the character models. The team seems to have put a lot of effort into making its heroes emote and react in a way you wouldn’t have seen in RPGs of old.

I’m wary of how much of an RPG epic the Sandfall Interactive team will be able to make, given its size. While I didn’t get to play Expedition 33 at this point, I wonder how much exploration will be possible in the finished game and whether it will reward players’ curiosity beyond plot lore and mournful letters from dead expeditions.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/clair-obscur-expedition-33-is-a-turn-based-rpg-with-beautiful-artistic-flair-130050721.html?src=rss

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There’s a good chance your iPhone (or other smartphone) is your primary access point to most of your online activities. Everything from checking email to streaming your favorite shows to shopping online happens on our mobile devices, but that flexibility can come at the expense of privacy and overall security. (Yes, your ISP and mobile carrier can see all the sites you’re visiting by default.) Using a VPN on your iPhone can give some of the privacy back, while also letting you do things like stream foreign Netflix shows more easily. Here’s everything you need to know about using a VPN on your iPhone.
Choosing the right VPN
What VPN you use — or don’t use — makes all the difference. For instance, while Apple offers a VPN-like service in the form of iCloud Private Relay, it’s not really a full-service virtual private network. And with a small handful of notable exceptions, it’s imperative not to avoid most free VPNs, as they’re notorious for collecting your personal data and selling it to advertising networks — the very antithesis of what VPNs stand for. So while you’ll have to shell out some money for a good service, many of the top providers offer a free trial period to start.
I suggest you check out our article on the best VPNs, where we recommend a few options and explain what makes each service attractive. Each one supports iOS, and you can find them easily on the App Store. Do your own research and choose one you feel fits your needs and budget.
John P. Falcone/Engadget
Installing a VPN
Once you’ve decided which VPN to install, head to the App Store on your iPhone and search for it. Go through the download and installation process as you would with any other app.
If you haven’t already purchased a VPN subscription, you can once you install the app. Unlike purchasing on the VPN’s website, buying an in-app subscription is extremely easy and only requires verifying the purchase with your Face ID or logging into your Apple ID.
Again, many of the best VPNs also provide limited free bandwidth, so you can test its servers and functionality before investing in a subscription. Typically, they’ll give anywhere from 1GB to 10GB of monthly data, which isn’t a lot at all.
Using a VPN on your iPhone
Now that you have the VPN installed on your iPhone and purchased the subscription, you’re ready to start using it. Although each app has a different layout, the basic functionality of every iPhone VPN is the same.
There’ll be a list of all the available servers where you can choose the country (or city) you want to connect to. Then, all you need to do is press the big “Connect” button. It’s pretty simple to use an iPhone VPN.
If you’re tech-savvy, you can tweak a few other settings, such as enabling a kill switch, choosing which protocol to use and turning on auto-connect.
While installing the app of your chosen VPN provider should integrate it into your iPhone’s networking options, there’s an alternate configuration route — one that you may need to use if you’re installing a corporate or school VPN. Enter the Settings app on your iPhone, go to VPN & Device Management section under General, and click “Add VPN Configuration.” You’ll need details like the server address and remote ID, as well as your username and password, of course.
Making sure your iPhone VPN works

This screenshot was not taken from London.whatismyipaddress.com
Once you turn the VPN on, you should see a square VPN sign where all the network icons are in the top right of your iPhone screen. This means that you’re connected to your VPN. However, there are a few things you can do to double-check.
To start, you could check your IP address at a site like whatismyipaddress.com — first with the VPN off, then with it on. If the number (and the location on the map) doesn’t change, that means your VPN is not properly engaged. 
Another method is to set your VPN for another country and open your streaming platform of choice. If you notice that the content library differs from what you usually see, your VPN is correctly place-shifting your location. For instance, you’ll no longer find Friends on US Netflix, but (as of the time of this writing) it’s available for streaming when you set your location to the UK.
TL;DR
Installing a VPN on your iPhone is extremely simple. If you already have a VPN subscription, installing it on your phone gives you an additional level of privacy and geographic flexibility. For those new to VPNs, read our best VPNs article, purchase a subscription, install it and you’re ready to start using a VPN on your iPhone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-iphone-124543616.html?src=rss

There’s a good chance your iPhone (or other smartphone) is your primary access point to most of your online activities. Everything from checking email to streaming your favorite shows to shopping online happens on our mobile devices, but that flexibility can come at the expense of privacy and overall security. (Yes, your ISP and mobile carrier can see all the sites you’re visiting by default.) Using a VPN on your iPhone can give some of the privacy back, while also letting you do things like stream foreign Netflix shows more easily. Here’s everything you need to know about using a VPN on your iPhone.

