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Peloton is in something of a financial rut lately, and we all know what companies do when that happens. They take it out on consumers. To that end, the exercise machine maker just announced it will be charging a $95 “used equipment activation fee” to anyone who buys one of its machines on the secondhand market, according to a report by CNBC.
The company made this announcement in its Q4 2024 shareholder letter. The fairly exorbitant fee will apply to any machine bought directly from a previous owner, meaning anything purchased via Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or, heck, even a neighbor down the street. Without tithing $95 to the church of Peloton, the machine won’t have access to any of the classes or features the company has become known for.
The company says this activation fee is just to ensure that new members “receive the same high-quality onboarding experience Peloton is known for.” In a recent earnings call, however, a company representative was more transparent, calling the fee a “source of incremental revenue and gross profit,” according to The Verge.
Users who pay this fee will be treated to a “virtual custom fitting,” in the case of the Peloton Bike and Bike Plus. They will also receive a summary of the hardware which will illustrate exactly how much the machine was used by the original owner, just in case the seller tries that whole “I only used it once” thing. Peloton also says that these second hand buyers will get discounts on accessories like shoes, mats and spare parts. So it’s not all bad.
Also, the $95 fee doesn’t apply to those who buy refurbished machines directly from the company or from any of its third-party distribution partners. It’s only those who sell or buy via traditional used equipment channels who gotta pay the troll toll.
Buying a preowned Peloton machine was one of the great joys of being a consumer. The standard Bike, for instance, sells new for nearly $1,500, but you can pick up a used one online for $300 to $500. Now, that price goes up to $400 to $600. Peloton also requires a monthly membership fee to access content, which is around $44.
This isn’t the only move that Peloton has recently made that could be seen, through a cynical lens, as nickel and diming consumers. It upped subscription prices for those who use the company’s app with third-party machines. There’s still a free tier, but it doesn’t offer access to any live classes.
However, the recent earnings call did offer a bit of good news for Pelo-heads (I just made that up). Shares have risen 15 percent this quarter and losses have been narrowed to $30 million, down from $241 million year over year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/peloton-to-ruin-the-secondhand-market-by-charging-a-95-used-equipment-activation-fee-155230509.html?src=rss

Peloton is in something of a financial rut lately, and we all know what companies do when that happens. They take it out on consumers. To that end, the exercise machine maker just announced it will be charging a $95 “used equipment activation fee” to anyone who buys one of its machines on the secondhand market, according to a report by CNBC.

The company made this announcement in its Q4 2024 shareholder letter. The fairly exorbitant fee will apply to any machine bought directly from a previous owner, meaning anything purchased via Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or, heck, even a neighbor down the street. Without tithing $95 to the church of Peloton, the machine won’t have access to any of the classes or features the company has become known for.

The company says this activation fee is just to ensure that new members “receive the same high-quality onboarding experience Peloton is known for.” In a recent earnings call, however, a company representative was more transparent, calling the fee a “source of incremental revenue and gross profit,” according to The Verge.

Users who pay this fee will be treated to a “virtual custom fitting,” in the case of the Peloton Bike and Bike Plus. They will also receive a summary of the hardware which will illustrate exactly how much the machine was used by the original owner, just in case the seller tries that whole “I only used it once” thing. Peloton also says that these second hand buyers will get discounts on accessories like shoes, mats and spare parts. So it’s not all bad.

Also, the $95 fee doesn’t apply to those who buy refurbished machines directly from the company or from any of its third-party distribution partners. It’s only those who sell or buy via traditional used equipment channels who gotta pay the troll toll.

Buying a preowned Peloton machine was one of the great joys of being a consumer. The standard Bike, for instance, sells new for nearly $1,500, but you can pick up a used one online for $300 to $500. Now, that price goes up to $400 to $600. Peloton also requires a monthly membership fee to access content, which is around $44.

This isn’t the only move that Peloton has recently made that could be seen, through a cynical lens, as nickel and diming consumers. It upped subscription prices for those who use the company’s app with third-party machines. There’s still a free tier, but it doesn’t offer access to any live classes.

However, the recent earnings call did offer a bit of good news for Pelo-heads (I just made that up). Shares have risen 15 percent this quarter and losses have been narrowed to $30 million, down from $241 million year over year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/peloton-to-ruin-the-secondhand-market-by-charging-a-95-used-equipment-activation-fee-155230509.html?src=rss

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Home security devices can give us peace of mind, but they don’t always come cheaply. That’s why we’re excited to see Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera finally go on sale. The device, which launched at the end of May, is down to $60 from $80 — a 25 percent discount. The only catch: the sale is just available on the black and white models, leaving the Blush, Charcoal and Starlight options at full price. 
Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera offers all the basics with two-way talk and motion alerts but is also the company’s first foray into a motorized base, with the device providing a 360-degree look at what’s happening inside your home. Plus, it has a tilt range of 169 degrees and displays its view in color HD video. If you’re staying in a home with one in it or have visitors, you can activate the built-in hardware kill switch and slide a shutter over the camera — this should also disable any audio. 

Right now, you can also get the Ring Video Doorbell for 40 percent off, down to $60 from $100 — just shy of its record low. The doorbell lets you hear, see, and speak with anyone at your front door, with the camera displaying a 1080p HD visual on your computer or phone. It comes with a rechargeable battery and is available in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze.
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/rings-new-pan-and-tilt-security-camera-drops-to-60-in-its-first-discount-141551723.html?src=rss

Home security devices can give us peace of mind, but they don’t always come cheaply. That’s why we’re excited to see Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera finally go on sale. The device, which launched at the end of May, is down to $60 from $80 — a 25 percent discount. The only catch: the sale is just available on the black and white models, leaving the Blush, Charcoal and Starlight options at full price. 

Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera offers all the basics with two-way talk and motion alerts but is also the company’s first foray into a motorized base, with the device providing a 360-degree look at what’s happening inside your home. Plus, it has a tilt range of 169 degrees and displays its view in color HD video. If you’re staying in a home with one in it or have visitors, you can activate the built-in hardware kill switch and slide a shutter over the camera — this should also disable any audio. 

