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Black Friday deals include the Ninja Creami ice cream maker for $50 off

5 days 16 hours ago

Black Friday deals offer opportunities to pick up holiday gifts for less but also treat-yourself items you've been eyeing. One of our favorite gadgets that falls under that category is the Ninja Creami, a favorite kitchen gadget of ours that scored a 90 in our review. Ninja Black Friday deals seem to already be in full swing because you can grab the ice cream maker for $50 off right now, for a final price of $180. That's not too far away from its record low price, making it a solid deal. While it isn't quite the season for ice cream in North America, there's never truly a bad time to enjoy it.

This is a more compact ice cream machine than many other household models. The Ninja Creami is very easy to use as well, since it operates in a similar way to a food processor. You'll need to make a liquid ice cream base and then freeze it, ideally for 24 hours.

You can then use the machine to blend in flavors. Cleaning up is a cinch if you have a dishwasher, since everything aside from the machine component is safe to place alongside your dishes on the racks.

On the downside, it is a rather noisy machine. We estimate that the volume is somewhere between that of a food processor and a countertop blender running at full speed. It's fairly tall too at 16 inches, so you'll want to make sure you have enough space for the Ninja Creami before buying it. Otherwise, we have no major complaints, other than the design not being overly attractive. As such, we gave it a score of 90 in our review.

The Ninja Creami has seven one-touch programs, but if you'd prefer an 11-in-1 deluxe model, you're in luck: that's on sale too. At $220, it's $30 off. It supports 24 oz tubs that hold 50 percent more ice cream than those in the original Ninja Creami. The Deluxe model also has a dual processing feature. This allows you to add two different mix-in flavors to the same base. So you can, for instance, add sprinkles to the top part and cookies to the bottom.

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-deals-include-the-ninja-creami-ice-cream-maker-for-50-off-203207986.html?src=rss
Kris Holt

Rivian will likely receive $6.6 billion loan from the government to open its plant in Georgia

5 days 17 hours ago

American EV maker Rivian just announced that it has received a commitment from the US Department of Energy (DOE) for a loan totaling $6.6 billion. This is thanks to the DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program. This includes a principal loan of $6 billion and approximately $600 million of capitalized interest.

The company says it will use this money to “to accelerate its growth and leadership of electric vehicle design, development and manufacturing in the United States.” Rivian fans can guess what that means. The Georgia manufacturing plant is back on the table, after the company halted construction to save money back in March.

If finalized, the loan will support continued construction of its manufacturing facility near Social Circle, Georgia. This plant will be used “for production of the company’s midsize platform,” which includes the forthcoming R2 SUV and the absolutely stunning R3/R3X line.

“Designed, engineered, and built in America to deliver an incredible combination of capability, function, performance, and pricing, Rivian believes its R2 and R3 vehicle lines will be critical drivers in the company’s long-term growth and profitability,” the company wrote in a press release.

Rivian says this will bring around 7,500 operational jobs to the area, along with 2,000 construction jobs. The plant will be able to build 400,000 vehicles each year, which will support Rivian’s continuing expansion both in America and in foreign markets. The current plan is for the facility to be built in two phases, with phase one (accounting for 200,000 vehicles per year) going live in 2028.

This will not impact the manufacturing output of the company’s current plant in Normal, Illinois. However, that facility is reportedly not the safest place to work, so maybe it could stand to slow things down a bit.

Overwhelmed by the wonderful response to our new vehicles: R2, R3 and R3X.

In less than 24 hours, we’ve taken more than 68,000 R2 reservations. We are thrilled to see this vehicle resonate so strongly with our community! pic.twitter.com/tEIBhwlJQC

— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) March 8, 2024

The loan hasn’t been fully finalized yet, as the “DOE and the company must satisfy certain technical, legal, environmental and financial conditions before the Department of Energy enters into definitive financing documents and funds the loan.” The ATVM Loan Program is quite renowned in the EV space, as it is largely credited for saving Tesla from an early death all the way back in 2010. Thanks to that loan, Tesla can continue to create the internet’s favorite punching bag, the Cybertruck, and a bunch of robots that don’t actually do anything. No wonder Rivian has been posting outstanding preorder numbers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/rivian-will-likely-receive-66-billion-loan-from-the-government-to-open-its-plant-in-georgia-164338924.html?src=rss
Lawrence Bonk

The Chinese version of the Nintendo Switch won’t be able to access the eShop in 2026

5 days 17 hours ago

If you didn’t know, Tencent (which is, among other things, the world’s biggest video game vendor) is the one that brought the Nintendo Switch to China in 2019. These Chinese versions of the console have access to fewer games, and they also can’t connect with consoles from outside China. Before long, these consoles will get significantly less useful: Nintendo announced that owners won't be able to buy any games from the eShop starting March 31, 2026. Downloads and code redemption services will end on May 15, 2026.

Fortunately, all other online features won’t be affected, and Nintendo is throwing in a bonus for owners. Between November 27, 2024 and March 31, 2026, all verified Chinese Nintendo Switch consoles can use WeChat to redeem up to four games, including Mario: Kart 8 Deluxe, Kirby: Star Allies, Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee!

Just in case you’re looking to get a cheap Chinese Switch for games, you likely won’t be able to buy or redeem any in the first place. You’ll need WeChat Pay from China to buy games, and most non-China residents don’t have access to the mainland version of the service.

There isn’t a concrete reason given for this decision. According to Reuters, it’s likely due to how Chinese gamers are opting for international versions of the Nintendo Switch. It may or may not be related to the upcoming Switch 2 console, which we won’t hear about until next year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-chinese-version-of-the-nintendo-switch-wont-be-able-to-access-the-eshop-in-2026-163246531.html?src=rss
Jeremy Gan

The best outdoor gifts for 2024

5 days 17 hours ago

The great outdoors can be enjoyed all year round, so we’ve compiled a list of the best gifts for the backyard lounger, patio napper or woodland hiker on your list this holiday season. We even offer help with items to improve your tailgate or next beach trip. With everything from grilling gadgets to drinkware and hammocks to splash-proof speakers, there’s something for everyone – no matter how long or how often they venture outside. What’s more, you don’t have to break the bank.