Choosing the right VPN

What VPN you use — or don’t use — makes all the difference. For instance, while Apple offers a VPN-like service in the form of iCloud Private Relay, it’s not really a full-service virtual private network. And with a small handful of notable exceptions, it’s imperative not to avoid most free VPNs, as they’re notorious for collecting your personal data and selling it to advertising networks — the very antithesis of what VPNs stand for. So while you’ll have to shell out some money for a good service, many of the top providers offer a free trial period to start.

I suggest you check out our article on the best VPNs, where we recommend a few options and explain what makes each service attractive. Each one supports iOS, and you can find them easily on the App Store. Do your own research and choose one you feel fits your needs and budget.

Installing a VPN

Once you’ve decided which VPN to install, head to the App Store on your iPhone and search for it. Go through the download and installation process as you would with any other app.

If you haven’t already purchased a VPN subscription, you can once you install the app. Unlike purchasing on the VPN’s website, buying an in-app subscription is extremely easy and only requires verifying the purchase with your Face ID or logging into your Apple ID.

Again, many of the best VPNs also provide limited free bandwidth, so you can test its servers and functionality before investing in a subscription. Typically, they’ll give anywhere from 1GB to 10GB of monthly data, which isn’t a lot at all.

Using a VPN on your iPhone

Now that you have the VPN installed on your iPhone and purchased the subscription, you’re ready to start using it. Although each app has a different layout, the basic functionality of every iPhone VPN is the same.

There’ll be a list of all the available servers where you can choose the country (or city) you want to connect to. Then, all you need to do is press the big “Connect” button. It’s pretty simple to use an iPhone VPN.

If you’re tech-savvy, you can tweak a few other settings, such as enabling a kill switch, choosing which protocol to use and turning on auto-connect.

While installing the app of your chosen VPN provider should integrate it into your iPhone’s networking options, there’s an alternate configuration route — one that you may need to use if you’re installing a corporate or school VPN. Enter the Settings app on your iPhone, go to VPN & Device Management section under General, and click “Add VPN Configuration.” You’ll need details like the server address and remote ID, as well as your username and password, of course.

Making sure your iPhone VPN works

This screenshot was not taken from London.

Once you turn the VPN on, you should see a square VPN sign where all the network icons are in the top right of your iPhone screen. This means that you’re connected to your VPN. However, there are a few things you can do to double-check.

To start, you could check your IP address at a site like whatismyipaddress.com — first with the VPN off, then with it on. If the number (and the location on the map) doesn’t change, that means your VPN is not properly engaged. 

Another method is to set your VPN for another country and open your streaming platform of choice. If you notice that the content library differs from what you usually see, your VPN is correctly place-shifting your location. For instance, you’ll no longer find Friends on US Netflix, but (as of the time of this writing) it’s available for streaming when you set your location to the UK.

TL;DR

Installing a VPN on your iPhone is extremely simple. If you already have a VPN subscription, installing it on your phone gives you an additional level of privacy and geographic flexibility. For those new to VPNs, read our best VPNs article, purchase a subscription, install it and you’re ready to start using a VPN on your iPhone.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-your-iphone-124543616.html?src=rss

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Samsung’s first 5K monitor is now on sale at Amazon for almost half off its original price. The company announced the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor at CES 2023 and released it first in South Korea before bringing it to the United States with a list price of $1,599 in July last year. Now, you can get the 27-inch monitor for only $830, 48 percent less than its list price and the lowest we’ve seen the device go for on the e-commerce website. To note, ViewFinity S9 is comparable to the 27-inch Apple Studio Display, which is also a 5K monitor that will set you back at least $1,599. 

