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Google has started rolling out customizable calling cards for the beta versions of its Android Contacts and Phone apps. Android Authority found clues that the company was working on the feature back in July when it did an APK teardown. Now, you can give it a try if you decide to install the beta versions of the apps. As the publication notes, Google's implementation is the direct opposite of Apple's. On iOS, your set your own photo and name that you want to show up on other people's phones when you call them. You cannot alter other people's Contact Posters, as Apple calls the feature. Meanwhile, on Android, you can't make your own calling card. The feature instead gives you a way to set a photo and a name for your contacts that show up on your screen when they call you. 

If you do have access to the beta Contacts app for Android, you'll now see a note that says "Try adding a calling card" when you view a contact's details. From there, you can choose a photo you have of that contact from your gallery or take a new one of them with your camera. You can also adjust the font type and color for their name. Whenever they call, that calling card will take over your phone screen. If this sounds nothing new to you, it may be because Samsung has had a profile card feature for a while now that works just like Google's implementation. It's already widely available and accessible from your contacts' profile pages. 

Update, August 29 2025, 10:11AM ET: Google has announced that its Calling Cards feature is now rolling out to Android users worldwide. Once you’ve updated your Google Phone app to version v188, you’ll be able to set a full-screen picture that appears for all outgoing and incoming calls. Google says the feature will be made available in phases, so you might not get it straight away.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-is-testing-customizable-calling-cards-for-android-that-show-up-when-your-friends-call-123038875.html?src=rss

YouTube TV subscribers won't have to worry about missing key college football games and other Fox content after the two sides struck a deal yesterday. "We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Fox to keep their content on YouTube TV," the Alphabet-owned company wrote on its blog. 

Earlier this week, YouTube TV warned subscribers that they could lose access to Fox content including the start of the NFL season and a key college football game between top-ranked Texas and Utah. The standoff was over money, of course, with YouTube TV saying Fox demanded more of it than rival stations with comparable offerings. 

That has now been resolved with a "renewal of the full portfolio of Fox networks, including Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network, the Fox network and all Fox Local Stations," Fox said in its own press release.

Such disputes are not unusual and often happen ahead of key sporting events, allowing stations like Fox to ratchet up the pressure on cable operators and live streaming services. In the past, YouTube TV has lost access to local Fox stations that carry regional sports, though usually disputes are extended and resolved before they get that far. 

Fox has a bit more leverage now, having recently launched the Fox One streaming service that includes all NFL and MLB games aired on Fox networks, for $20 per month or $200 per year. YouTube TV also exclusively offers NFL Sunday Ticket that broadcasts NFL games produced by Fox and CBS that aren't available on local affiliates as an add-on starting at $85 per month. That package was never impacted by the standoff. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/youtube-tv-subscribers-wont-lose-access-to-fox-content-after-all-130054330.html?src=rss

The UK's Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) has submitted a new legal filing, suggesting that authorities wanted the iCloud backdoor they're demanding Apple to create to be able to access more data than previously thought. According to the Financial Times, UK's Home Office has also yet to legally withdraw or change its order for Apple to create backdoor access to its users' data. If you'll recall, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed a few days ago that the UK "has agreed to drop its mandate for Apple to provide a 'back door' that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on [their] civil liberties." It's still unclear if the Home Office merely hasn't started the process of withdrawing the mandate yet. 

IPT is an independent judicial body that investigates complaints about alleged unlawful surveillance from UK authorities. The Times reported in March that Apple challenged the UK government at the IPT after receiving a secret order from the Home Office to build a backdoor for iCloud data. Apple is not allowed to publicly discuss the order, but it first acknowledgment that it received a mandate from UK authorities when it disabled iCloud's Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK back February. 

"Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom. As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will," the company said in a statement back then. It's worth noting that the UK government has yet to confirm or deny the order's existence, and IPT will be hearing the case based on "assumed facts."

The order reportedly states the Apple has the obligation to "provide and maintain a capability to disclose categories of data stored within a cloud-based service," which indicates that the government looked to gain access to people's passwords and messages. In addition, the Times says the order was "not limited to" data protected by Apple's ADP, suggesting that authorities wanted broad access to Apple iCloud accounts. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uks-demand-for-apple-backdoor-may-have-been-broader-than-previously-thought-123009302.html?src=rss

Windows offers several built-in ways to take screenshots. Sure, you can just hit the Prt Scrn button on your keyboard to capture your entire screen, but if you want to screenshot a portion of your screen, a particular window, or you have multiple monitors there are other ways you can use Windows to achieve this. Whether you're using Windows 11 or a recent update to Windows 10, the tools remain largely consistent and reliable. 

This guide walks you through the most useful native screenshot methods, including the Snipping Tool, keyboard shortcuts and clipboard techniques, as well as popular third-party apps for more advanced needs. For more cross-platform tips, you can also check out Engadget's guide on how to take a screenshot on any device.

How to use the Snipping Tool for easy screenshots

The Snipping Tool is the most versatile built-in screenshot option in Windows. It lets you capture specific regions, open windows or the entire screen and includes basic annotation tools. It’s available by default on Windows 11 devices, though Windows 10 users can still access the Snipping Tool, despite it being replaced by Snip & Sketch.

1. Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool overlay. The screen will dim slightly and a small toolbar will appear at the top.

2. Choose one of the four capture modes:

• Rectangular Snip: Click and drag to select a custom rectangle.

• Freeform Snip: Draw any shape around the area you want to capture.

• Window Snip: Click on any open window to capture it.

• Full-screen Snip: Instantly captures the entire screen.

1. Once captured, the screenshot is copied to your clipboard and a preview appears in the bottom-right corner.

2. Click the preview to open the image in the Snipping Tool app, where you can annotate, save or share it.

To open the full app manually, search for the Snipping Tool from the Start menu.

How to use Print Screen shortcuts for quick captures

If you want to take a screenshot without opening an app, the Print Screen (PrtScn) key and its combinations offer the fastest method.

Windows + Print Screen

• Press Windows + PrtScn to capture the entire screen and automatically save the screenshot.

• The image is stored as a PNG file in Pictures > Screenshots.