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-outdoor-gifts-140004525.html?src=rss
Billy Steele

Google is testing plain blue link search results for hotels in a few European countries

5 days 17 hours ago

Google is running a short test in Germany, Belgium and Estonia that removes more detailed results from Google Search when users look for hotels and lodgings in these countries. Results will instead appear in a simple “blue link” that older users may recall from years past. The primary reason behind this test is pressure from the European Union, which is calling for more Google compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

According to a blog post, Google has been working hard over the past year with the European Commission and various industries, particularly hotels, airlines and small retailers. The company claims these three business types are experiencing 30 percent less traffic due to changes to comply further with the DMA. However, comparison sites are asking for more. For the uninitiated, comparison sites gather various results for users to pick between.

Therefore, Google is now proposing three more changes to Search. The main change is “expanded and equally formatted units” that let users choose between comparison sites or supplier websites. This change only applies to searches for products, hotels, flights and restaurants.

Another change is new formatting that allows comparison sites to show more information when they appear in Google Search, such as pictures and prices. The final change is the introduction of new ad units for comparison sites.

TechCrunch received a statement from the European Commission regarding the enforcement of DMA. Lea Zuber, an EU spokesperson, didn’t say much besides confirming that they’re “assessing Google’s compliance proposals.”

The hotel-specific test is temporary, but Google still says it’s “very reluctant” to do so, as these changes and more will hurt Google and businesses in Europe. The tech giant is trying to balance trade-offs and find a solution where both the law, European consumers and businesses, and the company will be happy.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-testing-plan-blue-link-search-results-for-hotels-in-a-few-european-countries-155417020.html?src=rss
Jeremy Gan

Bang & Olufsen reveals its latest premium earbuds, the $499 Beoplay Eleven

5 days 17 hours ago

Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its latest set of premium earbuds. The Beoplay Eleven earphones are the successor to the Beoplay EX from 2022. The brand says the latest model is inspired by its new Beoplay H100 headphones as well as fine jewelry, as it has a "gem-like shine."

The earbuds retain the AirPods-style stem design of their predecessors and they're available in two colorways, Natural Aluminium and Copper Tone. They feature B&O's signature polished aluminium. The charging case is said to be durable and light, while it supports Qi wireless charging.

According to B&O, the Beoplay Eleven has the most advanced active noise cancellation tech in any earbuds to date. It says this model delivers double the level of noise reduction at low frequencies compared with the Beoplay EX, along with more optimization for various ear sizes and shapes. The brand claims that the earbuds have a "natural" transparency mode aided by an upgraded array of six microphones that are said to have significantly reduced hiss.

Bang & Olufsen

B&O added extra holes to the stem and fine mesh padding to ease wind pressure and offer more open sound. Using the accompanying app, you can activate a wind guard feature to filter out wind noise and help you remain more aware of your surroundings. The earphones have an IP57 rating for water resistance too.

The earbuds are slated to run for up to eight hours on a single charge with ANC off and six hours with the feature on. The charging case adds up to 14 or 20 hours of listening time respectively for each mode, per B&O. It claims that charging for 20 minutes will add about 1.75 hours of listening time. 

Meanwhile, the batteries are replaceable. That's a welcome touch, though it's to make the Beoplay Eleven compliant with EU sustainability regulations that will come into force in 2027.

Of course, since they're from B&O, the earbuds won't come cheap. The Beoplay Eleven earphones cost $499. The Natural Aluminum model is available today, while the Copper Tone variant is expected to be in stock by late December.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bang--olufsen-reveals-its-latest-premium-earbuds-the-499-beoplay-eleven-154913102.html?src=rss
Kris Holt

Itch.io won't take a cut of game sales on November 29

5 days 18 hours ago

Indie game storefront Itch.io has set the date for its next Creator Day. The one-day event, where the company forgoes its usual 10 percent cut of sales, will take place on November 29, with things getting underway at 12AM PT. This year, Creator Day also coincides with Itch’s Autumn Sale, which is slated to begin two days earlier on November 27 at 10AM PT and run for a full week. The storefront says more than 7,400 projects plan to join the promotion with discounts on both physical and digital games, as well as assets.

Itch held its first Creator Day in 2021, about a year after Bandcamp began supporting musicians during the pandemic with Bandcamp Fridays. In Itch’s case, the company already employs one of the most creator-friendly revenue-sharing models. Since 2015, the company has allowed sellers to decide how much of their sales they want to share with Itch. By default, the company takes a 10 percent cut, but developers can set that figure as low as zero. By contrast, the industry standard is 30 percent — though companies like Epic take a smaller cut.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/itchio-wont-take-a-cut-of-game-sales-on-november-29-154039023.html?src=rss
Igor Bonifacic

Nintendo Black Friday 2024: Get The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for a record-low price

5 days 18 hours ago

Nintendo Black Friday deals are now live, and they’re worth paying attention to if you want to pick up some big games on sale. In addition to video games, you can pick up a few Nintendo Switch bundles on sale as well, including options for the standard Switch, the OLED model and the Switch Lite. The deals are available at retailers like Best Buy, Target and Walmart.

Arguably the jewel in Black Friday’s crown is a big discount on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Normally $70, Nintendo has the game for $50, but we're seeing even steeper price drops at GameStop ($45), Target ($40) and Best Buy ($40) at the moment. The game is an absolute blast and builds on all of the good stuff originally introduced in Breath of the Wild. This time, however, new abilities allow for even more unique solutions to puzzles.

The sale also applies to the long-gestating Pikmin 4 and the sublimely creative Super Mario Maker 2. Both is available for between $35 and $40. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the belle of the COVID-era ball, costs between $35 and $40 as well, depending on the retailer.

There are a few deals on an actual Switch console bundles, too. The Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition has dropped to $210, but it comes with some serious perks. This bundle ships with the gold-colored console and a full year of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This provides access to all kinds of retro games, from the NES all the way to the N64. Elsewhere at Target and Best Buy, a bundle with the Nintendo Switch OLED edition and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is down to $275. The standard Switch is also on sale bundled with the same game for $225.

There’s a caveat here. The Nintendo Switch isn’t long for this world, as a sequel is imminent. Adults may want to wait for the new console, but a Switch Lite is still a great gift for a kid. However, nobody has any idea what Trump’s promised tariffs will do to console prices, so maybe even the Switch Lite will cost $600 next year. Who the heck knows anymore.