The ViewFinity S9 has a 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, 218 pixels per inch, 99 percent DCI-P3 that delivers color saturation and a 60Hz refresh rate. It was designed with creatives in mind and has a matte display to reduce light reflections. The monitor also comes with an Intelligent Eye Care mode that automatically optimizes brightness, reduces blue light and eliminates screen flickering in order to reduce eye strain. 
You can connect it to both Windows and Mac devices, thanks to its DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, so you can use it as a monitor for various PCs. If you stream or attend video calls frequently, you can use its built-in SlimFit 4K camera that’s also compatible with both Macs and Windows computers. 
The monitor is Apple AirPlay-compatible and will be able to mirror or extend your screen, which you help you boost your productivity. If you’re looking at lengthy documents and a vertical screen would be ideal, you can pivot the monitor 90 degrees to keep reading without scrolling as much. In addition, you can just as easily use it for entertainment, because it comes embedded with several smart TV apps, as well as Samsung’s Gaming Hub. 
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsungs-27-inch-5k-viewfinity-s9-monitor-is-48-percent-off-at-amazon-for-labor-day-123013009.html?src=rss

Samsung’s first 5K monitor is now on sale at Amazon for almost half off its original price. The company announced the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor at CES 2023 and released it first in South Korea before bringing it to the United States with a list price of $1,599 in July last year. Now, you can get the 27-inch monitor for only $830, 48 percent less than its list price and the lowest we’ve seen the device go for on the e-commerce website. To note, ViewFinity S9 is comparable to the 27-inch Apple Studio Display, which is also a 5K monitor that will set you back at least $1,599. 

The ViewFinity S9 has a 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, 218 pixels per inch, 99 percent DCI-P3 that delivers color saturation and a 60Hz refresh rate. It was designed with creatives in mind and has a matte display to reduce light reflections. The monitor also comes with an Intelligent Eye Care mode that automatically optimizes brightness, reduces blue light and eliminates screen flickering in order to reduce eye strain. 

You can connect it to both Windows and Mac devices, thanks to its DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, so you can use it as a monitor for various PCs. If you stream or attend video calls frequently, you can use its built-in SlimFit 4K camera that’s also compatible with both Macs and Windows computers. 

The monitor is Apple AirPlay-compatible and will be able to mirror or extend your screen, which you help you boost your productivity. If you’re looking at lengthy documents and a vertical screen would be ideal, you can pivot the monitor 90 degrees to keep reading without scrolling as much. In addition, you can just as easily use it for entertainment, because it comes embedded with several smart TV apps, as well as Samsung’s Gaming Hub. 

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsungs-27-inch-5k-viewfinity-s9-monitor-is-48-percent-off-at-amazon-for-labor-day-123013009.html?src=rss

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Instant cameras have become a popular category for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can whip one out at a party or event and take a snap, then a couple of minutes later you have a real, physical photo that everyone can touch, feel and enjoy instead of staring at a screen. It’s also a lot cooler than a smartphone shot thanks to the retro, nostalgic vibes.Given the large number of models on the market, choosing one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide that will help you choose the best instant camera for you based on factors like price, film size, photo quality and more.
What to consider before buying an instant camera
The main factor for most people is the size of the film. Fujifilm’s Instax alone offers three formats: Mini, Square and Wide, with film sizes of 3.4 x 2.1 inches, 3.4 x 2.8 inches and 3.4 x 4.3 inches. The corresponding image sizes are 2.44 x 1.81 inches, 2.44 x 2.44 inches and 2.44 x 3.9 inches.
Leica’s Sofort 2 and Lomography models also uses Fujifilm’s Mini format, while Polaroid’s smaller Go format is 2.64 x 2.13 inches (1.81 x 1.83-inch image) and its i-Type size is 3.46 x 4.21 inches, with a square image size of 3.11 x 3.11 inches.
When most people think of retro instant cameras, they think of a square image size. That’s why Instagram, which used to have a Polaroid-like app icon, only supported square images for years. If that’s what you want, then Fuji’s Square or either of Polaroid’s formats are best. However, if you want as large an image as possible, Fujifilm’s Instax wide is the way to go.
As for prices, Fujifilm’s Instax films are generally around $1 per shot for square or wide color film and $.60 – $.75 for mini color film. Those prices go up a bit if you choose custom models with colorful or patterned borders, and down if you buy in bulk. Polaroid’s i-Type film is a bit more at about $1.50 per shot or $1.00 per shot for Go color film.
Image quality isn’t really the point with instant cameras of course, as they’re always going to be fuzzy compared to digital photos. However, some models (notably Fujifilm and Polaroid models) are a bit better than others.
And in terms of pricing, cameras with larger film are generally more expensive. It also increases if you add hybrid features like USB-C connectivity, smartphone sharing, the ability to print out photos and more, along with niceties like a selfie mirror. The best, most feature-laden cameras can cost upwards of $200 and basic versions can be well under $100.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-instant-camera-120034778.html?src=rss