Print Screen (alone)

• Press PrtScn to copy the entire screen to the clipboard. Note: depending on your PC or laptop you may need to use a keyboard combination such as Windows Key + Prt Scn. See the section on other options below, like “How to take screenshots on Surface devices and laptops”.

• Paste it into an image editor like Paint or a document using Ctrl + V.

Alt + Print Screen

• Press Alt + PrtScn to copy only the active window to the clipboard.

• This is useful when working with multiple windows or monitors.

How to use the Game Bar for screenshots while gaming

The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in overlay that allows you to capture gameplay footage and screenshots. It works in most PC games and some desktop applications.

How to take a screenshot with the Game Bar

1. Press Windows + G to open the Game Bar overlay. This works outside of games. You can use it on Windows (on your desktop) to control music, take screenshots and record screen captures, among other things.

2. Click the camera icon in the Capture widget, or press Windows + Alt + PrtScn to take a full-screen screenshot instantly.

3. Screenshots taken with Game Bar are saved in Videos > Captures.

If the Game Bar doesn't appear, you may need to enable it by going to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

Save directly to the clipboard or paste into apps

If you don't want to save a file immediately, copying a screenshot to the clipboard lets you paste it directly into chat apps, email clients or documents.

• Windows + Shift + S: Opens Snipping Tool and copies your selection to the clipboard.

• PrtScn or Alt + PrtScn: Copies either the full screen or active window.

• Use Ctrl + V to paste the image into Paint, Word, Outlook or other apps.

How to take screenshots on Surface devices and laptops

On some laptops and Surface tablets, the Print Screen function may be combined with other keys or replaced with dedicated shortcuts.

• Fn + Prt Scn: Use this combo on laptops where PrtScn shares a key with other functions.

• Windows + Volume Down: On Surface devices, press these together to take a full-screen screenshot, similar to a phone or tablet.

How to use Windows Snip & Sketch (if available)

Windows 10 users can use Snip & Sketch, the predecessor to the current Snipping Tool. It functions similarly but has a slightly different interface. On newer builds, Snip & Sketch has been merged into the modern Snipping Tool.

However, it is possible for Windows 10 users to still use the original Snipping Tool by searching for “Snipping Tool” via the Start Menu, or by navigating to C:\Windows\System32\SnippingTool.exe.

To launch it manually, search for Snip & Sketch in the Start menu, but just note that it's generally recommended to use the updated Snipping Tool for better compatibility.

Third-party Windows screenshot tools

For more advanced workflows or custom capture needs, several third-party tools offer extended functionality, such as auto-saving, video capture and cloud syncing.

ShareX

ShareX is a free, open-source tool with deep customization options. It supports custom keyboard shortcuts, scheduled captures, auto-upload to cloud services, scrolling window screenshots and more. It’s best suited for power users or content creators.

Greenshot

Greenshot is a lightweight, beginner-friendly alternative that adds annotation tools and direct upload to services like Imgur. It’s ideal for users who want more features than the Snipping Tool without overwhelming complexity.

Snagit (paid)

Snagit offers advanced features like panoramic scrolling capture, video recording and image templates. It’s a premium tool with a one-time purchase cost, mainly used by professionals and educators.

While most users won’t need third-party apps for screenshots, these tools can be helpful for documentation, tutorials or frequent screen capturing. They offer more features compared to Snipping Tool, like direct upload to external services, templates, annotation tools, etc. to further simplify your workflow.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/how-to-screenshot-on-windows-120024162.html?src=rss

Now that Apple has scheduled its iPhone 17 event for September 9th, it's time to dive into everything we’re expecting. In this episode, Devindra and Engadget's Igor Bonifacic chat with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman about his latest Apple scoops. We're expecting an ultra-thin iPhone Air (which may turn out to be a dud), but when will we hear more about Apple's rumored move into robotics and that darned foldable iPhone?

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• Spotify

• Pocket Casts

• Stitcher

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Topics

• iPhone 17 event preview with Mark Gurman: Apple’s rumored iPhone Air will be rough around the edges at first  – 1:03

• What to expect from the main iPhone 17 line: more of the same, for better or worse – 10:24

• OpenAI faces first known Artificial Intelligence wrongful death lawsuit – 26:32

• U.S. government converts Intel’s CHIPS act grant into 9.9% equity – 32:28

• Working on – 37:15

• Pop culture picks –  39:01

Credits

Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Igor Bonifacic
Guest: Mark Gurman
Producer: Ben Ellman
Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-iphone-17-event-preview-with-bloombergs-mark-gurman-113000693.html?src=rss

We’ve reviewed half of the Pixel 10 series, and Google continues to improve its phones in very tangible ways. We scored the Pixel 10 Pro 94, which is a high score, but well deserved. With brighter screens, a faster Tensor G5 chip and a bigger battery, a lot of the improvements are software based. Magic Cue uses on-device AI to surface relevant information from apps, reducing app-hopping.

Engadget

The camera app also introduces Camera Coach for shooting directions and to highlight various camera modes. While camera hardware is largely unchanged, the Pixel 10 Pro has a new Pro Res Zoom feature, using generative AI for up to 100x zoom, delivering sharper and “just better looking” results than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s zoom, according to Sam Rutherford, who put the phone through its paces. This year’s Pixels also support magnetic Qi2 wireless charging, with what Google calls Pixelsnap. (It’s MagSafe for Pixels.)

For those seeking a more affordable option, the Pixel 10, reviewed by me, now includes a 5x telephoto lens, surpassing other base flagships, like the S25 (3x) and iPhone 16 (2x), and incorporates all the Gemini features found in the Pro device. Also, I love the new Indigo Blue.

Waiting on reviews for the new Pixel Watch and Pixel 10 Pro Fold? Expect those over the next few months — the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is set to be released in October.

— Mat Smith

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Apple’s iPhone 17 ‘awe dropping’ event is on September 9 It might be iPhone Air time. Engadget

Apple has announced its “awe dropping” iPhone event on September 9. Alongside what is expected to be called the iPhone 17, we might see the super-thin iPhone Air. Rumored to be approximately 5.55 mm thick, making it the thinnest iPhone yet, it might mean a single camera and a smaller battery, but details are TBC for now. We’re also expecting to see new Apple Watch models, including the first new Ultra model in two years, and possibly the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3.