Right now, you can also get the Ring Video Doorbell for 40 percent off, down to $60 from $100 — just shy of its record low. The doorbell lets you hear, see, and speak with anyone at your front door, with the camera displaying a 1080p HD visual on your computer or phone. It comes with a rechargeable battery and is available in Satin Nickel or Venetian Bronze.

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/rings-new-pan-and-tilt-security-camera-drops-to-60-in-its-first-discount-141551723.html?src=rss

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If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed in the world of social media, it’s that platforms are going to copy each other’s features. However, the newest iteration of this is still surprising, to say the least. Instagram has announced a new music feature that allows you to attach a song to your profile a la Myspace. 
Instagram has copied MySpace, a platform that peaked long before Instagram ever existed, and arguably was thrown into decline by the rise of Instagram’s parent company.
So, how does this new feature work? You can choose a song by going to edit profile and clicking “Add music to your profile.” You can then choose a song or search in the For You section. From there, pick the 30 seconds of the song you want to feature and it will remain on your profile until you pick a new one or decide Myspace features are better left in the past. Don’t worry if you’re scrolling in public as songs won’t start playing now the second you go on someone’s profile — click the play button to hear it. 
Instagram
Instagram teamed up with singer Sabrina Carpenter to promote the feature, with fans able to hear a clip of her new song “Taste.” exclusively on her profile (though the album comes out tomorrow). Earlier this year, Instagram’s parent company, Meta, teamed up with another pop star, Taylor Swift. She created a Threads account alongside the release of her new album, The Tortured Poet Society, in April. The first group of people to share her post received a customized badge on their profile.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-copiesmyspace-140049134.html?src=rss

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed in the world of social media, it’s that platforms are going to copy each other’s features. However, the newest iteration of this is still surprising, to say the least. Instagram has announced a new music feature that allows you to attach a song to your profile a la Myspace. 

Instagram has copied MySpace, a platform that peaked long before Instagram ever existed, and arguably was thrown into decline by the rise of Instagram’s parent company.

So, how does this new feature work? You can choose a song by going to edit profile and clicking “Add music to your profile.” You can then choose a song or search in the For You section. From there, pick the 30 seconds of the song you want to feature and it will remain on your profile until you pick a new one or decide Myspace features are better left in the past. Don’t worry if you’re scrolling in public as songs won’t start playing now the second you go on someone’s profile — click the play button to hear it. 

Instagram teamed up with singer Sabrina Carpenter to promote the feature, with fans able to hear a clip of her new song “Taste.” exclusively on her profile (though the album comes out tomorrow). Earlier this year, Instagram’s parent company, Meta, teamed up with another pop star, Taylor Swift. She created a Threads account alongside the release of her new album, The Tortured Poet Society, in April. The first group of people to share her post received a customized badge on their profile.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-copiesmyspace-140049134.html?src=rss

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For the first half of Android’s existence, Google was happy simply being in charge of the OS while other manufacturers built a massive ecosystem of devices. Things changed in 2016 with the launch of the original Pixel, a phone that married the company’s hardware and software designs. But even that combo wasn’t enough to immediately catapult Google’s flagship to the front of the pack. However, between the continued evolution of its devices and former major players like LG and HTC getting out of the game, Google has become the third-largest Android phone maker in the US, just barely behind Motorola.
Enter the Pixel 9, which sports a slick new design, a brighter screen, better cameras and even more sophisticated software tricks. In many ways, this thing feels like it best represents Google’s vision for what a smartphone should be and it’s here to claim its title as the default Android handset.

Design and display
I usually hate making this comparison, but it’s hard to ignore that the Pixel 9 looks a lot like an iPhone. Similar to recent Apple handsets, the base ninth-gen Pixel features flat sides with rounded corners and a smooth matte finish. Its front and back panels are made out of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which when combined with the phone’s recycled aluminum frame results in a device that Google says is two times more durable than before.
The big difference though is the Pixel 9’s rear camera module. Gone is the edge-to-edge bar we’ve become familiar with over the previous three generations and in its place is a simple pill-shaped visor. Compared to Apple’s arrangement — which still looks like the top of a stove to me — Google’s design is the essence of simplicity. There are two lenses on the left and a flash on the right, with some additional components like a tiny microphone and a single-zone laser-detect autofocus system scattered throughout. Sure, it’s a bit tall and bulky, but because it largely spans the width of the device, it means the phone doesn’t wobble when you rest it on its back. Points to Google for a more elegant solution.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

In front, the Pixel 9 sports Google’s latest 6.3-inch OLED Actua display, which offers an even higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits (versus 2,000 nits for the Pixel 8). Granted, that’s a few hundred less than the 3,000 nits on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, but even when viewed side-by-side, you’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference. As before, the Pixel 9 has a variable refresh rate that jumps between 60Hz and 120Hz to help save on battery while Google has tweaked little details like evening out the phone’s bezels so that they are the same size all the way around. Altogether, it’s an excellent display with accurate colors and rich tones. I’ve got to give Google credit, because over the past few years, Pixel displays have made major leaps to the point where they can now hold their own against both Apple and Samsung.
One final small but very welcome upgrade is a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner hidden beneath the Pixel 9’s displays. It’s even more reliable than the optical sensor used before and, in my testing, it’s unlocked the phone nearly instantly every single time.
Performance