Instant cameras have become a popular category for one simple reason: they’re fun. You can whip one out at a party or event and take a snap, then a couple of minutes later you have a real, physical photo that everyone can touch, feel and enjoy instead of staring at a screen. It’s also a lot cooler than a smartphone shot thanks to the retro, nostalgic vibes.

Given the large number of models on the market, choosing one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide that will help you choose the best instant camera for you based on factors like price, film size, photo quality and more.

What to consider before buying an instant camera

The main factor for most people is the size of the film. Fujifilm’s Instax alone offers three formats: Mini, Square and Wide, with film sizes of 3.4 x 2.1 inches, 3.4 x 2.8 inches and 3.4 x 4.3 inches. The corresponding image sizes are 2.44 x 1.81 inches, 2.44 x 2.44 inches and 2.44 x 3.9 inches.

Leica’s Sofort 2 and Lomography models also uses Fujifilm’s Mini format, while Polaroid’s smaller Go format is 2.64 x 2.13 inches (1.81 x 1.83-inch image) and its i-Type size is 3.46 x 4.21 inches, with a square image size of 3.11 x 3.11 inches.

When most people think of retro instant cameras, they think of a square image size. That’s why Instagram, which used to have a Polaroid-like app icon, only supported square images for years. If that’s what you want, then Fuji’s Square or either of Polaroid’s formats are best. However, if you want as large an image as possible, Fujifilm’s Instax wide is the way to go.

As for prices, Fujifilm’s Instax films are generally around $1 per shot for square or wide color film and $.60 – $.75 for mini color film. Those prices go up a bit if you choose custom models with colorful or patterned borders, and down if you buy in bulk. Polaroid’s i-Type film is a bit more at about $1.50 per shot or $1.00 per shot for Go color film.

Image quality isn’t really the point with instant cameras of course, as they’re always going to be fuzzy compared to digital photos. However, some models (notably Fujifilm and Polaroid models) are a bit better than others.

And in terms of pricing, cameras with larger film are generally more expensive. It also increases if you add hybrid features like USB-C connectivity, smartphone sharing, the ability to print out photos and more, along with niceties like a selfie mirror. The best, most feature-laden cameras can cost upwards of $200 and basic versions can be well under $100.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-instant-camera-120034778.html?src=rss

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Misinformation is all over the internet, including the — at times — chaos that is X (formerly Twitter). AI bots have a habit of adding to it. Now, with barely two months left until the presidential election, an update to Grok, X’s premium chatbot, could curve some of it (after being called out for said election misinformation). Grok will now direct anyone with an election-related query to Vote.org, a non-partisan website operated through a partnership between the US government, the US Election Assistance Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
The catalyst for change came on July 21, only hours after President Biden announced his decision not to seek reelection, when Grok falsely posted that the ballot deadline had passed in nine states, implying officials couldn’t change the democratic candidate. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon had staff attempt to contact X about the error, to which they received the response, “Busy now, please check back later.” Grok continued to share the response for ten days. 
Secretary Simon joined the Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington Secretaries of State — all states wrongly named by Grok — in writing an open letter to X and xAI CEO Elon Musk calling for Grok to direct any election queries to CanIVote.org, another non-partisan resource. They claimed Grok’s response, though only available to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers, reached “millions of people” due to screenshots and shares. 
The letter also shamed Grok and xAI a bit further, explaining how its competitor, OpenAI, had teamed up with the National Association of Secretaries of State to provide accurate, up-to-date election information. It also mentioned that OpenAI’s bot, ChatGPT, was already programmed to direct users to CanIVote.org if it received questions about the US election.
The update is a start. The bot has also created misleading images of the top party candidates. “We appreciate X’s action to improve their platform and hope they continue to make improvements that will ensure their users have access to accurate information from trusted sources in this critical election year,” the Secretaries of State said in response to the update. “Elections are a team effort, and we need and welcome any partners who are committed to ensuring free, fair, secure, and accurate elections.” This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/xs-grok-chatbot-now-directs-election-queries-to-votegov-114516549.html?src=rss