Continue reading.

Everything we played at Gamescom 2025 Yes, Silksong. Again. Microsoft

Gamescom has concluded, with a surprising highlight being an actual launch date for Silksong: September 4. The Hollow Knight follow-up’s influence has led other indie publishers to shift their game launches to avoid competing with it. Fresh from Cologne, Germany, we have extensive reports from the show, covering games like Silent Hill f, Resident Evil Requiem and Outer Worlds 2.

My Best of Show award goes to NongShim noodles for its booth, made of instant noodle shelves, from which attendees could take free samples. And they did.

Continue reading.

Google Translate’s latest feature is its take on Duolingo The company also introduced improved AI-powered live translations.

Google is expanding its Translate app with new language learning tools designed to improve conversation skills. The feature tailors listening and practice sessions based on your current level and motivation. (It even asks you why you’re learning a language.) It will make customized scenarios for listening or speaking practice with helpful hints and even track your daily progress. Currently, it supports English speakers practicing Spanish and French, and Spanish, French and Portuguese speakers working on their English.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111537079.html?src=rss

Europe’s biggest gameshow is a beast. Spanning the halls of Cologne Messe, and with E3 now out of the picture, Gamescom is a bigger deal than ever. The show also attracts thousands of public attendees, which gives the show a fairground twist in places. This year, Netflix dominated one of the halls with a faux One Piece ship, sports stadium, a Wednesday-themed cafe and a Stranger Things ice cream stall.

Elsewhere, while Nintendo didn’t have anything new to show, it had plenty of Switch 2 consoles to convince the not-yet-convinced — and some of them had Silksong. Microsoft, too, had a substantial presence, revealing an October 16 launch date for its Xbox Ally duo of handheld gaming PCs. No price, though.

While you can find all the news and previews on our Gamescom page, we’ve also drawn together all the other games we tested during this week’s show, several of which launch in the next few weeks.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Konami

While the man who created Metal Gear moved onto walking sims and Hollywood best friends, Konami is more than happy to beef up and remaster the hits. This time around, it’s Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

I’ll admit, Snake Eater was when I fell off the Metal Gear Solid train (or nuclear mech), and it came undone by the camouflage system and the difficult-to-navigate early areas. A very tight demo, as the Gamescom crowds rushed to early demos meant I didn’t get a chance to fully test the new style control system that (thankfully) shifts crouch and action/ confirm to separate buttons and adds a degree of camera control even in third-person. But it’s these kind of quality-of-life upgrades you can expect to see.

Of course, the graphics are a huge leap from the PS2 original (or Nintendo 3DS version I bafflingly chose to buy), but the pulpy (occasionally delightfully camp) dialogue remains in place. I look forward to getting through at least the opening scenes now that the game has launched on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.

There Are No Ghosts at the Grand

Microsoft

What a weird game. Not in a bad way. Things start off in the titular dilapidated Grand Hotel, with me renovating a room with PowerWash Simulator-inspired water guns, spray guns, sand blasters and vacuum. You can scan the area to get hints on what needs doing, while a naggy Scottish smartphone app will also try to help — but not really. There’s also a talking cat, apparently, called Mr. Bones the Bastard, but he wasn’t talking in this demo.

The early trailer teased a mystery that needs to be solved in the village, and while I didn’t get a glimpse of that, I was soon tasked with checking out some mysterious black gunk.

The developers even put a little more effort into the demo, with voiced lines that will likely never be heard in the retail version, teasing that the protagonist was being “onboarded” when he’s interrupted by one of the characters that populate the village around the hotel.

Seconds later, I’m riding a scooter to the dock, with a cat enjoying the ride, fixing a boat, getting a sassy soliloquy from the woman who convinced me to drive my boat into the sea. There are plenty more songs to come as new characters join the mystery.

As a reminder, the demo started with me sandblasting tatty wallpaper off period walls. I’m intrigued.

Resident Evil Requiem

We’ve got a more detailed breakdown by contributor Alessandro Fillari here, but I got a chance to get scared out of my skin too. The headline feature is the ability to play between first- and third-person perspectives. Still, it revealed an uncomfortable truth to myself: I'm a total coward and playing in third person is much less scary.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Capcom

Capcom’s return to its samurai vs. demons series is satisfying and fun, especially when compared to more punishing games in the genre, like Sekiro. However, the early chapters have a pretty basic attack flow, and I'm keen to see how things evolve beyond that. At least they’ve got one thing right: a great villain to loathe.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

The long-running DLC-into-sequel-into-meme-sensation is almost here, right? The demo at Gamescom remained the most popular attraction at Microsoft’s booth. Two Xbox Ally handhelds were also running the demo, which I was fortunate enough to test on. And I can say… yep, still plays like a faster, slicker Hollow Knight.

Having played it a heady six years ago, it’s now actually difficult to discern the differences between the early build and what is surely an almost-final snapshot of the game. One of the notable changes is its more elaborate lighting effects and details — things Redditors have pored over as each new trailer video appeared. I stand by my hands-on impressions from 2019, even if they have a fine vintage at this point.

But when is it coming out? Oh, September 4. 

All the announcements from Gamescom 2025

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives on November 14

• Xbox Ally handhelds will be available October 16, but we still don't know the price

• Xbox unveils its Handheld Compatibility Program

• Double Fine’s Keeper may have the most endearing video game double act since Banjo and Kazooie

• Sony Inzone launches new peripherals in collaboration with Fnatic

• Denshattack! is a blend of Tony Hawk, trains and shonen anime

• Battlestar Galactica might finally get the video game adaption it deserves

• Black Myth: Zhong Kui is the next title from Game Science Studio

• FromSoft's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is becoming an anime

• Fallout season two has a teaser trailer and a December 17 release date

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/everything-we-played-at-gamescom-2025-110017871.html?src=rss

Your Apple MacBook is already a powerful, sleek machine — but the right accessories can make it even better. Whether you’re trying to expand its ports, improve your workspace or boost your productivity on the go, there’s no shortage of helpful add-ons designed specifically with Apple products in mind. From USB-C hubs and external drives to stands, keyboards and protective sleeves, the best MacBook accessories help you get more out of your laptop without sacrificing style or portability.