If you're keen on getting some holiday shopping done now, though, you can browse the best Black Friday tech deals we've curated. Gaming deals are ramping up, and right now you can get up to 55 percent off Xbox titles right now, or a 1TB Xbox Series X with two included controllers for $490 — that's $110 off the usual rate. Elsewhere, Lego deals are in full swing with up to 40 percent off Star Wars and Super Mario sets, including this Super Mario King Boo's Haunted Mansion (71436) for $60 and Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding The Tantive IV Fantasy Toy (75387) for $44.

Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/nintendo-black-friday-2024-get-the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-for-a-record-low-price-194609110.html?src=rss
Lawrence Bonk

Brazil demands Apple open up the App Store...or else

5 days 19 hours ago

Little by little, countries around the world are taking steps to change how Apple's App Store functions. The most recent development comes from Brazil, where the nation's antitrust regulator Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Economica (CADE) on Monday issued Apple an ultimatum of sorts. CADE has given Apple 20 days to make changes that allows for purchases from third-party app developers without going through Apple or face a fine of 250,000 Real ($43,000) each day after. Candidly, given the amount of money Apple makes every, $43,000 could probably come from Tim Cook's Diet Mountain Dew expense account.

More specifically, Apple must take steps such as allowing third-party developers to tell their users about alternative locations to purchase their goods or services and to include buttons, external links and other calls to action that show users alternative ways to access their products, rather than just in-app. Developers would also be able to use other in-app purchasing systems (Apple charges a 30 percent fee when using its system), distribute their apps in places other than Apple's App Store, and more. The ruling stems from e-commerce company MercadoLibre's 2022 filing alleging Apple restricts goods distribution and purchase methods. 

This decision follows changes earlier this year to how Apple can operate its app store in the European Union. The bloc's Digital Markets Act forced Apple to allow developers to receive payments and distribute apps outside the company's App Store. Apple has also faced pushes to change its systems in the US, most notably through a lawsuit brought by Epic Games

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/brazil-demands-apple-open-up-the-app-storeor-else-143016486.html?src=rss
Sarah Fielding

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew will now premiere on Disney+ on December 2

5 days 19 hours ago

There’s a new Star Wars show coming out, and it'll arrive sooner than expected. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premieres on December 2 at 9PM ET with two episodes on Disney+. The show was originally scheduled to debut on December 3, but Disney moved it up just a few days beforehand. New episodes will drop at the same time each Tuesday for the remainder of the season.

For the uninitiated, this is a live-action show set during the same time period as The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, or around ten years after the events of Return of the Jedi. We don’t know too much about the plot, other than it involves some suburban kids finding a spaceship and going on an adventure.

If that reminds you of some classic flicks from the 1980s, you aren’t alone. The whole thing seems to be an homage to Steven Spielberg, Amblin and the vast array of kid-friendly adventures from that decade. People have been calling it “Goonies in space,” but a more modern reference would be “Stranger Things in space.”

The trailer also showcases one of the things I’m personally most interested in with this show. Some of it is set in settled planets, likely core worlds such as Coruscant. There are suburban neighborhoods and schools. There are people going to work. We haven’t gotten many looks as to how regular people live in a galaxy far, far away. That’s my jam, right there.

The showrunners here are Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, who made the recent Spider-Man movies for the MCU. The cast is primarily composed of unknown kids, including an elephant alien who may or may not be related to Mos Espa band leader Max Rebo. However, Jude Law is in it. He’s likely playing a Jedi, though there could be a twist there.

Update November 26, 9:22AM ET: Reflected that Disney has changed the release schedule for Skeleton Crew.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/star-wars-skeleton-crew-will-now-premiere-on-disney-on-december-2-142858399.html?src=rss
Lawrence Bonk

Drake accuses UMG of using bots and conspiring with Spotify to make Not Like Us go viral

5 days 19 hours ago

If you ask Drake, Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us isn't as popular as it seems. The Canadian rapper has filed a petition in New York's Supreme Court, accusing Universal Music Group of using bots and paying Spotify, Apple and other entities to "artificially inflate the spread of Not Like Us and "deceiving consumers" into believing that "it was more popular than it was in reality." Universal Music Group represents both Drake and Lamar. 

"In 2024, UMG did not rely on chance, or even ordinary business practices, to 'break through the noise' on Spotify, and likely other music platforms. It instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves with a song, Not Like Us. in order to make that song go viral, including by using 'bots' and pay-to-play agreements," the petition reads. Drake's camp filed the petition to seek pre-action discovery in order to prepare a lawsuit accusing UMG of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). 

The music label allegedly charged Spotify 30 percent less for the right to stream Not Like Us in exchange for the streaming service recommending the song to users looking for other artists and tracks. Neither party has disclosed the deal. UMG also used bots to boost the song's popularity, the complaint says, citing a podcast wherein an individual reportedly said that Lamar's label paid him to use bots to achieve 30,000,000 streams on Spotify within the first few days of the song's release. 

UMG also paid Apple to have Siri "purposely misdirect" users to Lamar's song, the complaint alleges. Apparently, Siri starts playing Not Like Us, "which contains the lyric 'certified pedophile' that's an allegation against Drake," when a user asks it to play Drake's Certified Loverboy album. In addition, Drake accused UMG of paying radio promoters to increase the song's airplay and influencers to review the song without disclosing that money had changed hands. 

The complaint says the company's executives launched the scheme to maximize their profits. UMG apparently refused to engage in negotiations even though Drake's camp has been trying to get them to sit down and talk over the past few months. In his complaint, Drake claims that UMG has taken steps to conceal its scheme, including firing personnel close to him. "The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue," the company's spokesperson told The Verge. Spotify has decline to comment about the issue.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/drake-accuses-umg-of-using-bots-and-conspiring-with-spotify-to-make-not-like-us-go-viral-140056292.html?src=rss
Mariella Moon

London is taking action against reckless e-bike parking

5 days 20 hours ago

I experienced a few adjustments when I moved to London two years ago: how noisy the tube can be, how spread out the city is and how many e-bikes are strewn everywhere, blocking the sidewalk and access ramps. Now, Transport for London (TfL) is attempting to improve the latter, announcing new steps to regulate parking for Lime, Forest and other companies' 40,000-plus e-bikes across the city. Rental e-scooters in London already operate with more rigorous parking restrictions. 