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Google’s Tensor chips are often maligned for focusing more on efficiency and AI processing than general performance. But I think a lot of that noise comes from people who care more about benchmarks than how fast a phone operates in the real world. In my experience, the Pixel 9 and the Tensor G4 delivered everything I wanted with ample haste. Switching between apps happens in a flash, while scrolling feels incredibly smooth. Even relatively demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero ran well, with only the occasional hiccup. Unless you are really pushing it by running a bunch of super resource-hungry apps at the same time, the Pixel 9 can handle the stress.
New software and AI features
When Google introduced its big suite of AI-powered features on the Pixel 8 last year, it felt like the company was trying to live up to its own self-fulfilling prophecy on the proliferation of machine learning. But with the launch of even more AI-based tools alongside the Pixel 9, Google’s strategy is becoming much clearer thanks in large part to the new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio apps.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The thing I like most about the Pixel Screenshots app is that it enhances the way people already use their phones. When you’re doomscrolling and you come across something fun or interesting, what do you do? You either share it immediately or save it for later, often by taking a screencap. That’s where the Screenshots app comes in. By using AI to analyze the contents of a pic, you can easily retrieve it later with a quick search.
My favorite use case is for recipes. Previously, I would find an interesting dish and leave it open in a browser tab, which always felt like a clunky workaround. But now, I can just screenshot it and feel confident about finding it in the future. And unlike Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11, Google’s Screenshots app only looks at the stuff you capture manually instead of automatically recording everything you do, so it feels less intrusive.
For those who want to create their own content, Pixel Studio lets you use AI to generate images by typing in a handful of prompts. It’s basically a free version of Midjourney built just for Google’s phones and I feel like I’ve only begun to explore its potential. It can turn people’s faces into cute little stickers that you can copy into pictures or give you inspiration on how to decorate your room. The possibilities are endless.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Then there are a handful of smaller but still very useful tools like the Pixel Weather app, which features AI-generated summaries to help you plan your day. Instead of checking the hourly forecast and looking at every stat and figure, you can quickly read a couple of sentences to see when the UX index will peak or if there’s a surprise thunderstorm headed your way.
Meanwhile, other features like Gemini Live let you ask questions and bounce ideas off of Google’s most powerful AI assistant in a more natural way (you know, if you’re into that kind of thing). Phone conversations also sound better thanks to improvements to Clear Calling, which cuts down background noise. If you’re distracted or don’t feel like paying attention, you can use the new Call Notes feature to transcribe everything before giving things a closer look later. There’s even a Satellite eSOS feature that’s free for the first two years, which lets you call for help when you don’t have service. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to test it out myself, though for anyone who’s curious, Google offers a demo experience that’s slated to go live on August 22.
Cameras

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Superb image quality has long been one of the Pixel family’s calling cards and it’s getting even better on the Pixel 9 thanks to two new cameras. The main wide-angle lens features a new 50MP sensor while the ultrawide lens is powered by an updated 48MP cell, the latter of which can be used to shoot close-up macros.
In situations with good light, the Pixel 9 outperformed the more expensive Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Colors were generally brighter and Google’s processing typically preserved more details. One of the most impressive examples was a backlit shot of a Transformer, where the Pixel 9 captured a photo with much richer hues and better focus while the S24U struggled, producing a shot with muddy colors and a surprising amount of noise.
At night, Google’s superb Night Sight mode reinforced the Pixel’s lead in image quality, capturing brighter and more well-exposed photos. The only time Samsung’s phone came out on top was in a single low-light shot of a flower, because even though the S24U’s pic was a touch oversharpened, it was still better than the overly soft result I got from the P9.
Of course, you can’t have a new Pixel with some fresh camera features to go with it. This time, we’ve gotten a range of improvements including Auto frame which uses AI to cleverly recompose images and fill in the missing parts where needed. Or you can use Reimagine to create more fantastical pics by replacing elements (foregrounds and backgrounds work best) with whatever you can think of. Panorama mode can also be used at night now and while it takes some practice to get the best results, even on my first attempt in a less-than-ideal location, I got a neat-looking shot of the NYC skyline.

If you zoom in, the results don’t really hold up. But from afar, the Pixel 9’s Reimagine feature can create some fantastical photos like this one with an AI-generated starry night.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Then there’s Add Me, which lets you take multiple group shots with different people holding the camera to create a single composite image with everyone in the shot. Now, no one has to be left out simply because they’re the designated photographer that day. It’s surprisingly easy to use and great for introverts like me who don’t want to ask a stranger for help. But you have to stay still or else things can get wonky. Perhaps the coolest thing about this feature is that you can also use it to clone yourself multiple times in the same image, which is a really fun, if unintended, use case.
My one gripe is that I wish Google had included support for Zoom Enhance on the Pixel 9. It would be really nice to have a tool to sharpen blurry or cropped photos available on the base model, especially since, unlike its more expensive Pro siblings, it doesn’t have a dedicated telephoto lens.
Battery life and charging

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Thanks to a larger 4,700mAh cell (up from 4,575mAh) and improved power efficiency, Google claims the Pixel 9 has 20 percent longer battery life than the previous model. But I found that it fared even better, lasting 27 hours and 32 minutes on our video rundown test. Not only is this the best we’ve seen from any Pixel to date, it also tops the OnePlus 12’s time of 26:40 for the best longevity of any phone we’ve tested.
Unfortunately, despite Google having just released a new 45W power adapter (sold separately), the Pixel 9’s wired charging speed remains the same at 27 watts. You also get Qi wireless support (but not Qi2) at up to 15 watts and reverse wireless power sharing when you want to help out a friend with a device that’s short on juice.
Wrap-up
For so many years, non-Pro Pixels have existed as an also-ran next to Samsung’s base Galaxy S phones, primarily for people who appreciate Google’s software wizardry and regular feature drops. But with the Pixel 9, Google has upped its hardware design while once again doubling down on what it does best. It has a gorgeous screen, class-leading cameras and a more refined appearance, plus more AI-powered tools than anyone else. Pretty good ones at that. You also get fantastic software support including seven years of OS and security updates.