Misinformation is all over the internet, including the — at times — chaos that is X (formerly Twitter). AI bots have a habit of adding to it. Now, with barely two months left until the presidential election, an update to Grok, X’s premium chatbot, could curve some of it (after being called out for said election misinformation). Grok will now direct anyone with an election-related query to Vote.org, a non-partisan website operated through a partnership between the US government, the US Election Assistance Commission and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The catalyst for change came on July 21, only hours after President Biden announced his decision not to seek reelection, when Grok falsely posted that the ballot deadline had passed in nine states, implying officials couldn’t change the democratic candidate. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon had staff attempt to contact X about the error, to which they received the response, “Busy now, please check back later.” Grok continued to share the response for ten days. 

Secretary Simon joined the Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington Secretaries of State — all states wrongly named by Grok — in writing an open letter to X and xAI CEO Elon Musk calling for Grok to direct any election queries to CanIVote.org, another non-partisan resource. They claimed Grok’s response, though only available to X Premium and Premium+ subscribers, reached “millions of people” due to screenshots and shares. 

The letter also shamed Grok and xAI a bit further, explaining how its competitor, OpenAI, had teamed up with the National Association of Secretaries of State to provide accurate, up-to-date election information. It also mentioned that OpenAI’s bot, ChatGPT, was already programmed to direct users to CanIVote.org if it received questions about the US election.

The update is a start. The bot has also created misleading images of the top party candidates. “We appreciate X’s action to improve their platform and hope they continue to make improvements that will ensure their users have access to accurate information from trusted sources in this critical election year,” the Secretaries of State said in response to the update. “Elections are a team effort, and we need and welcome any partners who are committed to ensuring free, fair, secure, and accurate elections.” 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/xs-grok-chatbot-now-directs-election-queries-to-votegov-114516549.html?src=rss

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As a regular reader of TMA, you might have picked up on regular references to the addictive card-game-that-isn’t-a-card-game, Balatro. If you want to get technical, it’s a single-player poker-themed rogue-like deck builder game where you build and modify your decks with powerful joker cards to overcome scores that increase in each round. (I am aware of how boring that makes it sound, but trust me: It’s amazing)
If you’re not playing it yet, get on it. The makers have announced a collaboration with a handful of games, introducing new themed decks based on The Witcher, Vampire Survivors (another addictive game recently added to Apple Arcade), Dave the Diver and Among Us.
These themed decks are seemingly the only twist. There are no super-powered new jokers, but a new challenge is welcome. Now, where’s that mobile version? According to the creator of Black Mirror, it could end humanity.
— Mat Smith
The biggest stories you might have missed

The biggest announcements from Nintendo Direct
The best daily online games and puzzles
Date Everything! will let you romance objects on October 24

​​You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

Telegram CEO charges include distributing CSAM and money laundering
There are 12 charges in total.

French authorities have arrested Telegram boss Pavel Durov on charges that include money laundering and distributing child pornography. The charges reportedly come from a judicial investigation opened in July against an unnamed individual. The arrest has sparked debate around how much responsibility platform owners have for content on their platforms. Telegram denies the charges, while Elon Musk (ugh) has called for Durov’s release. French President Emmanuel Macron defended the arrest, stating France is committed to upholding the law.
Continue reading.

Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ laptop review
A capable AI PC but issues with Windows on Arm.

The XPS 13 is a capable and stylish Copilot+ PC, but it’s still slower than the Intel model, at times. On top of that, it doesn’t run some games and apps. Sadly, battery life is also surprisingly average. With an NPU capable of 45TOPS, the laptop is better equipped for future AI features.
Continue reading.

The retro Barbie flip phone arrives only 15 months after the movie
It’s set to launch in October.