Most of the options we recommend are designed to work seamlessly with macOS, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Whether you’ve just picked up a new MacBook Air or you’re kitting out a fully-loaded MacBook Pro, these accessories can help you create a more comfortable, capable and personalized setup.

Table of contents

• Best MacBook accessories for 2025

• Best MacBook webcam accessories

• Best MacBook docking stations and hubs

• Best MacBook charging gear

• Best MacBook keyboards and mice

• Best MacBook stands

Best MacBook accessories for 2025 Best MacBook webcam accessories

Best MacBook docking stations and hubs

Best MacBook charging gear

Best MacBook keyboards and mice

Best MacBook stands

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-macbook-accessories-150014737.html?src=rss

Developers building for Meta’s metaverse platform will soon be able to create AI-powered NPCs for Horizon Worlds. The company previewed the move, which is coming “very soon” as part of a developer update that adds new generative AI tools for developers.

Once available, developers will be able to use Meta’s Worlds Desktop Editor to create NPCs that can hold “lifelike” conversations with players via voice chat. The company has previously experimented with NPCs for its metaverse, but the upcoming update will be the first time developers have access to customizable embodied characters.

For players, this means the NPCs they encounter will be able to engage more dynamically and respond to specific interactions rather than only relying on scripted responses. In a blog post, Meta shared a video that shows how developers can customize their characters’ appearance and create a backstory and instructions that determine how it responds to players.

The update is the latest way that Meta has been steadily merging its AI and metaverse ambitions. And given that its Connect event is just a few weeks away, there’s a good chance we’ll hear more about how generative AI is changing Meta’s virtual worlds very soon. In the meantime, anyone who wants to see some of these new AI NPCs in action can check out characters in Bobber Bay Fishing and Profit or Perish.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-bringing-ai-powered-npcs-to-the-metaverse-231605236.html?src=rss

Microsoft is expanding its AI footprint with the release of two new models that its teams trained completely in-house. MAI-Voice-1 is the tech major's first natural speech generation model, while MAI-1-preview is text-based and is the company's first foundation model trained end-to-end. MAI-Voice-1 is currently being used in the Copilot Daily and Podcast features. Microsoft has made MAI-1-preview available for public tests on LMArena, and will begin previewing it in select Copilot situations in the coming weeks.

In an interview with Semafor, Microsoft AI division leader Mustafa Suleyman said the pair of models was developed with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. MAI-Voice-1 runs on a single GPU and MAI-1-preview was trained on about 15,000 Nvidia H-100 GPUs. For context, other models, such as xAI's Grok, took more than 100,000 of those chips for training. "Increasingly, the art and craft of training models is selecting the perfect data and not wasting any of your flops on unnecessary tokens that didn’t actually teach your model very much," Suleyman said.

Although it is being used to test the in-house models, Microsoft Copilot is primarily built on OpenAI's GPT tech. The decision to build its own models, despite having sunk billion-dollar investments in the newer AI company, indicates that Microsoft wants to be an independent competitor in this space. While that could take time to reach parity with the companies that have emerged as forerunners in AI development, Suleyman told Semafor that Microsoft has "an enormous five-year roadmap that we're investing in quarter after quarter." With some concerns arising that AI could be facing a bubble-pop, Microsoft's timeline will need to be aggressive to ensure taking the independent path is worthwhile.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-introduces-a-pair-of-in-house-ai-models-193003900.html?src=rss

Rakuten and Instapaper have announced a new integration that lets you access saved articles on Kobo ereaders. The new feature replaces a similar one Rakuten used to offer for Pocket users, which it was forced to replace after Mozilla decided to shut down the read-it-later service in May 2025.

Instapaper on Kobo devices works nearly identically to the way Pocket did previously. With your Instapaper account linked, you can access any article you've saved to your library. Articles can be downloaded and accessed offline, and you can like, delete or archive them as you see fit. As someone who relied on the Pocket integration to work my way through a ridiculous backlog of saved articles, Instapaper makes a capable replacement. Really, the only thing the feature is missing at this point is support for handwritten annotations on Kobos with styluses, like the Kobo Libra Colour or Kobo Elipsa 2E.

Mozilla made the decision to wind down Pocket and a few other smaller products to conserve time and resources that might be better spent on Firefox. Instapaper itself was in decline following an acquisition by Pinterest in 2016, until the developers working on the service bought it back and took Instapaper independent in 2018. 

Pocket and Instapaper aren't one-to-one replacements for each other (Instapaper seems much less concerned with preserving images, for example) but they're close. For anyone who relied on Pocket, Rakuten replacing the service with Instapaper is a best-case scenario. The new Instapaper integration is available globally on all currently supported Kobo ereaders.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/kobo-ereaders-are-swapping-out-pocket-for-instapaper-190615508.html?src=rss

More than 450 Diablo developers at Blizzard Entertainment have voted to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union will represent employees across multiple disciplines including designers, engineers, artists and support staff. This comes after a slew of layoffs in the gaming division at Microsoft, Blizzard's parent company, as well as across the industry at large.

The Diablo team isn't the first to unionize at the tech giant. ZeniMax QA workers reached a union contract with Microsoft after two years of negotiations, and Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development team voted to unionize earlier this month. Both are part of the CWA, which also helped the developers behind Overwatch unionize earlier this summer.

Kelly Yeo, a Diablo game producer and organizing committee member, said that the mass layoffs at Microsoft were a major motivating factor in the unionization. "With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I've witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us," she said. "This is just the first step for us joining a movement spreading across an industry that is tired of living in fear."

CWA says that more than 3,500 Microsoft workers have organized with the union. Earlier this year, video game workers announced the formation of the United Videogame Workers-CWA, an industry-wide union for workers in the US and Canada.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/over-450-diablo-developers-at-blizzard-have-unionized-180544383.html?src=rss

Meta seems to be working on ways for Threads users to share long-form writing within a single post. Several users have reported seeing a new "attach text" feature on the service, which allows them to embed large chunks of text within a single post.