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Aside from a couple of omissions like no support for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and Zoom Enhance, the Pixel 9 has everything you want and need from a high-end Android handset. Google’s software — which was already a major plus — is becoming a pillar of dominance. That said, owners will need to be more proactive about embracing these features to get the most out of their devices. AI still succumbs to hallucinations and errors (a lot of the new tools are still in preview phase), so many features remain far from foolproof. But the foundations for a wide range of powerful tools are at your disposal. At this point, the big question is, at least in the $800 price range, why buy anything else? In some respects, Google might even be its own biggest competitor, because for those who aren’t as enthusiastic about AI, you can save some money and get a Pixel 8a for $499. But for everyone else, while Samsung might still have a lead in total sales, the Pixel 9 should be the go-to flagship Android phone.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-review-the-go-to-android-smartphone-133005548.html?src=rss

For the first half of Android’s existence, Google was happy simply being in charge of the OS while other manufacturers built a massive ecosystem of devices. Things changed in 2016 with the launch of the original Pixel, a phone that married the company’s hardware and software designs. But even that combo wasn’t enough to immediately catapult Google’s flagship to the front of the pack. However, between the continued evolution of its devices and former major players like LG and HTC getting out of the game, Google has become the third-largest Android phone maker in the US, just barely behind Motorola.

Enter the Pixel 9, which sports a slick new design, a brighter screen, better cameras and even more sophisticated software tricks. In many ways, this thing feels like it best represents Google’s vision for what a smartphone should be and it’s here to claim its title as the default Android handset.

Design and display

I usually hate making this comparison, but it’s hard to ignore that the Pixel 9 looks a lot like an iPhone. Similar to recent Apple handsets, the base ninth-gen Pixel features flat sides with rounded corners and a smooth matte finish. Its front and back panels are made out of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which when combined with the phone’s recycled aluminum frame results in a device that Google says is two times more durable than before.

The big difference though is the Pixel 9’s rear camera module. Gone is the edge-to-edge bar we’ve become familiar with over the previous three generations and in its place is a simple pill-shaped visor. Compared to Apple’s arrangement — which still looks like the top of a stove to me — Google’s design is the essence of simplicity. There are two lenses on the left and a flash on the right, with some additional components like a tiny microphone and a single-zone laser-detect autofocus system scattered throughout. Sure, it’s a bit tall and bulky, but because it largely spans the width of the device, it means the phone doesn’t wobble when you rest it on its back. Points to Google for a more elegant solution.

In front, the Pixel 9 sports Google’s latest 6.3-inch OLED Actua display, which offers an even higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits (versus 2,000 nits for the Pixel 8). Granted, that’s a few hundred less than the 3,000 nits on the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, but even when viewed side-by-side, you’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference. As before, the Pixel 9 has a variable refresh rate that jumps between 60Hz and 120Hz to help save on battery while Google has tweaked little details like evening out the phone’s bezels so that they are the same size all the way around. Altogether, it’s an excellent display with accurate colors and rich tones. I’ve got to give Google credit, because over the past few years, Pixel displays have made major leaps to the point where they can now hold their own against both Apple and Samsung.

One final small but very welcome upgrade is a new ultrasonic fingerprint scanner hidden beneath the Pixel 9’s displays. It’s even more reliable than the optical sensor used before and, in my testing, it’s unlocked the phone nearly instantly every single time.

Performance

Google’s Tensor chips are often maligned for focusing more on efficiency and AI processing than general performance. But I think a lot of that noise comes from people who care more about benchmarks than how fast a phone operates in the real world. In my experience, the Pixel 9 and the Tensor G4 delivered everything I wanted with ample haste. Switching between apps happens in a flash, while scrolling feels incredibly smooth. Even relatively demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero ran well, with only the occasional hiccup. Unless you are really pushing it by running a bunch of super resource-hungry apps at the same time, the Pixel 9 can handle the stress.

New software and AI features

When Google introduced its big suite of AI-powered features on the Pixel 8 last year, it felt like the company was trying to live up to its own self-fulfilling prophecy on the proliferation of machine learning. But with the launch of even more AI-based tools alongside the Pixel 9, Google’s strategy is becoming much clearer thanks in large part to the new Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio apps.

The thing I like most about the Pixel Screenshots app is that it enhances the way people already use their phones. When you’re doomscrolling and you come across something fun or interesting, what do you do? You either share it immediately or save it for later, often by taking a screencap. That’s where the Screenshots app comes in. By using AI to analyze the contents of a pic, you can easily retrieve it later with a quick search.

My favorite use case is for recipes. Previously, I would find an interesting dish and leave it open in a browser tab, which always felt like a clunky workaround. But now, I can just screenshot it and feel confident about finding it in the future. And unlike Microsoft’s Recall feature in Windows 11, Google’s Screenshots app only looks at the stuff you capture manually instead of automatically recording everything you do, so it feels less intrusive.

For those who want to create their own content, Pixel Studio lets you use AI to generate images by typing in a handful of prompts. It’s basically a free version of Midjourney built just for Google’s phones and I feel like I’ve only begun to explore its potential. It can turn people’s faces into cute little stickers that you can copy into pictures or give you inspiration on how to decorate your room. The possibilities are endless.

Then there are a handful of smaller but still very useful tools like the Pixel Weather app, which features AI-generated summaries to help you plan your day. Instead of checking the hourly forecast and looking at every stat and figure, you can quickly read a couple of sentences to see when the UX index will peak or if there’s a surprise thunderstorm headed your way.

Meanwhile, other features like Gemini Live let you ask questions and bounce ideas off of Google’s most powerful AI assistant in a more natural way (you know, if you’re into that kind of thing). Phone conversations also sound better thanks to improvements to Clear Calling, which cuts down background noise. If you’re distracted or don’t feel like paying attention, you can use the new Call Notes feature to transcribe everything before giving things a closer look later. There’s even a Satellite eSOS feature that’s free for the first two years, which lets you call for help when you don’t have service. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to test it out myself, though for anyone who’s curious, Google offers a demo experience that’s slated to go live on August 22.