HMD’s Barbie Phone finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned hot pink flip-phone launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129. Better late than never? Or just… never?
Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-why-arent-you-playing-balatro-yet-111600293.html?src=rss

As a regular reader of TMA, you might have picked up on regular references to the addictive card-game-that-isn’t-a-card-game, Balatro. If you want to get technical, it’s a single-player poker-themed rogue-like deck builder game where you build and modify your decks with powerful joker cards to overcome scores that increase in each round. (I am aware of how boring that makes it sound, but trust me: It’s amazing)

If you’re not playing it yet, get on it. The makers have announced a collaboration with a handful of games, introducing new themed decks based on The Witcher, Vampire Survivors (another addictive game recently added to Apple Arcade), Dave the Diver and Among Us.

These themed decks are seemingly the only twist. There are no super-powered new jokers, but a new challenge is welcome. Now, where’s that mobile version? According to the creator of Black Mirror, it could end humanity.

— Mat Smith

The biggest stories you might have missed

The biggest announcements from Nintendo Direct

The best daily online games and puzzles

Date Everything! will let you romance objects on October 24

​​You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

Telegram CEO charges include distributing CSAM and money laundering

There are 12 charges in total.

French authorities have arrested Telegram boss Pavel Durov on charges that include money laundering and distributing child pornography. The charges reportedly come from a judicial investigation opened in July against an unnamed individual. The arrest has sparked debate around how much responsibility platform owners have for content on their platforms. Telegram denies the charges, while Elon Musk (ugh) has called for Durov’s release. French President Emmanuel Macron defended the arrest, stating France is committed to upholding the law.

Continue reading.

Dell XPS 13 Copilot+ laptop review

A capable AI PC but issues with Windows on Arm.

The XPS 13 is a capable and stylish Copilot+ PC, but it’s still slower than the Intel model, at times. On top of that, it doesn’t run some games and apps. Sadly, battery life is also surprisingly average. With an NPU capable of 45TOPS, the laptop is better equipped for future AI features.

Continue reading.

The retro Barbie flip phone arrives only 15 months after the movie

It’s set to launch in October.

HMD’s Barbie Phone finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned hot pink flip-phone launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129. Better late than never? Or just… never?

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-why-arent-you-playing-balatro-yet-111600293.html?src=rss

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HMD’s Barbie Phone, the novelty device for Y2K-nostalgic hot pink aficionados, finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned champion of tardy movie tie-ins launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129.
The handset is the creation of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), which currently owns the branding rights to Nokia phones. Rather than a smartphone replacement, the Barbie Phone is a retro-styled flip phone (positively Nokida-esque) with a T9 keyboard and no third-party apps in sight. The company pitches it as “the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.”
You won’t find any social media apps, but the phone still makes calls and sends texts. When powering the handset up, you’ll be greeted by a “Hi Barbie” voice before you fire up Malibu Snake for a tribute to OG mobile gaming. Its keypad (in “Barbie pink,” of course) has hidden designs like palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark. Because why the hell not?!
HMD
The Barbie Phone has a 5MP camera with a flash that “delivers authentic Y2K style images.” It ships with two alternate covers in addition to the standard one. The two plates include one honoring “the brightly colored swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll” and another with a shooting-heart design.
Also in the box is a pastel-beaded phone strap that you can adorn with charms like a tiny roller skate or a “Barbie doll-sized ice cream.” You’ll also get sparkly stick-on gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers (including flowers, flamingos and rainbows) to decorate the phone to your heart’s content. It even has a pink USB-C charger.
Naturally, the phone has a Barbie-themed user interface (described as “achingly easy to navigate”), themed wallpapers and app icons. Since HMD is branding the handset as a vacation from smartphone hell, it even includes a digital well-being app.
The Barbie Phone will be available on October 1 for $129. It will ship unlocked and ready to activate on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. You can pre-order it from HMD’s website beginning on September 23.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-retro-barbie-flip-phone-arrives-in-october-only-15-months-after-the-movie-230136984.html?src=rss

HMD’s Barbie Phone, the novelty device for Y2K-nostalgic hot pink aficionados, finally has pricing and release info. The Mattel-sanctioned champion of tardy movie tie-ins launches in October — only 15 months after Greta Gerwig’s movie hit theaters! — for $129.