The feature, which hasn't been formally announced by Meta, is similar to the "articles" feature that's available on X to Premium+ subscribers. It enables Threads users to embed longer text excerpts within a single Threads post and offers some basic formatting options. "Attach longer text and get creative with styling tools to share deeper thoughts, news snippets, book excerpts and more," Meta explains in a screenshot shared byThreads user Justin Mixon.

Though the feature hasn't been rolled out widely yet, it appears that anyone can view these longer text snippets that have already been shared. On mobile, these attachments open into a full-screen view that makes it easy to scroll through the text. On threads.com, text appears in a dedicated window. (Here are a couple examples shared by Threads user Roberto Nickson.)

Threads Screenshot

It's not clear what Meta's plans are for the feature. Engadget confirmed the company is currently testing the ability to share long-form text, but it's not clear when it might be more widely available. The ability to embed long-form writing directly on Threads could open up new possibilities for creators, publishers and others who want to move beyond the service's 500-character limit.

Engadget's reporting has found that the vast majority of Threads users don't click on links in posts, so giving users more flexibility within Threads itself could be helpful. At the same time, it risks making the 400-million user service even more insular. It's also worth noting that screenshots currently indicate posts with text attachments aren't able to be shared to services within the fediverse, which could potentially undermine Meta's goal to be interoperable with other ActivityPub-enabled platforms like Mastodon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-experimenting-with-long-form-text-on-threads-175557130.html?src=rss

Fubo is making a move to attract new subscribers ahead of the NFL season. The company's new Fubo Sports bundle includes content from ESPN, Fox and local affiliates. The football-friendly package costs $56 monthly.

Fubo Sports includes over 20 sports and broadcast networks. You get all of ESPN's live channels (including ESPN+). As for Fox, it has FS1, FS2 and the curious inclusion (for a sports package) of Fox News. The bundle also has the ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, Fubo Sports Network, ION, NFL Network, SEC Network and the Tennis Channel.

Additionally, Fubo Sports has local broadcast stations owned and operated by ABC, CBS and Fox. The company says additional affiliates will be available in select markets.

Fubo says some content will be available in 4K. It will support VOD, Unlimited DVR and Family Share features.

Fubo

You can argue that Fubo's new sports package is the best value for football fans. At $56, it's pricier than the upcoming ESPN and Fox One bundle. (It arrives on October 2 for $40.) By comparison, Fubo's package includes all the same sports channels, as well as local stations (and more). NFL and college football fans subscribing to this could also likely skip Paramount+'s sports content. The football completist would only need to add Peacock for NBC's Sunday night games and Amazon Prime for its Thursday night matchups.

Confused? Well, you aren't alone. In many ways, live TV streaming has become at least as convoluted as the cable TV it once promised to improve upon. Start with something simple, insert high stakes for wealthy corporations and watch a complex web of head-spinning shit come out the other side.

Regardless, starting next week, you can try Fubo Sports for $46 for your first month. After that, it defaults to the standard $56. The bundle arrives on September 2, two days before the NFL season kicks off.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/fubo-sports-will-make-a-play-for-football-fans-dollars-on-september-2-164847466.html?src=rss

The RX1R III is an incredible camera, capable of capturing stunning photos. However, for something Sony waited nearly a decade to update and is charging $5,100 for, it also feels like a missed opportunity. First, the RX1R III is nearly $2,000 more expensive than its predecessor. Plus, it’s missing a handful of features the company really should have included for it to hold its own against other high-end compact cameras, including Fujifilm’s X100VI and GFX100RF, as well as the Leica Q3 family. I love the RX1R III, but I wish it was easier to recommend.

Image quality and autofocus Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

New to the RX1R III is a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor Sony first introduced alongside the A7R IV back in 2019. It might be an old component, but having so much resolution in a camera I could carry everywhere felt like cheating.

What hasn't changed is the glass on the RX1R III. The camera still has the same fixed 35mm f/2.0 Zeiss lens that debuted on the original RX1R in 2012. With past models, autofocus was often an issue, but it turns out the Zeiss lens wasn't to blame. It was the focusing algorithms on the older cameras.

Like the A7R V, the RX1R III comes with Sony's flagship Bionz XR image processor and a dedicated chip for AI-assisted subject detection. At first, I was skeptical of the RX1R III's autofocus capabilities since the camera doesn't come with a joystick to make it easy to set a focus point manually. As it turns out, it doesn't need one. The autofocus on the RX1R III feels magical, thanks to its subject tracking. The seven different recognition modes offered by the RX1R III cover most of the things I like to shoot — including people, pets and birds — and getting the camera to lock onto a subject was simple. All I had to do was press and hold the new "AF-ON" button. The camera can be configured to prioritize specific subjects, but I found that wasn't necessary to do; I could delegate focusing entirely to the camera.

All of that brings me back to the RX1R III's Zeiss glass. I know some people will be disappointed Sony didn't add a new lens, but I'm a fan of the decision. For me, the character of that lens has always been part of the appeal of the series, and it's my favorite aspect of the new model.

With Sony's 61MP sensor behind it, the Zeiss optics can capture photos with a great amount of detail without ever feeling clinical or overly sharp like with many of the company's G Master lenses. The best way I can describe the rendering is that it's Leica-like with beautiful, creamy bokeh. With the right light, the RX1R III can produce images that look almost painterly, and reviewing the photos I snapped with it, they're among some of the best I've captured in the 10 years I've been shooting.

At the same time, I think Sony deserves credit for greatly improving the color science of its JPEGs. The company has long offered excellent RAW support, but the older I get, the more I appreciate a camera that can produce great images with minimal editing. With the RX1R III, Sony has delivered that. The camera offers a total of 12 JPEG profiles with six custom slots. Two of the default profiles, Film 2 and Film 3, are borrowed from the FX3, and offer calming, muted tones that are a nice contrast to the more vivid colors Sony is typically known for.

As for video, there's not much to say. The RX1R III can capture 4K footage at 60 frames per second and 1080p clips at 120 fps. That said, as I'll get to in a moment, Sony's new model is missing some features that would have made it a competent video camera. As things stand, I think it's only suited for capturing home videos you don't plan to share with the world.