Cameras

Superb image quality has long been one of the Pixel family’s calling cards and it’s getting even better on the Pixel 9 thanks to two new cameras. The main wide-angle lens features a new 50MP sensor while the ultrawide lens is powered by an updated 48MP cell, the latter of which can be used to shoot close-up macros.

In situations with good light, the Pixel 9 outperformed the more expensive Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Colors were generally brighter and Google’s processing typically preserved more details. One of the most impressive examples was a backlit shot of a Transformer, where the Pixel 9 captured a photo with much richer hues and better focus while the S24U struggled, producing a shot with muddy colors and a surprising amount of noise.

At night, Google’s superb Night Sight mode reinforced the Pixel’s lead in image quality, capturing brighter and more well-exposed photos. The only time Samsung’s phone came out on top was in a single low-light shot of a flower, because even though the S24U’s pic was a touch oversharpened, it was still better than the overly soft result I got from the P9.

Of course, you can’t have a new Pixel with some fresh camera features to go with it. This time, we’ve gotten a range of improvements including Auto frame which uses AI to cleverly recompose images and fill in the missing parts where needed. Or you can use Reimagine to create more fantastical pics by replacing elements (foregrounds and backgrounds work best) with whatever you can think of. Panorama mode can also be used at night now and while it takes some practice to get the best results, even on my first attempt in a less-than-ideal location, I got a neat-looking shot of the NYC skyline.

If you zoom in, the results don’t really hold up. But from afar, the Pixel 9’s Reimagine feature can create some fantastical photos like this one with an AI-generated starry night.

Then there’s Add Me, which lets you take multiple group shots with different people holding the camera to create a single composite image with everyone in the shot. Now, no one has to be left out simply because they’re the designated photographer that day. It’s surprisingly easy to use and great for introverts like me who don’t want to ask a stranger for help. But you have to stay still or else things can get wonky. Perhaps the coolest thing about this feature is that you can also use it to clone yourself multiple times in the same image, which is a really fun, if unintended, use case.

My one gripe is that I wish Google had included support for Zoom Enhance on the Pixel 9. It would be really nice to have a tool to sharpen blurry or cropped photos available on the base model, especially since, unlike its more expensive Pro siblings, it doesn’t have a dedicated telephoto lens.

Battery life and charging

Thanks to a larger 4,700mAh cell (up from 4,575mAh) and improved power efficiency, Google claims the Pixel 9 has 20 percent longer battery life than the previous model. But I found that it fared even better, lasting 27 hours and 32 minutes on our video rundown test. Not only is this the best we’ve seen from any Pixel to date, it also tops the OnePlus 12’s time of 26:40 for the best longevity of any phone we’ve tested.

Unfortunately, despite Google having just released a new 45W power adapter (sold separately), the Pixel 9’s wired charging speed remains the same at 27 watts. You also get Qi wireless support (but not Qi2) at up to 15 watts and reverse wireless power sharing when you want to help out a friend with a device that’s short on juice.

Wrap-up

For so many years, non-Pro Pixels have existed as an also-ran next to Samsung’s base Galaxy S phones, primarily for people who appreciate Google’s software wizardry and regular feature drops. But with the Pixel 9, Google has upped its hardware design while once again doubling down on what it does best. It has a gorgeous screen, class-leading cameras and a more refined appearance, plus more AI-powered tools than anyone else. Pretty good ones at that. You also get fantastic software support including seven years of OS and security updates.

Aside from a couple of omissions like no support for Qi2 magnetic wireless charging and Zoom Enhance, the Pixel 9 has everything you want and need from a high-end Android handset. Google’s software — which was already a major plus — is becoming a pillar of dominance. That said, owners will need to be more proactive about embracing these features to get the most out of their devices. AI still succumbs to hallucinations and errors (a lot of the new tools are still in preview phase), so many features remain far from foolproof. But the foundations for a wide range of powerful tools are at your disposal. At this point, the big question is, at least in the $800 price range, why buy anything else? In some respects, Google might even be its own biggest competitor, because for those who aren’t as enthusiastic about AI, you can save some money and get a Pixel 8a for $499. But for everyone else, while Samsung might still have a lead in total sales, the Pixel 9 should be the go-to flagship Android phone.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-9-review-the-go-to-android-smartphone-133005548.html?src=rss

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Neuralink has published an update on the second patient in its early human trials, and it said that “promisingly,” it has “observed no thread retraction” in the participant. The Elon Musk-led startup implants a chip into the human brain, allowing paralyzed patients to control devices, browse the internet and play video games with their thoughts. It implanted a chip into its first patient back in January, and while the procedure went well, some of the implants’ connective threads retracted from the brain weeks later. That reduced the brain signals the device could receive. 
For its second patient called Alex, the company employed mitigation measures to prevent the same thing from happening, or at least lower its probability. It said it reduced brain motion during surgery and also reduced the gap between the implant and the surface of the brain. The company hasn’t observed any thread retraction in the patient, so far. As for its first patient, it modified an algorithm to improve how his implant detects and translates signals after the was observed. It said the first patient’s threads have stabilized and his implant has since recovered. 
Weeks after his surgery in July, Alex has already been able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design a custom mount for his Neuralink charger. The mount was 3D printed, and he has since added it to his setup. He has also been able to use his implant in conjunction with a mouth-operated joystick to play Counter-Strike 2 more effectively, because he can now move and aim at the same time. 
Neuralink say it’s now working on making its chip capable of decoding multiple clicks and movements to “deliver full mouse and video game controller functionality.” It’s also developing algorithms that can recognize a user’s intent to write by hand, which would enable faster text entry. That would then allow people who cannot speak, such as those with ALS, to be able to communicate with others more easily. Finally, the company apparently plans to give its implants the capability to interact with the real world, so that people can use it to move their own wheelchair or a robotic hand to feed or clean themselves.
NEWS: 2nd Neuralink patient Alex plays the first-person shooter game Counter-Strike 2 on his laptop computer using the Link.Alex playing Counter-Strike 2: https://t.co/M1pikMoGSJ pic.twitter.com/ROQNYgeXao— ALEX (@ajtourville) August 21, 2024

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/neuralink-says-it-may-have-fixed-its-brain-implant-problem-130055143.html?src=rss

Neuralink has published an update on the second patient in its early human trials, and it said that “promisingly,” it has “observed no thread retraction” in the participant. The Elon Musk-led startup implants a chip into the human brain, allowing paralyzed patients to control devices, browse the internet and play video games with their thoughts. It implanted a chip into its first patient back in January, and while the procedure went well, some of the implants’ connective threads retracted from the brain weeks later. That reduced the brain signals the device could receive. 