The initiative will impact red roads, a networks of major streets TfL manages. Red roads make up about five percent of London's streets, but about 30 percent of its traffic. Namely, TfL will hold operators responsible "who allow their bikes to be parked outside of designated places on red routes and on TfL land, which includes areas such as station forecourts and bus garages," the announcement reads. 

It's unclear just how TfL plans to do this, though, whether it be by fines or restricting access. TFL simply states that it will take "a proportionate and pragmatic approach" to enforcement, focusing its efforts on areas where the e-bikes cause the greatest safety and access risks. 

"The right long-term solution is new legislation, setting out fair and consistent rules that all operators have to abide by. However ahead of that, it is clear the current operators could and should be doing much more to address these problems," says councillor Kieron Williams, London Councils Executive Member for Climate, Transport and Environment. TfL seems acutely aware of its dependence on the operators and has requested the government consider new powers for the transport organization that allow it to better regulate e-bike services. 

TfL is also working with the boroughs to increase e-bike parking compliance. London is notably made up of 32 boroughs plus the city of London, requiring widespread collaboration and enforcement. According to TfL, London's boroughs have created 2,000 parking bays this year, while the transport organization has allocated nearly £1 million ($1.3 million) this year to fund 7,500 parking spaces. It also plans to make at least 800 spaces before next summer and to reach 3,000 in total by 2026's end.

TfL separately offers Santander-sponsored bikes with designated parking docking terminals, one in six of which are electric. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/london-is-taking-action-against-reckless-e-bike-parking-134626744.html?src=rss
Sarah Fielding

Huawei launches its Android-free OS

5 days 20 hours ago

With launch of its Mate 70 and foldable Mate X6 smartphones, Huawei unveiled its latest mobile OS that it says no longer uses any Android open-source code, Bloomberg reported. HarmonyOS Next was supposedly built entirely in-house as part of Huawei's plans to do build a platform entirely free of major US tech sources, both for hardware and software. 

The Mate 70 series arrives in China on December 4 as follow up to the Mate 60. The latter model was also significant as it was the first Huawei smartphone to use a processor that was fully made in China, showing the company could get around US trade restrictions. However, Huawei will be limited to 7-nanometer tech for the next couple of years, while rival Apple is getting ready to move to 2-nanometer chips. 

Having in-house chips and software has long been Huawei's aim. The company first announced its own operating system way back in 2012, anticipating that partners like Google "won't let us use their system[s] one day." Seven years later the company confirmed that it did have a homemade operating system later revealed as HarmonyOS. That still used a lot of open-source Android code, but Huawei says the latest version is fully Android-free. 

Despite the company's claims of in-house chip manufacturing, it was discovered recently that TSMC chips were possibly shipped illegally to Huawei via a third-party company. The US imposed trade restrictions on Huawei in the first place after it tried to steal trade secrets from T-Mobile and bypass Iran sanctions. 

Huawei said that the new OS still needs several months of refinement to improve the user experience, but the aim is to install it on all future smartphones. The Mate 70 models will start at $760 for the 6.7-inch edition and go up for the pro models, with Huawei promising a 40 percent performance bump, partially due to the new OS.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/huawei-launches-its-android-free-os-133021431.html?src=rss
Steve Dent

The 16 best gifts for music lovers

5 days 20 hours ago

Everyone needs a hobby. And chances are there’s at least one person on your holiday shopping list who fancies themselves a musician. Whether they’re a casual synth noodler, a guitar virtuoso or a singer-songwriter we’ve got recommendations covering a range of price points. Some of these even make a great gift for music lovers who have been considering making the jump to music maker. Perhaps getting their first synth will kickstart a new obsession.

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/best-gifts-for-music-lovers-160024143.html?src=rss
Terrence O'Brien,Lawrence Bonk

DJI's tiny Mic Mini offers high-quality wireless sound recording starting at $89

5 days 20 hours ago

DJI hasn't finished yet with its busy 2024, as it just announced the Mic Mini wireless microphone system. The company took most of the characteristics of the popular Mic 2 and shrunk it down considerably, while also making it much more affordable.

The Mic Mini consists of a receiver and one or two transmitters with built-in microphones. To use it, you just affix the mics to your subject, either via a clip or magnetic attachment, and turn them on. Then, power up the receiver and connect it to your camera via a 3.5mm cable. Everything pairs automatically, and the final step is to adjust your levels using the dial on the side. 

Steve Dent for Engadget

The mics feature omnidirectional recording and the receiver can work with two of them at once, either to separate channels or mixed together. If you use it with the DJI Mimo app, you can record backup audio at 6db lower than the main track to avoid any clipping issues. Audio can be transmitted up to 400 meters (1,300 feet) and DJI says it provides stable audio even in busy electronic environments thanks to the anti-interference tech. 

The Mic Mini is part of DJI's OsmoAudio ecosystem, so the transmitters can connect to other DJI devices like the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4 or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver to simplify workflow. It also connects directly to smartphones via Bluetooth, again with no receiver required (if you want to use multiple mics with your smartphone, there's an optional USB-C adapter for the transmitter). It's available in a kit with a charging case that keeps everything in one place and provides 48 hours of extended use when fully charged. 

DJI

The main feature missing that can be found on the more expensive Mic 2 is a 3.5mm port on the transmitters for an external microphone. The Mic Mini also lacks the Mic 2's internal 32-bit float recording that eliminates clipping. 

I've used the system for a short while and the microphones are the smallest and lightest I've seen yet and are relatively discreet apart from the DJI logo (which is nothing a piece of black tape won't fix). They're easy to attach with the magnetic clips and don't flop around like the Mic 2 or other larger wireless mics on loose clothing (t-shirts etc.) because they're so light at 10 grams. I used them for two videos and they offered crisp sound across all frequencies — in fact, I couldn't tell the difference between the Mic Mini and Mic 2 by ear. 

DJI

I also tested the Mic Mini with an Android smartphone, iPad and DJI's Action 5 camera, and it worked flawlessly. You can use the DJI Fly app to connect to a Neo drone and benefit from the noise reduction, much as you can with the Mic 2. 

The Mic Mini arrives shortly after Sennheiser launched its $299 Profile Wireless Mic, though that product competes more closely with the DJI Mic 2 (and lacks a Bluetooth transmitter). Another option is the $150 Rode Wireless Micro, which only works with smartphones and not cameras.