Design and handling Igor Bonifacic for Engadget

The first time I looked through the RX1R III's viewfinder, I thought Sony had sent me a defective unit. The redesigned EVF is now built into the top left of the camera, but the company seems to have pulled the screen from the parts bin, as it only offers 2.36 million dots of resolution. For context, the A7R V has a 9.44-million-dot OLED EVF, while the older A7R IV has a 5.76-million-dot screen. It's jarring going from the new rear-panel LCD and viewfinder. It also feels cheap. A $5,100 camera should include a top-of-the-line EVF.

The viewfinder is not the only part of the RX1R III that left me confused about what Sony was thinking. There's the rear screen I just mentioned, which is both better and worse than the one before. On the one hand, it offers nearly double the resolution, thanks to its 2.36-million-dot panel. On the other hand, it's no longer articulating, which feels like a major step back since it makes shooting candid shots from the hip a lot harder. And forget about vlogging or taking selfies.

Separately, Sony hasn't weather-sealed the III. Again, that's a feature I'd like to see on such an expensive camera. Thankfully, battery life is improved, with the RX1R III supporting Sony's larger NP-FW50 batteries. I could comfortably get a day of shooting out of the latest model if I was good about powering off the camera when I wasn't using it.

I could overlook all the complaints I mentioned if Sony had just added in-body image stabilization (IBIS). When I reviewed the Fujifilm X100VI last year, that feature alone felt transformational. More than just improving image quality, it made the X100VI into a camera that could shoot in nearly any light. I understand Sony likely wanted to keep the III small and light, but again, $5,100 is a lot to pay to not have a feature that many high-end cameras offer.

Wrap-up

I've mentioned a few of the RX1R III’s competitors in passing, but now I think it makes sense to consider where Sony's new camera fits in the market. Most people shopping for a premium compact camera will probably start their search with the X100VI. If you can find one in stock, it's significantly cheaper than the RX1R III, coming in at $1,800. Sure, you're forgoing a full-frame sensor for a smaller APS-C sensor. But for most people, I think that's a fair tradeoff, especially when the X100VI also offers IBIS, an articulating screen, an optical viewfinder and Fujifilm's excellent color simulations.

If you want the largest possible sensor, I'd argue Fujifilm's GFX100RF, which has a medium-format 100MP sensor, makes more sense — even with all of its faults and a price increase coming at the end of the month. There are also the Leica Q3 and Q3 43 to consider. At $6,735 and $7,380 respectively, both are more expensive than the RX1R III, but come with nicer displays, IBIS and Leica glass.

Like I said at the start, I wish the RX1R III was easier to recommend, but it occupies a strange space where it's not necessarily better or different enough from its rivals. Inflation and Trump's tariffs likely tied Sony's hands to a degree, but the company could have still made the new model more compelling by avoiding some of its questionable design decisions.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sony-rx1r-iii-review-waiting-10-years-to-be-underwhelmed-160036397.html?src=rss

Bose announced its latest earbuds in June, but the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) ($299) won’t arrive until early September. Today, though, they’re available for preorder, and I’ve spent the last few weeks testing all the new features. This model is an overhaul of the noise-canceling earbuds the company debuted in 2023 alongside its take on spatial audio. Among the upgrades, Bose has improved the active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, enhanced call quality and added wireless charging to the case. Two years later, the QuietComfort Ultra is still the best option for those primarily concerned with blocking distractions, and Bose’s tweaks make its best earbuds even better.

What’s new on the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen)?

The new QC Ultra Earbuds are at their best in Quiet mode. This is Bose’s option for full noise cancellation without spatial audio (or Immersive Audio, as the company calls it). Here, there’s no doubt these are still the best noise-cancelling earbuds available right now. The first-gen version achieved the same feat, but Bose has gone a step further to enhance its ANC setup for this refresh.

Specifically, the company updated the algorithm for its ActiveSense technology in Aware (transpancy) Mode. Now the QC Ultra Earbuds offer smoother changes in ANC levels to combat sudden spikes in ambient noise. This means things like sirens should no longer drown out your music or podcast. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to trigger the retooled adaptive ANC with simulated police sirens from YouTube — the best option on my quiet cul-de-sac — but I’ll report back if I notice any oddities here.

Bose also upgraded call quality on the QC Ultra Earbuds. The company says a new AI-powered setup, known as SpeechClarity, works with “the earbuds’ eight microphones, dynamic mixing and adaptive filters” to focus on your voice. Bose explains that it uses audio augmentation tech that was originally developed for hearing aids here, which can reduce background noise like wind or the drone of an office. During my tests, the revised system silenced a noisy fan, rendering it completely absent from my recordings. However, overall voice quality suffers as you will sound a bit staticky when all the audio processing kicks in.

Thankfully, you no longer need an additional accessory for wireless charging on the QC Ultra Earbuds. With the first-gen model, you had to buy a separate cover to enable cable-free recharging. Bose has now built all of that into the case for the second-gen set, a welcome upgrade that really should’ve been here from the start. When the original QC Ultra Earbuds debuted in 2023, wireless charging was certainly already the norm.

What’s still great about the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen)? Billy Steele for Engadget

As I mentioned, the overall ANC performance of the QC Ultra Earbuds remains unmatched. If you’re looking to block out distractions, this is the best option that still offers great sound quality. Bose even manages to cancel out human voices better than most of its rivals, which can be a struggle for much of the competition.

Audio quality on these earbuds remains near the top of the heap. You won’t notice as much detail as Noble Audio’s FoKus Rex5 or Technics’ AZ100, but there’s great clarity here nonetheless. Bose says the tuning was “slightly refined” for improved bass response and smoother high frequencies. I noticed that tracks with deep bass, like Deftones’ “locked club,” are clearer at the low end. Meanwhile, treble-forward instruments in songs like Miles Davis’ “Green Haze” sound crisper and cleaner than before.

Despite their larger size, this year’s buds offer a surprisingly balanced and comfortable fit. Bose refreshed the ear tips for the QC Ultra Earbuds with a new guard to prevent wax build up. Touch controls are still reliable, and you can disable them entirely on this second-gen version.