For its second patient called Alex, the company employed mitigation measures to prevent the same thing from happening, or at least lower its probability. It said it reduced brain motion during surgery and also reduced the gap between the implant and the surface of the brain. The company hasn’t observed any thread retraction in the patient, so far. As for its first patient, it modified an algorithm to improve how his implant detects and translates signals after the was observed. It said the first patient’s threads have stabilized and his implant has since recovered. 

Weeks after his surgery in July, Alex has already been able to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to design a custom mount for his Neuralink charger. The mount was 3D printed, and he has since added it to his setup. He has also been able to use his implant in conjunction with a mouth-operated joystick to play Counter-Strike 2 more effectively, because he can now move and aim at the same time. 

Neuralink say it’s now working on making its chip capable of decoding multiple clicks and movements to “deliver full mouse and video game controller functionality.” It’s also developing algorithms that can recognize a user’s intent to write by hand, which would enable faster text entry. That would then allow people who cannot speak, such as those with ALS, to be able to communicate with others more easily. Finally, the company apparently plans to give its implants the capability to interact with the real world, so that people can use it to move their own wheelchair or a robotic hand to feed or clean themselves.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/neuralink-says-it-may-have-fixed-its-brain-implant-problem-130055143.html?src=rss

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UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, 59, has been confirmed dead after multiple days of search and rescue efforts, multiple news agencies report. The 183-foot super-yacht, Bayesian, capsized off the coast of Sicily around 5 AM local time on Monday morning during a violent storm. Lynch was one of 22 individuals on board, including passengers and crew, with 15 individuals rescued and one body found immediately following the events. Five more bodies, including Lynch’s, have since been recovered. At this time, his daughter is the only person still missing, Reuters reports, citing sources close to the rescue operation. 
Lynch co-founded tech companies Autonomy and Darktrace and founded venture capital firm Invoke Capital. Following the $11 billion sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, Lynch has spent the past decade-plus engulfed in a legal battle over allegations of inflating sales and misleading HP. A San Francisco jury acquitted him in June of all 15 counts of fraud. 
The yacht excursion was meant to celebrate Lynch’s recent victory, with family, friends, and business associates joining him. Other members of the deceased include the yacht’s chef, Neda and Chris Morvillo, a Clifford Chance lawyer who represented Lynch and Judy and Jonathan Bloomer, a non-executive chairman of Morgan Stanley International. Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, escaped the wreckage and is safe. 
Lynch’s co-defendant, Stephen Chamberlain, 52, also faced tragedy this week. The BBC reports he was hit by a car on Saturday, August 17, while out running in Cambridgeshire, England, and died from his injuries. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/british-tech-billionaire-mike-lynch-confirmed-dead-after-yacht-sinking-121856262.html?src=rss

UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, 59, has been confirmed dead after multiple days of search and rescue efforts, multiple news agencies report. The 183-foot super-yacht, Bayesian, capsized off the coast of Sicily around 5 AM local time on Monday morning during a violent storm. Lynch was one of 22 individuals on board, including passengers and crew, with 15 individuals rescued and one body found immediately following the events. Five more bodies, including Lynch’s, have since been recovered. At this time, his daughter is the only person still missing, Reuters reports, citing sources close to the rescue operation. 

Lynch co-founded tech companies Autonomy and Darktrace and founded venture capital firm Invoke Capital. Following the $11 billion sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, Lynch has spent the past decade-plus engulfed in a legal battle over allegations of inflating sales and misleading HP. A San Francisco jury acquitted him in June of all 15 counts of fraud. 

The yacht excursion was meant to celebrate Lynch’s recent victory, with family, friends, and business associates joining him. Other members of the deceased include the yacht’s chef, Neda and Chris Morvillo, a Clifford Chance lawyer who represented Lynch and Judy and Jonathan Bloomer, a non-executive chairman of Morgan Stanley International. Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, escaped the wreckage and is safe. 

Lynch’s co-defendant, Stephen Chamberlain, 52, also faced tragedy this week. The BBC reports he was hit by a car on Saturday, August 17, while out running in Cambridgeshire, England, and died from his injuries. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/british-tech-billionaire-mike-lynch-confirmed-dead-after-yacht-sinking-121856262.html?src=rss

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In January, calls using an AI-generated voice imitating President Biden instructed voters not to take part in the New Hampshire Primary. Now, as the 2024 election nears, the Federal Communications Commission is sending a message by further cracking down on those responsible for the Biden deepfake. Lingo Telecom, which transmitted the fraudulent calls, will pay the FCC a $1 million civil penalty and must demonstrate and implement a compliance plan. 
In response to the settlement, The Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal stated, “..the potential combination of the misuse of generative AI voice-cloning technology and caller ID spoofing over the U.S. communications network presents a significant threat. This settlement sends a strong message that communications service providers are the first line of defense against these threats and will be held accountable to ensure they do their part to protect the American public.”
This step follows the FCC’s proposed $6 million fine for Steven Kramer, the political consultant who directed the calls. The FCC alleges he also violated the Truth in Caller ID Act by spoofing a local politician’s phone number. The enforcement action in Kramer’s case is still pending. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fcc-fines-telecoms-operator-1-million-for-transmitting-biden-deepfake-120010234.html?src=rss

In January, calls using an AI-generated voice imitating President Biden instructed voters not to take part in the New Hampshire Primary. Now, as the 2024 election nears, the Federal Communications Commission is sending a message by further cracking down on those responsible for the Biden deepfake. Lingo Telecom, which transmitted the fraudulent calls, will pay the FCC a $1 million civil penalty and must demonstrate and implement a compliance plan. 