For creators, the most interesting part of the Mic Mini is bound to be the price. For a one receiver and one transmitter, you'll pay just $89, and a full kit with a charging case, two transmitters, a receiver, cable and wind muffs is $169. It's available at DJI's store, Amazon and elsewhere. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/djis-tiny-mic-mini-offers-high-quality-wireless-sound-recording-starting-at-89-130036583.html?src=rss
Steve Dent

The Morning After: Sony might make another handheld console

5 days 21 hours ago

While the PlayStation Portal offered a way to play PS5 games remotely, it wasn’t a standalone handheld. In fact, it’s been about 14 years since the PS Vita appeared, and now, according to a report from Bloomberg, the company is developing another portable console able to play games on device, as well as any cloud-based/ remote play tricks.

The report cites unnamed sources, and Sony isn’t commenting. But since Nintendo’s Switch proved there’s still an appetite for handheld consoles, the boom in handheld PCs, like the Steamdeck, might have inspired a second look.

As the report notes, smartphones (augmented by controller peripherals) dominate mobile gaming and prove there’s plenty of appetite for gaming on the move.

— Mat Smith

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The biggest tech stories you missed

Threads’ latest test lets you make the ‘following’ feed the default It’s a big complaint with the current feed.

Meta’s Threads is experimenting with allowing users to set the non-algorithmic “following” feed as the default, Mark Zuckerberg shared in a post. The change, according to Zuckerberg, lets users select any feed as their default. This could (should?) curtail the sloppy engagement bait rife on Threads, and its uncanny ability to push a mix of bizarre posts from total strangers.

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The best tech gifts and gadgets of 2024 We want these. Engadget

Trying to find the right gift for a gadget lover — and probable Engadget reader — during the holidays can be difficult. So let us help! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite gadgets and gear that just might satisfy the avid geek in your life — consider it a list of devices to keep an eye on during all those Black Friday sales.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121501543.html?src=rss
Mat Smith

The best smart scales for 2024

5 days 23 hours ago

If you’re looking to keep a closer eye on your health, a smart scale might be the perfect addition to your wellness routine. Unlike standard scales, which only measure weight, smart scales go further by tracking a range of metrics like body fat percentage, muscle mass and even water weight. They connect to your smartphone or tablet, syncing up with health apps so you can easily monitor changes over time and set fitness goals. Plus, many smart scales offer user profiles, which is great if multiple people in your home want to track their own progress individually.

Smart scales also bring a level of accuracy that standard scales just don’t offer. By analyzing bioelectrical signals, these scales can provide you with more detailed insights, helping you get a clearer picture of your body composition and overall health. Whether you’re just starting a fitness journey or want more in-depth insights into your wellness, a smart scale can help you stay motivated and informed.

Table of contents Smart scale safety

There are valid reasons to weigh yourself, but your self-worth shouldn’t be defined by the number that shows up between your feet. If you’re looking to alter your body shape, that figure could go up as your waistline goes down, since muscle weighs more than fat. Dr. Anne Swift, Director of public health teaching at the University of Cambridge, said that “weighing yourself too often can result in [you] becoming fixated on small fluctuations day-to-day, rather than the overall trend over time.” Swift added that “it’s sometimes better to focus on how clothes fit, or how you feel, rather than your weight.”

(A meta-analysis from 2016 found there may be some negative psychological impact from self weighing. A 2018 study, however, said that there may be a positive correlation between regular weigh-ins and accelerated weight loss. It can be a minefield, and I’d urge you to take real care of yourself and remember that success won’t happen overnight.)

Best smart scales for 2024

What to look for in a smart scale Weight

A weighing scale that measures weight is probably the top requirement, right? One thing to bear in mind is that, with all these measurements, weight readings won’t be as accurate as a calibrated, clinical scale. Consequently, it’s better to focus on the overall full body weight trend up or down over time, rather than the figures in isolation.

Connectivity

Most scales will either connect to your phone over Bluetooth, or to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and you should work out your regular weighing routine ahead of time. A lot of lower-end, Bluetooth-only scales will only record your weight when your phone is present and don’t keep local records. That means if you routinely leave your phone outside the bathroom at home, you could lose that day’s stats. Wi-Fi connectivity, on the other hand, allows a scale to post your stats to a server, letting you access them from any compatible device. Some smart scales even allow multiple user profiles, which is great for families or shared households. But you need to be mindful that there’s a small risk to your privacy should that information from your Wi-Fi scale be compromised.

Bone density

The stronger your bones, the less you’re at risk from breaks and osteoporosis, which you should keep in mind as you get older. Clinical bone density tests use low-power x-rays but higher-end scales can offer an approximation from your own bathroom. These bone mass tests pass a small electrical current through your feet, measuring the resistance as it completes its journey. The resistance offered by bones, fat and muscle are all different, and your scale can identify the difference.

Body fat percentage and muscle mass

Fat and muscle are necessary parts of our makeup, but an excessive amount of either can be problematic. Much like bone density, a smart body fat scale can measure body fat and muscle mass percentages using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). This measurement tests how well your body resists the electrical signal passing through your body. (It’s a rough rule of thumb that you should have a 30/70 percent split between fat and muscle, but please consult a medical professional for figures specific to your own body and medical needs.) For those with specific athletic goals, some smart scales also offer an athlete mode to better tailor readings for accuracy.

BMI

A lot of scales offer a BMI calculation, and it’s easy to do since you just plot height and weight on a set graph line. Body Mass Index is, however, a problematic measurement that its critics say is both overly simplistic and often greatly misleading. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common clinical body metrics and medical professionals will use it to make judgements about your care.

Pulse Wave Velocity

French health-tech company Withings has offered Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) on its flagship scale for some time, although regulatory concerns meant it was withdrawn for a period of time. It’s a measurement of arterial stiffness, which acts as a marker both of cardiovascular risk and also other health conditions. I’ve had anecdotal reports that PWV scales have sent people to the doctor, where they’ve found they were close to a cardiac event. It’s worth saying, as with all of these technologies, that there is limited, albeit positive, research into how accurate these systems are.

Display

Less a specification and more a note that smart scales have displays ranging from pre-printed LCDs or digital dot matrix layouts through to color screens. On the high end, your scale display can show you trending charts for your weight and other vital statistics, and can even tell you the day’s weather. If you are short-sighted, and plan on weighing yourself first thing in the morning, before you’ve found your glasses / contacts, opt for a big, clear, high-contrast display.