The handset is the creation of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), which currently owns the branding rights to Nokia phones. Rather than a smartphone replacement, the Barbie Phone is a retro-styled flip phone (positively Nokida-esque) with a T9 keyboard and no third-party apps in sight. The company pitches it as “the perfect tool to live your best life and take a vacation from your smartphone.”

You won’t find any social media apps, but the phone still makes calls and sends texts. When powering the handset up, you’ll be greeted by a “Hi Barbie” voice before you fire up Malibu Snake for a tribute to OG mobile gaming. Its keypad (in “Barbie pink,” of course) has hidden designs like palm trees, hearts and flamingos that light up in the dark. Because why the hell not?!

The Barbie Phone has a 5MP camera with a flash that “delivers authentic Y2K style images.” It ships with two alternate covers in addition to the standard one. The two plates include one honoring “the brightly colored swirls of the 1992’s iconic Totally Hair Barbie doll” and another with a shooting-heart design.

Also in the box is a pastel-beaded phone strap that you can adorn with charms like a tiny roller skate or a “Barbie doll-sized ice cream.” You’ll also get sparkly stick-on gems and retro vintage Barbie stickers (including flowers, flamingos and rainbows) to decorate the phone to your heart’s content. It even has a pink USB-C charger.

Naturally, the phone has a Barbie-themed user interface (described as “achingly easy to navigate”), themed wallpapers and app icons. Since HMD is branding the handset as a vacation from smartphone hell, it even includes a digital well-being app.

The Barbie Phone will be available on October 1 for $129. It will ship unlocked and ready to activate on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon networks. You can pre-order it from HMD’s website beginning on September 23.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-retro-barbie-flip-phone-arrives-in-october-only-15-months-after-the-movie-230136984.html?src=rss

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Electrek reports that a solar energy company is renting 8.5 million square feet of roof space from the National Storage Affiliates Trust’s (NSA) buildings for its newest solar panel project.
The commercial and community solar developer Solar Landscape’s new rooftop solar panel grid on the NSA’s 1,052 self-storage facilities and properties across 42 states and Puerto Rico are expected to produce at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity. The NSA, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, is one of the nation’s largest self-storage operators with brands like iStorage, Move It, Northwest and SecurCare.
These solar energy panels won’t just generate power for the NSA’s facilities. The panels will also provide clean power to nearby businesses and homes for a discounted price.
One of the challenges of implementing solar energy is finding enough space for the solar panels. These panels can take up a lot of space, like the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant that set a world record in 2019 with 3.2 million solar panels taking up over 3 square miles of space.
Solar Landscape and the NSA may have found an interesting solution to solar panel projects’ space problem. If this partnership is successful, it could inspire similar deals for other communities looking to benefit from solar power technology.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/self-storage-rooftops-will-become-a-nationwide-100mw-solar-farm-223004138.html?src=rss

Electrek reports that a solar energy company is renting 8.5 million square feet of roof space from the National Storage Affiliates Trust’s (NSA) buildings for its newest solar panel project.

The commercial and community solar developer Solar Landscape’s new rooftop solar panel grid on the NSA’s 1,052 self-storage facilities and properties across 42 states and Puerto Rico are expected to produce at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity. The NSA, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, is one of the nation’s largest self-storage operators with brands like iStorage, Move It, Northwest and SecurCare.

These solar energy panels won’t just generate power for the NSA’s facilities. The panels will also provide clean power to nearby businesses and homes for a discounted price.

One of the challenges of implementing solar energy is finding enough space for the solar panels. These panels can take up a lot of space, like the Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant that set a world record in 2019 with 3.2 million solar panels taking up over 3 square miles of space.