In response to the settlement, The Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal stated, “..the potential combination of the misuse of generative AI voice-cloning technology and caller ID spoofing over the U.S. communications network presents a significant threat. This settlement sends a strong message that communications service providers are the first line of defense against these threats and will be held accountable to ensure they do their part to protect the American public.”

This step follows the FCC’s proposed $6 million fine for Steven Kramer, the political consultant who directed the calls. The FCC alleges he also violated the Truth in Caller ID Act by spoofing a local politician’s phone number. The enforcement action in Kramer’s case is still pending. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fcc-fines-telecoms-operator-1-million-for-transmitting-biden-deepfake-120010234.html?src=rss

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Google is selling its ultra-premium Pixel 9 Pro in two sizes, but it’s not the size that counts here. Instead, it’s the suite of AI features Google hopes will revolutionize how you use your phone. The Morning After’s Mat Smith has spent plenty of time with both handsets to work out if they’re good enough to justify your cash.
He explores headline features, like Gemini Advanced, as well as the smart new AI-enabled photo tweaks. One of my favorites is Add Me, which puts you in the background of a group shot you were holding the phone for. Or Zoom Enhance, which offers a CSI-like level of clarity enhancement for the furthest point in a photo.
I won’t spoil the review beyond saying Mat thinks the Pixel 9 Pro, sorry Pixels 9 Pro, are well worth the cash. But you’ll have to read it all to work out why.
— Daniel Cooper
The biggest stories you might have missed

Google strikes a deal with California lawmakers to fund local news
A new AI support chatbot is available for hacked YouTube channels
Microsoft’s latest accessible controllers include the Xbox Adaptive Joystick
Lego’s first Mario Kart sets start throwing out shells on January 1

​​You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!
Rotten Tomatoes further dilutes its utility with Verified Hot badge
Nothing matters anymore!

Rotten Tomatoes has become a perpetual battleground in the internet’s perpetual culture war. But it’s trying to placate its user base by launching a Certified Hot label that reflects rapturous viewer reviews alongside those of critics. Viewers will need to prove they’ve seen a film but can only do so if they bought tickets via Fandango. Will that be enough to end the culture of review-bombing the site is suffering from? Who knows.
Continue Reading.
You can pre-order the all-digital Xbox Series X starting today
Shipping begins October 15.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s strategy of pushing cloud gaming with one hand and a dedicated console business with the other hasn’t necessarily been a winner. But the company isn’t deterred and has now opened pre-orders for the disc-free version of its Xbox Series X. The console is $50 cheaper than the disc-enabled version and, uh, the list of benefits with this new model stops there. But you can pre-order today, with shipping due to begin October 15.
Continue Reading.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds come with a case that can transmit audio wirelessly
Plug it into a USB or analog source and listen along.
JBL
JBL reaches for the useful side of quirky with its Tour Pro earbuds, and the third-generation model is no exception. The true wireless earbuds already have a screen in the charging case and can now transmit audio wirelessly. Plug the case into a USB or analog source and you can listen along, ideal for plane trips or when you need to listen to an old-timey record player.
Continue Reading.
Ford’s electric three-row SUV is dead
It’s pulling back from its EV push to save cash.

Ford has canceled plans to build a three-row electric SUV as part of a broader pull back from the EV market. It has also delayed the launch of its next-generation electric truck that would have followed the F-150 Lightning. Losses on current EV models are mounting up, which could total as much as $5 billion by the end of the year, and that’s too rich even for Ford’s blood.
Continue Reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-our-verdict-on-the-pixel-9-pro-and-xl-111535947.html?src=rss

Google is selling its ultra-premium Pixel 9 Pro in two sizes, but it’s not the size that counts here. Instead, it’s the suite of AI features Google hopes will revolutionize how you use your phone. The Morning After’s Mat Smith has spent plenty of time with both handsets to work out if they’re good enough to justify your cash.

He explores headline features, like Gemini Advanced, as well as the smart new AI-enabled photo tweaks. One of my favorites is Add Me, which puts you in the background of a group shot you were holding the phone for. Or Zoom Enhance, which offers a CSI-like level of clarity enhancement for the furthest point in a photo.

I won’t spoil the review beyond saying Mat thinks the Pixel 9 Pro, sorry Pixels 9 Pro, are well worth the cash. But you’ll have to read it all to work out why.

— Daniel Cooper

The biggest stories you might have missed

Google strikes a deal with California lawmakers to fund local news

A new AI support chatbot is available for hacked YouTube channels

Microsoft’s latest accessible controllers include the Xbox Adaptive Joystick

Lego’s first Mario Kart sets start throwing out shells on January 1

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

Rotten Tomatoes further dilutes its utility with Verified Hot badge

Nothing matters anymore!

Rotten Tomatoes has become a perpetual battleground in the internet’s perpetual culture war. But it’s trying to placate its user base by launching a Certified Hot label that reflects rapturous viewer reviews alongside those of critics. Viewers will need to prove they’ve seen a film but can only do so if they bought tickets via Fandango. Will that be enough to end the culture of review-bombing the site is suffering from? Who knows.

Continue Reading.

You can pre-order the all-digital Xbox Series X starting today

Shipping begins October 15.

Microsoft’s strategy of pushing cloud gaming with one hand and a dedicated console business with the other hasn’t necessarily been a winner. But the company isn’t deterred and has now opened pre-orders for the disc-free version of its Xbox Series X. The console is $50 cheaper than the disc-enabled version and, uh, the list of benefits with this new model stops there. But you can pre-order today, with shipping due to begin October 15.

Continue Reading.

The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds come with a case that can transmit audio wirelessly

Plug it into a USB or analog source and listen along.