App and subscriptions

You’ll spend most of your time looking at your health data through its companion scales app, and it’s vital you get a good one. This includes a clear, clean layout with powerful tools to visualize your progress and analyze your data to look for places you can improve. Given that you often don’t need to buy anything before trying the app, it’s worth testing one or two to see if you vibe with it. It’s also important you check app compatibility before making your purchase. Some health apps will only work with iOS or Android — not both. Apple Watch connectivity can also be a bonus for tracking workouts and health metrics seamlessly.

Several companies also offer premium subscriptions, unlocking other features – including insights and coaching – to go along with your hardware. Fitbit and Withings both offer these services, which you may feel is worth the extra investment each month.

Data portability

Using the same scale or app platform for years at a time means you’ll build up a massive trove of personal data. And it is, or should be, your right to take that data to another provider when you choose to move platforms in the future. Data portability is, however, a minefield, with different platforms offering wildly different options, making it easy (or hard) to go elsewhere.

All of the devices in this round-up will allow you to export your data to a .CSV file, which you can then do with as you wish. Importing this information is trickier, with Withings and Garmin allowing it, and Omron, Xiaomi, Eufy and Fitbit not making it that easy. (Apps that engage with Apple Health, meanwhile, can output all of your health data in a .XML file.)

Power

It’s not a huge issue but one worth bearing in mind that each scale will either run disposable batteries (most commonly 4xAAA) or with its own, built-in battery pack. Sadly, all of our crop of smart scales use batteries, adding an environmental and financial cost to your scale life. That’s just about forgivable for scales that cost under $100, but this stretches even to the highest-end models. When you’re spending more than that on a device, the lack of a rechargeable cell feels very, very cheap indeed.

How we tested and which smart scales we tested

For this guide, I tested six scales from major manufacturers:

Mi (Xiaomi) Body Composition Scale 2 ($29.99)

Our cheapest model, Xiaomi / Mi’s Body Composition Scale 2 is as bare-bones as you can get, and it shows. It often takes a long while to lock on to get your body weight, and when it does you’ll have to delve into the Zepp Life-branded scales app in order to look at your extra data. But you can’t fault it for the basics, offering limited (but accurate) weight measurements and body composition for less than the price of a McDonald’s for four.

Fitbit Aira Air ($49.95)

Fitbit, now part of Google, is the household name for fitness trackers and smartwatches in the US, right? If not, then it must be at least halfway synonymous with it. The Aria Air is the company’s stripped-to-the-bare bones scale, offering your weight and a few other health metrics, but you can trust that Fitbit got the basics right. Not to mention that most of the reason for buying a Fitbit product is to leverage its fitness app anyway.

Anker Eufy Smart Scale P2 Pro ($79.99)

Eufy’s Smart Scale P2 Pro has plenty of things to commend it – the price, the overall look and feel (it’s a snazzy piece of kit) and what it offers. It offers a whole host of in-depth functionality, including Body Fat, Muscle Mass, Water Weight, Body Fat Mass and Bone Mass measurements, as well as calculating things like your Heart Rate and Basal Metabolic Rate (the amount of calories you need to eat a day to not change weight at all) all from inside its app. In fact, buried beneath the friendly graphic, the scale offers a big pile of stats and data that should, I think, give you more than a little coaching on how to improve your overall health.

Shortly before publication, Anker – Eufy’s parent company – was identified as having misled users, and the media, about the security of its products. Its Eufy-branded security cameras, which the company says does not broadcast video outside of your local network, was found to be allowing third parties to access streams online. Consequently, while we have praised the Eufy Smart Scale for its own features, we cannot recommend it without a big caveat.

Omron BCM-500 Body Composition and Scale with Bluetooth ($89.99)

Given its role in making actual medical devices, you know what you’re getting with an Omron product. A solid, reliable, sturdy, strong (checks the dictionary for more synonyms) dependable piece of kit. There’s no romance or excitement on show, but you can trust that however joyless it may be, it’ll do the job in question and will be user-friendly. The hardware is limited, the app is limited, but it certainly (checks synonyms again) is steady.

Joking aside, Omron’s Connect app is as bare-bones as you can get, since it acts as an interface for so many of its products. Scroll over to the Weight page, and you’ll get your weight and BMI reading, and if you’ve set a fitness goal, you can see how far you’ve got to go to reach it. You can also switch to seeing a trend graph which, again, offers the most basic visualization of your workouts and progress.

Garmin Index S2 ($149.99)

Garmin’s got a pretty massive fitness ecosystem of its own, so if you’re already part of that world, its smart bathroom scale is a no-brainer. On one hand, the scale is one of the easiest to use, and most luxurious of the bunch, with its color screen and sleek design. I’m also a big fan of the wealth of data and different metrics the scale throws at you – you can see a full color graph charting your weight measurements and goal progress, and the various metrics it tracks in good detail. If there’s a downside, it’s that Garmin’s setup won’t hold your hand, since it’s for serious fitness people, not newbies.

Withings Body Comp ($209.95)

At the highest end, Withings’ flagship Body Comp is luxurious, and luxuriously priced, a figure I’d consider to be “too much” to spend on a bathroom scale. For your money, however, you’ll get a fairly comprehensive rundown of body composition metrics including your weight, body fat percentage, vascular age, pulse wave velocity and electrodermal activity. Its monochrome dot matrix display may not be as swish as the Garmin’s, but it refreshes pretty quickly and feels very in-keeping with the hardware’s overall sleek look. If there’s a downside, it’s that they ditched the rechargeable battery found in the Withings Body Cardio (its former flagship, and an excellent scale I’d recommend if it were within the parameters of this guide) in favor of AAA batteries. Which, when you’re spending this much on a body fat scale, makes me feel very nickel-and-dimed.

Smart scales FAQs What's the difference between a smart scale and a regular scale?

A regular scale is pretty straightforward - it tells you how much you weigh, and that’s usually it. A smart scale, on the other hand, does much more. Not only does it give you your weight measurements, but it can also track things like your body fat percentage, muscle mass, and even your BMI. Some smart scales even monitor more advanced metrics like bone density, depending on the model.