Solar Landscape and the NSA may have found an interesting solution to solar panel projects’ space problem. If this partnership is successful, it could inspire similar deals for other communities looking to benefit from solar power technology.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/self-storage-rooftops-will-become-a-nationwide-100mw-solar-farm-223004138.html?src=rss

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Google Meet is getting a new AI tool called take notes for me, which will generate summaries of key points during a video call. Rather than offering a word-by-word transcription, this feature uses Gemini AI to record key discussion points in a Google Doc that will appear in the meeting owner’s Google Drive. The document can be automatically sent to the attendees or added to the calendar event after the call. It will also include links to the meeting recording and transcript if those features have been enabled.
Google Workspace customers with the Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education Premium, and AI Meetings & Messaging add-ons will be the first to have access to this note-taking feature. Its use is currently limited to English language and to meetings on computers or laptops.
The tech company announced plans to include generative AI in more services last year, and has been aggressive in putting AI features into its hardware and software since then. Its Gemini AI assistant is getting baked into Android and into its Workspace apps. As always, the usefulness of these features may vary depending on how well the AI works and how accurate it is. The specter of Google’s AI Overviews telling people to eat glue pizza will likely continue to hang over its ongoing efforts in this space.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-ai-can-now-take-notes-on-your-meet-video-calls-215741583.html?src=rss

Google Meet is getting a new AI tool called take notes for me, which will generate summaries of key points during a video call. Rather than offering a word-by-word transcription, this feature uses Gemini AI to record key discussion points in a Google Doc that will appear in the meeting owner’s Google Drive. The document can be automatically sent to the attendees or added to the calendar event after the call. It will also include links to the meeting recording and transcript if those features have been enabled.

Google Workspace customers with the Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education Premium, and AI Meetings & Messaging add-ons will be the first to have access to this note-taking feature. Its use is currently limited to English language and to meetings on computers or laptops.

The tech company announced plans to include generative AI in more services last year, and has been aggressive in putting AI features into its hardware and software since then. Its Gemini AI assistant is getting baked into Android and into its Workspace apps. As always, the usefulness of these features may vary depending on how well the AI works and how accurate it is. The specter of Google’s AI Overviews telling people to eat glue pizza will likely continue to hang over its ongoing efforts in this space.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-ai-can-now-take-notes-on-your-meet-video-calls-215741583.html?src=rss

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Lyft is piloting its own rider verification program, much as Uber did earlier this year. This feature confirms to drivers that the person getting in their vehicle is who they say they are. The program is launching first in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix and Seattle.
Lyft will confirm riders’ legal names using third-party databases, but has not disclosed which services it is using. If a rider is unable to be verified in one of those unspecified databases, they can also provide a government ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID card in order to be verified. Once a rider completes the process, drivers will see a verification badge on that person’s profile.
For now, at least, the verification process isn’t mandatory, although Lyft’s FAQ says that “riders are highly encouraged to participate.” If the program works as Lyft is expecting, then drivers may be more inclined to accept requests from verified riders (and unverified riders could see longer wait times.)
Ridesharing poses significant safety risks for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft received more than 4,000 reports of sexual assault (though it did not differentiate between those allegedly committed against drivers vs passengers). Driving gig workers also face the risk of carjacking and other violent crimes. The hope is that verification programs like this one could make drivers feel more at ease when letting a stranger into their vehicle. One of Lyft’s other recent measures to improve driver safety is the Women+ Connect feature, which was expanded to more cities in February.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lyft-is-testing-a-new-rider-verification-safety-measure-201515898.html?src=rss

Lyft is piloting its own rider verification program, much as Uber did earlier this year. This feature confirms to drivers that the person getting in their vehicle is who they say they are. The program is launching first in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Phoenix and Seattle.

Lyft will confirm riders’ legal names using third-party databases, but has not disclosed which services it is using. If a rider is unable to be verified in one of those unspecified databases, they can also provide a government ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID card in order to be verified. Once a rider completes the process, drivers will see a verification badge on that person’s profile.

For now, at least, the verification process isn’t mandatory, although Lyft’s FAQ says that “riders are highly encouraged to participate.” If the program works as Lyft is expecting, then drivers may be more inclined to accept requests from verified riders (and unverified riders could see longer wait times.)

Ridesharing poses significant safety risks for drivers. Between 2017 and 2019, Lyft received more than 4,000 reports of sexual assault (though it did not differentiate between those allegedly committed against drivers vs passengers). Driving gig workers also face the risk of carjacking and other violent crimes. The hope is that verification programs like this one could make drivers feel more at ease when letting a stranger into their vehicle. One of Lyft’s other recent measures to improve driver safety is the Women+ Connect feature, which was expanded to more cities in February.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lyft-is-testing-a-new-rider-verification-safety-measure-201515898.html?src=rss

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