What’s not so good about the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen)?

The biggest gripe I have with the overhaul of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is the lack of improvement to battery life. I was disappointed to see that a better runtime wasn’t part of the upgrades when I read the announcement in June, and I’m still not over it. On this model, you’ll get up to six hours of use with ANC turned on. Like before, if you listen with that spatial Immersive Audio enabled, that drops to four hours. A couple more hours would’ve been nice, enough to keep the QC Ultra Earbuds in place for a full work day without having to give them a lunch break in the case.

While the design doesn’t bother me too much, I know the look of the QC Ultra Earbuds isn’t for everyone. There is a bit of a mini Bluetooth headset vibe going on here, and the overall size of the buds are on the larger side when much of the competition is racing to be the smallest. Like I said, none of this impacts comfort or stability, and I’d bet many prospective buyers are willing to live with the aesthetic in exchange for the type of silence the QC Ultra Earbuds deliver.

Wrap-up

The upgrades on the second-gen QC Ultra Earbuds don’t make for a wildly new product, but they do provide enough for a notable improvement over the previous version. ANC and call performance are both enhanced, and though it’s late to the party, the addition of built-in wireless charging is a welcome change. Other updates, like the tuning tweaks and the ability to turn off touch controls, are quality-of-life changes that undoubtedly improve the overall experience. Bose has done all of this without changing the price from the 2023 model, which is a surprising choice in the current economic climate. Simply put, the QC Ultra Earbuds remain the best option for wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) are available for preorder in the US today, August 28. The general on-sale date is scheduled for September 10.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen-review-still-a-noise-canceling-powerhouse-153017601.html?src=rss

Soon, folks in the UK will be able to check out Apple TV+ series Trying for free (well, other than the cost of a TV license). The BBC has picked up the rights to the first three seasons of the show. The Beeb will broadcast it on TV and stream it on iPlayer starting on September 8.

According to Deadline, the deal includes the option for the BBC to pick up more seasons of Trying, which — as it happens — is produced by a commercial arm of the corporation. Apple greenlit a fifth season earlier this year.

This marks the first time that the BBC has picked up an Apple TV+ series, but deals such as this aren’t uncommon. BBC rival ITV scooped up Apple TV+ series Suspicion earlier this year for its ITVX streaming service. Sales distributor Fifth Season is said to have brokered that deal. Last year, Fifth Season was shopping around other Apple TV+ shows, such as See, Roar and Servant.

We’ve seen other instances of streaming services and production companies taking their projects to other platforms to get some more eyeballs on them and try to earn more revenue. A couple of years ago, Warner Bros. Discovery yanked shows including Westworld from (HBO) Max in favor of streaming them on free, ad-supported platforms. The BBC has also partnered with Disney+ to stream Doctor Who internationally.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/apple-tv-sitcom-trying-is-coming-to-the-bbc-144552532.html?src=rss

As first reported by TorrentFreak, Apple is preventing downloads of the iTorrent app on iPhones in the EU. Developer Daniil "XITRIX" Vinogradov's app was a popular BitTorrent client available from AltStore PAL, which is among the most popular third-party iOS app stores overseas. The company revoked the app developer's ability to distribute apps on such third-party marketplaces. While Apple has historically banned torrent clients from iOS devices in the United States, the EU's Digital Markets Act that went into effect last year requires Apple to allow apps from third-party stores to be installed by users.

According to TorrentFreak's reporting, the motivation behind the revocation of XITRIX's alternative distribution rights is not yet certain. The publisher spoke directly with TorrentFreak and said that Apple never reached out to him about the matter. “I still have no idea if it was my fault or Apple's, and their responses make no sense,” Vinogradov told TorrentFreak. Apple has responded to Vinogradov with a generic message about app store issues.

Shane Gill, the co-founder of AltStore PAL, told TorrentFreak that the company's request for information from Apple has not resulted in it explaining its justification for the takedown. “I can confirm that we are in communication with Apple about this issue. We've told them what's going wrong, and they said they're looking into it, but we haven't gotten any further information as of yet,” said Gill.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-pulls-torrenting-app-from-a-third-party-store-in-the-eu-143039720.html?src=rss

As soon as I picked up Honor’s Magic V5, I was a little concerned about its durability. The fourth generation of Honor’s Android foldable may not be massively thinner than its predecessor, but it sure feels like it. Yes, it’s built with aerospace-grade materials to make it sturdy despite its svelteness, but it’s also the first foldable I’d insist on buying a case for because goodness me, it’s thin.

If you recall, the last handset in this series was the Magic V3 and no, you haven’t fallen asleep and missed a year. The number four can represent bad luck in Chinese culture as its Cantonese form (sei) sounds almost identical to the word for death (séi). Consequently, we’ve skipped a model number.

The V5 is so svelte it’ll barely make an impression on your pants pocket, measuring 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm open. That’s not a big difference to the V3’s 9.2mm / 4.35mm, but it certainly feels like a rubicon has been crossed. It’s worth noting Honor is marking its own homework with one eye closed here, since it can only reach that thickness with the white V5. The other colorways (black, red and gold) stack up at 9mm / 4.2mm, which is almost the same as Samsung’s Z Fold 7.

Photo by Daniel Cooper for Engadget

Naturally, a premium foldable deserves premium internals, and the V5 packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. There’s a 5,820mAh silicon carbon battery that, when paired with the company’s usual AI power-management tools, promises nearly 50 hours of life on a charge. I won’t comment on that claim but I can say this is the snappiest and fastest Honor foldable I’ve laid my eyes and hands on. There’s no lag or delay when switching displays, and everything feels like it’s already served up seconds before you’ve even asked for it.

But in the same way no modern smartphone is a dramatic departure from what went before, the rest of the story here is nips and tucks. The Magic V5 has the same 6.43-inch cover display as the V3, and the main screen has grown only slightly, from 7.92 inches to 7.95 inches. The only useful tweak is support for Honor’s MagicPen stylus on both screens, but it’s the same size as an Apple Pencil, so you’ll need to find a place to store it.