What’s even better is that smart scales sync with scales apps on your phone using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you can see all your health data in one place. This lets you monitor trends over time, like if your muscle mass is increasing or your body fat percentage decreasing.

How do smart scales work with more than one person using it?

When more than one person in a household uses the smart scale, it usually recognizes each person by their weight range and other body measurements (like body fat percentage). Most smart scales allow you to set up individual profiles in the companion app, and once your profile is linked, the scale can automatically figure out who’s standing on it.

Let’s say you and a family member have fairly different weights - the scale will easily know who’s who based on that. But if you and someone else have similar weights, it might ask you to confirm the profile on your phone after the weigh-in. Some scales even let you assign a profile manually in the scales app if it’s not sure.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-scale-160033523.html?src=rss
Daniel Cooper

The best wireless earbuds for 2024

6 days 1 hour ago

While you could say the Bluetooth earbuds space is thriving, you could also say the amount of variety in the market can make it confusing to decide which pair will be the best Bluetooth earbuds for you. There are plenty of high-quality options out there, with solid active noise cancellation (ANC) like the AirPods Pro 2, sound quality and designs, so for many, the decision will come down to unique features that big companies like Sony, Bose, Apple and Samsung put in their products.

I've tested and reviewed dozens of sets of earbuds a year for Engadget, constantly pitting new models against the previous best across all price ranges to keep this list of the best true wireless earbuds up to date. This guide explains why my current selections for the best wireless earbuds made the cut, and offers some shopping advice in terms of everything you need to know before choosing the best true wireless earbuds for your needs.

If earbuds aren’t your jam, however, you can check out our best headphones buying guide, covering our favorite wireless, over-ear headphones, noise-canceling headphones and more.

Table of contents Best wireless earbuds

What to look for in wireless earbuds

When it comes to shopping for earphones, the first thing to consider is design or wear style. Do you prefer a semi-open fit like AirPods or do you want something that completely closes off your ears? If you’re shopping for earbuds with active noise cancellation, you'll want the latter, but a case can be made for the former if you want to wear them all day or frequent places where you need to be tuned in to the ambient sounds. The overall shape of earbuds can determine whether you get a comfortable fit, so can the size and weight, so you’ll want to consider all that before deciding. And remember: audio companies aren’t perfect, so despite lots of research, the earbud shape they decided on may not fit you well. Don’t be afraid to return ill-fitting earbuds for something that’s more comfortable.

As wireless earbuds have become the norm, they’re now more reliable for basic things like consistent Bluetooth connectivity. Companies are still in a race to pack as much as they can into increasingly smaller designs. This typically means a longer list of features on the more premium sets of earbuds with basic functionality on the cheapest models. Carefully consider what you can’t live without when selecting your next earbuds, and make sure key items like automatic pausing and multipoint connectivity are on the spec sheet. You’ll also want to investigate the volume and touch controls as you’ll often have to sacrifice access to something else to make that adjustment via on-board taps or swipes. Some earbuds even offer app settings to tweak the audio profiles or firmware updates to improve performance over time.

For those in the Apple ecosystem, features like auto-pairing with devices, especially with AirPods Pro 2, can be an added advantage, while Android users may want to look for models that offer similar cross-device functionality.

When it comes to battery life, the average set of earbuds lasts about five hours on a single charge. You can find sets that last longer, but this is likely enough to get you through a work day if you’re docking the buds during lunch or the occasional meeting. You’ll want to check on how many extra charges are available via the case and if it supports wireless charging.

Companies will also make lofty claims about call quality on wireless earbuds. Despite lots of promises, the reality is most earbuds still leave you sounding like you’re on speakerphone. There are some sets that deliver, but don’t get your hopes up unless reviews confirm the claims.

Sound can be subjective, so we recommend trying before you buy if at all possible. This is especially true if you're an audiophile. We understand this isn’t easy when most of us do a lot of shopping online, but trying on a set of earbuds and listening to them for a few minutes can save you from an expensive case of buyer's remorse. If a store doesn’t allow a quick demo, most retailers have return policies that will let you take earbuds back you don’t like. Of course, you have to be willing to temporarily part with funds in order to do this.

We also recommend paying attention to things like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio and other immersive formats. Not all earbuds support them, so you’ll want to make sure a perspective pair does if that sort of thing excites you, especially if you plan to use them for playback of high-quality audio.

How we test wireless Bluetooth earbuds

The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. We prefer to do this over a one- to two-week period, but sometimes embargoes don’t allow it. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls. Since battery life for earbuds is typically less than a full day, we drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent).

To judge audio quality, we listen to a range of genres, noting any differences in the sound profile across the styles. We also test at both low and high volumes to check for consistency in the tuning. To assess call quality, we’ll record audio samples with the earbuds’ microphones as well as have third parties call us.

When it comes to features, we do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as we work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds we’re testing are an updated version of a previous model, we’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older buds. Ditto for the closest competition for each new set of earbuds that we review.

Other wireless Bluetooth earbuds we tested Samsung Galaxy Buds 3

The Galaxy Buds 3 combine ANC with an open-type design, which renders the noise-blocking abilities of the earbuds mostly useless. Still, there’s great low-end tone with ample bass when a track demands it. There are also lots of handy features, most of which require a Samsung phone. But at this price, there are better options from Google, Beats and Sony

Sennheiser Momentum Sport

I really like the overall shape of the Momentum Sport earbuds. They’re more comfortable than the Momentum True Wireless 4 and fit in my ears better. What’s more, the body temperature and heart rate sensors work well, sending those stats to a variety of apps. However, that sport-tracking feature works best with Polar’s app and devices, so there’s that consideration. Also, the audio quality and ANC performance isn’t as good as the MTW4, and these earbuds are pricey.

Beats Solo Buds

There’s a lot to like about the Solo Buds for $80. For me, the primary perk is they’re very comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to some thoughtful design considerations. You only get the basics here in terms of features and, as expected, the overall sound quality isn’t as good as the pricier models in the Beats lineup. You will get 18 hours of battery life though, since the company nixed the battery in the case and beefed up the listening time in the buds themselves.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Bose created something very unique for this set of earbuds that allows you to stay in-tune with the world while listening to audio content. The clip-on design is very comfortable, but sound quality suffers due to the open-type fit, especially when it comes to bass and spatial audio.