JBL reaches for the useful side of quirky with its Tour Pro earbuds, and the third-generation model is no exception. The true wireless earbuds already have a screen in the charging case and can now transmit audio wirelessly. Plug the case into a USB or analog source and you can listen along, ideal for plane trips or when you need to listen to an old-timey record player.

Continue Reading.

Ford’s electric three-row SUV is dead

It’s pulling back from its EV push to save cash.

Ford has canceled plans to build a three-row electric SUV as part of a broader pull back from the EV market. It has also delayed the launch of its next-generation electric truck that would have followed the F-150 Lightning. Losses on current EV models are mounting up, which could total as much as $5 billion by the end of the year, and that’s too rich even for Ford’s blood.

Continue Reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-our-verdict-on-the-pixel-9-pro-and-xl-111535947.html?src=rss

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Google has reached a deal with California lawmakers to fund local news in the state after previously protesting a proposed law that would have required it to pay media outlets. Under the terms of the deal, Google will commit tens of millions of dollars to a fund supporting local news as well as an AI “accelerator program” in the state.
The agreement ends a months-long dispute between lawmakers and Google over the California Journalism Preservation Act, a bill that would have required Google, Meta and other large platforms to pay California publishers in exchange for linking to their websites. Google strongly opposed the measure, which was similar to laws passed in Canada and Australia.
Earlier this year, Google began a “short-term test” in the state that removed links to local news for some users in California. The company also halted some of its own spending on local news in the state.
Now, under the new agreement, Google will direct “at least $55 million” to “a nonprofit public charity housed at UC Berkeley’s journalism school,” Politico reports. The university will distribute the fund, which also includes “at least $70 million” from the state of California. Google will also “commit $50 million over five years to unspecified ‘existing journalism programs.’”
The agreement also includes funding for a “National AI Innovation Accelerator.” Details of that program are unclear, but Cal Matters reports that Google will dedicate “at least $17.5 million” to the effort, which will fund AI experiments for local businesses and other organizations, including newsrooms. That aspect of the deal, which is so far unique to Google’s agreement in California, could end up being more controversial as it could exacerbate existing tensions between publishers and AI companies. 
In a statement, Alphabet’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, credited the “thoughtful leadership” of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials in reaching the agreement. “California lawmakers have worked with the tech and news sectors to develop a collaborative framework to accelerate AI innovation and support local and national businesses and nonprofit organizations,” he said. “This public-private partnership builds on our long history of working with journalism and the local news ecosystem in our home state, while developing a national center of excellence on AI policy.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-strikes-a-deal-with-california-lawmakers-to-fund-local-news-000522484.html?src=rss

Google has reached a deal with California lawmakers to fund local news in the state after previously protesting a proposed law that would have required it to pay media outlets. Under the terms of the deal, Google will commit tens of millions of dollars to a fund supporting local news as well as an AI “accelerator program” in the state.

The agreement ends a months-long dispute between lawmakers and Google over the California Journalism Preservation Act, a bill that would have required Google, Meta and other large platforms to pay California publishers in exchange for linking to their websites. Google strongly opposed the measure, which was similar to laws passed in Canada and Australia.

Earlier this year, Google began a “short-term test” in the state that removed links to local news for some users in California. The company also halted some of its own spending on local news in the state.

Now, under the new agreement, Google will direct “at least $55 million” to “a nonprofit public charity housed at UC Berkeley’s journalism school,” Politico reports. The university will distribute the fund, which also includes “at least $70 million” from the state of California. Google will also “commit $50 million over five years to unspecified ‘existing journalism programs.’”

The agreement also includes funding for a “National AI Innovation Accelerator.” Details of that program are unclear, but Cal Matters reports that Google will dedicate “at least $17.5 million” to the effort, which will fund AI experiments for local businesses and other organizations, including newsrooms. That aspect of the deal, which is so far unique to Google’s agreement in California, could end up being more controversial as it could exacerbate existing tensions between publishers and AI companies. 

In a statement, Alphabet’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, credited the “thoughtful leadership” of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials in reaching the agreement. “California lawmakers have worked with the tech and news sectors to develop a collaborative framework to accelerate AI innovation and support local and national businesses and nonprofit organizations,” he said. “This public-private partnership builds on our long history of working with journalism and the local news ecosystem in our home state, while developing a national center of excellence on AI policy.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-strikes-a-deal-with-california-lawmakers-to-fund-local-news-000522484.html?src=rss

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YouTube added a new AI assistant feature that allows users who have been hacked to recover their accounts and safeguard them from future invasions. An announcement for the new help feature appeared earlier today on Google’s support page for YouTube.
The new “hacked channel assistant,” available on YouTube, will allow “eligible creators” a way to troubleshoot their accounts when they’ve been hacked. The feature can be accessed in the YouTube Help Center.
The assistant will ask a series of questions to help affected users secure their Google login, undo anything the hacker may have done to their channel and secure their channel from further access to hackers. So far, the feature is only available in English and for a select group of “certain creators,” but Google says it’s working to make the features accessible to all YouTube creators.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/a-new-ai-support-chatbot-is-available-for-hacked-youtube-channels-222800979.html?src=rss

YouTube added a new AI assistant feature that allows users who have been hacked to recover their accounts and safeguard them from future invasions. An announcement for the new help feature appeared earlier today on Google’s support page for YouTube.

The new “hacked channel assistant,” available on YouTube, will allow “eligible creators” a way to troubleshoot their accounts when they’ve been hacked. The feature can be accessed in the YouTube Help Center.

The assistant will ask a series of questions to help affected users secure their Google login, undo anything the hacker may have done to their channel and secure their channel from further access to hackers. So far, the feature is only available in English and for a select group of “certain creators,” but Google says it’s working to make the features accessible to all YouTube creators.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/a-new-ai-support-chatbot-is-available-for-hacked-youtube-channels-222800979.html?src=rss

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