Photo by Daniel Cooper for Engadget

It’s a similar story of modest changes on the imaging front as the V5 is equipped with a 50-megapixel f/1.6 primary camera with OIS. That's paired with a 64-megapixel, f/2.5 periscope telephoto (also with OIS) and a 50-megapixel f/2.0 ultra-wide. Overall, that’s an improvement on the previous model, but both selfie cameras (in the cover and primary display) are the same 20-megapixel shooter found in the V3. Of course, performance is bolstered by the usual AI features that may or may not be useful.

Honor has announced European pricing for the V5, with it costing €1,999 (around $2,317) in the EU and £1,699 (around $2,283) in the UK. That puts it in the same rough bracket as the Z Fold 7, although there's so many deals and discounts these days you can always save money if you look. I'm still not sure if Honor isn't selling itself short by not undercutting its rivals more aggressively, but it must feel it can compete, and win, against Samsung and the like on an even playing field. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/honors-magic-v5-foldable-almost-feels-too-thin-143022082.html?src=rss

DJI's busy engineering team is at it again with the creation of the company's third wireless mic system in less than two years. The new flagship DJI Mic 3 has a wholesale design change from the Mic 2 plus numerous improvements in areas like sound quality, noise reduction and the number of subjects you can record at once — though there is one downgrade compared to to the last model. I've had one for over a week so I'll provide some impressions as well.

The most noticeable change with the Mic 3 is the smaller transmitter size and lighter weight. It weighs just 16 grams (.58 ounces) compared to 28 grams (.99 ounces) for the Mic 2, though it's bigger and heavier than the Mic Mini transmitter (10 grams). DJI has also improved the transmitter mounting options, introducing a rotating clip along with the magnetic option. There's even a choice of five colors for the windscreen to better match your subject's clothing.

The smaller size and rotating clip makes the Mic 3 more discreet and easier to attach to any shirt or hat. However, there's still a large "DJI" logo on both sides of the transmitter that looks ugly but gives the company free advertising, I suppose. 

Steve Dent for Engadget

The charging case holds a receiver and two transmitters and, unlike the last model, now lets you insert the transmitter with the magnetic mount and windscreen still attached. Fully charged transmitters can run for about eight hours and the receiver can go 10 hours. However, the case provides enough power to charge all three devices 2.4 times for about 28 hours of extended use. This feature makes the Mic 3 useful for marathon shoots and was key to the success of the original DJI Mic, though competitors like Sennheiser have caught on and introduced similar cases.

The Mic 3 now supports up to four transmitters and eight receivers at once. That means you can record four subjects at a time to as many as eight receivers simultaneously for multi-camera shoots (if you purchase the extra kits, of course). I wasn't able to test this feature as I had just a single kit, but it'll be handy for large jobs if it works as advertised. 

To make syncing and lining up all that audio and video simpler, the Mic 3 now offers high-precision timecode capture embedded during internal recording. I tested this feature with two cameras, and once I figured out how to align the shots in DaVinci Resolve, it proved to be a valuable post-production timesaver.

DJI

The receiver can also be set to quadrophonic mode for select Sony cameras and software, allowing independent output of four channels at once to a single camera. DJI is promising a range of 400 meters (around 1,300 feet) and strong resistance to interference via automatic frequency hopping between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

There are some major improvements in audio quality as well. It's DJI's first microphone with two adaptive gain control modes. For noisy outdoor environments like sporting events, Automatic mode suppresses sudden volume spikes to prevent clipping. Dynamic mode, meanwhile, adjusts gain on the fly in response to volume changes to ensure consistent loudness in quieter settings like studios. 

I tested this feature in Paris in a relatively quiet studio and outside with traffic and other city noises. The Automatic setting did a good job suppressing those unwanted sounds without a noticeable impact on audio quality. And the dynamic mode kept my speaking levels steady even when I trailed off at the end of sentences, again without impacting voice timbre or clarity. 

DJI

The Mic 3 is also DJI's first with three tone presets (Regular, Rich and Bright) to handle different voice characteristics (medium, low and high pitches). This feature also worked as advertised. Set to "Regular," I needed less equalization than usual to even out my voice and it worked equally well on a higher-pitched female voice. 

Two-level active noise cancelation reduces background sounds like air conditioning and wind noise. Again, this worked effectively, though like any noise reduction algorithm, it impacted voice quality by artificially reducing some frequencies. Finally, the lossless audio feature lets the mic send uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio directly to the receiver to eliminate any MPEG audio artifacts. This is likely overkill for most use cases. While the Mic 3 offers good sound quality, it's nowhere close to a dedicated high-end studio microphone — so you'll be hard pressed to notice any difference.

DJI also added internal dual-file 24-bit and 32-bit float recording, which records the highest quality possible without any clipping. That allows you to capture two files of 32-bit float sound without algorithmic changes, two channels of 24-bit sound with algorithmic changes or one of each. That's an improvement over the Mic 2, which only captured a single file of the original sound internally in 32-bit float. 

DJI

There's one key feature missing on DJI's Mic 3 that might make it a non-starter for some audio pros. Unlike the Mic 2, the transmitter lacks a 3.5mm mic port for wired lav or other microphones. That means you're relying on the Mic 3's built in microphone, and although it offers high quality sound, may not be high enough for applications like broadcast. 

Finally, the Mic 3 works with DJI's OsmoAudio system, so it pairs with the Osmo 360, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Action 4 and Osmo Pocket without the need for a receiver. I tested it with the Osmo 360 and Action 5 Pro and it connected without any issues. For other devices, you can wire it in via a 3.5mm TRS port, TRRS monitoring and a USB-C port, or to smartphones via Bluetooth or USB-C using the included adapter. 

DJI's Mic 3 is now on sale in most territories, priced at $329 in a kit with a charging case plus two transmitters and a receiver, or $219 with a single transmitter and receiver.

Update, August 28, 2025, 9:45AM ET: This story was updated with US sales links. DJI originally said the Mic 3 wasn't available in the US yet, but the company changed course and the new product can be purchased from DJI or Amazon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/djis-much-smaller-mic-3-can-record-four-subjects-at-once-120032192.html?src=rss