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7

These stick buds have a compact design that’s comfortable to wear and the warm sound profile is great at times. However, overall audio performance is inconsistent and there’s no automatic pausing.

Master & Dynamic MW09

Retooled audio, better ambient sound mode and reliable multipoint Bluetooth are the best things the MW09 has to offer. They’re expensive though, and you can find better ANC performance elsewhere.

Beats Studio Buds +

Updates to sound, ANC and battery life top the spec sheet here, and the new clear color option has some throwback energy I love. But there are some basic features missing, and Beats doesn’t come close to Apple’s natural audio quality in transparency mode.

JBL Tour Pro 2

These earbuds are feature-packed, including a touchscreen “smart case.” They aren’t the most consistent in terms of overall performance though, and I’m not convinced that case provides a lot of utility just yet.

Wireless earbud FAQs What is considered good battery life for true wireless earbuds?

Most wireless earbuds will last five hours on a single charge, at the least. You can find some pairs that have even better battery life, lasting between six and eight hours before they need more juice. All of the best wireless earbuds come with a charging case, which will provide additional hours of battery life — but you'll have to return each bud to the case in order to charge them up.

Is sound quality better on headphones or earbuds?

Comparing sound quality on earbuds and headphones is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. There are a lot of variables to consider and the differences in components make a direct comparison difficult. Personally, I prefer the audio quality from over-ear headphones, but I can tell you the sound from earbuds like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 is also outstanding.

Which wireless earbuds have the longest battery life?

With new models coming out all the time, tracking the hours of battery life for each this can be difficult to keep tabs on. The longest-lasting earbuds we’ve reviewed are Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS5TW. The company states they last 15 hours, but the app was still showing 40 percent at that mark during our tests. The only downside is these earbuds debuted in 2019 and both technology and features have improved since. In terms of current models, Master & Dynamic’s MW08 offers 12 hours of use on a charge with ANC off (10 with ANC on) and JBL has multiple options with 10-hour batteries.

What wireless earbuds are waterproof?

There are plenty of options these days when it comes to increased water resistance. To determine the level of protection, you’ll want to look for an IP (ingress protection) rating. The first number indicates intrusion protection from things like dust. The second number is the level of moisture protection and you’ll want to make sure that figure is 7 or higher. At this water-resistance rating, earbuds can withstand full immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths up to one meter (3.28 feet). If either of the IP numbers is an X, that means it doesn’t have any special protection. For example, a pair of wireless earbuds that are IPX7 wouldn’t be built to avoid dust intrusion, but they would be ok if you dropped them in shallow water.

Which earbuds stay in ears the best?

A secure fit can vary wildly from person to person. All of our ears are different, so audio companies are designing their products to fit the most people they can with a single shape. This is why AirPods will easily fall out for some but stay put for others. Design touches like wing tips or fins typically come on fitness models and those elements can help keep things in place. You’ll likely just have to try earbuds on, and if they don’t fit well return them.

What wireless earbuds work with PS5?

PlayStation 5 doesn’t support Bluetooth audio without an adapter or dongle. Even Sony’s own gaming headsets come with a transmitter that connects to the console. There are universal options that allow you to use any headphones, headset or earbuds with a PS5. Once you have one, plug it into a USB port on the console and pair your earbuds with it.

Recent updates

July 2024: Updated our list to include the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html?src=rss
Billy Steele

Mass Effect creator's new studio is shutting down after three years

6 days 12 hours ago

Humanoid Origin will be shutting down. The three-year-old indie gaming studio, helmed by former BioWare GM and Mass Effect creator Casey Hudson, is the latest casualty in a brutal stretch for game developers and other industry professionals.

In the LinkedIn post announcing the closure, Humanoid Origin said its efforts to shield its team from the industry’s woes fell short. “An unexpected shortfall of funding left us unable to sustain operations,” the studio wrote.

Hudson formed the studio (then called Humanoid Studios) in 2021 when industry hiring was picking up steam after COVID lockdowns had lifted. He described the startup as a means “to unleash the creative freedom of developers” by “bringing innovation and artistry to players through an all-new IP.” Its website celebrated content built around interactive worlds, characters and storytelling while embracing innovation “that feels magical.”

Humanoid Origin

The following year, the studio said it was working on a multi-platform AAA game in “an all-new science-fiction universe.” IGN noted on Monday that Humanoid Origin was hiring as recently as May of this year.

“We’re heartbroken that we will not be able to bring our new science-fiction universe to completion,” the studio wrote today. “Our main concern at this time however is for our team, and we are committed to supporting them in their transition to new employment.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/mass-effect-creators-new-studio-is-shutting-down-after-three-years-212102929.html?src=rss
Will Shanklin

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker just announced a retro-futuristic musical instrument called Orchid

6 days 14 hours ago

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker just announced a musical instrument called Orchid. It’s a nifty-looking chord machine with some modern bells and whistles. For the uninitiated, a chord machine is a device or plugin that allows users to simplify the process of playing chords.

To that end, Orchid lets players initiate full melodic chords by pressing a note on the tiny one-octave keybed. They can be manipulated by using a handful of buttons on the left. Holding down one of these buttons while playing a key changes the chord in all kinds of ways, like transforming something from a major to a minor.

There are a handful of sounds to choose from, and some emulate playing chords on a stringed instrument across multiple octaves. The internal FX and arpeggiator allow for even more unique compositions. Orchid is battery-powered and boasts dual built-in speakers for portable play sessions. The creators are calling it an “ideas machine” and, yeah, that tracks. Most chord machines I’ve fooled around with have been tied to a computer or instrument via MIDI and this one works standalone.

I would be remiss if I also didn't mention the attractive design, which was whipped up by co-creator Ignacio Germade. This thing has retro-futuristic vibes to spare. It looks very pretty and I want to stare at it lovingly.

Orchid is the first device launched by Telepathic Instruments, a company founded by Parker, Germade and others. There will be just 1,000 of these little beauties available for purchase this December. The initial rollout is being described as a beta test of sorts, with the company saying that “these owners will have the chance to shape and refine” the design before a wider release. It costs $550. That’s a lot of money for a chord machine but, again, it’s standalone and is particularly easy on the eyes.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/tame-impalas-kevin-parker-just-announced-a-retro-futuristic-musical-instrument-called-orchid-193219134.html?src=rss
Lawrence Bonk
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46 minutes 34 seconds ago
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