Author Archives: Sarah Fielding

Amazon is reportedly working on a new AI chatbot

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Amazon is allegedly working on a new chatbot codenamed "Metis," Business Insider reports, citing an internal document and unnamed sources familiar with the project. It would be powered by a new AI model, Olympus, rather than Amazon's previously released Titan.

With Metis, Amazon is reportedly aiming to use an approach known as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). As the company describes it, RAG "redirects the LLM to retrieve relevant information from authoritative, pre-determined knowledge sources. Organizations have greater control over the generated text output, and users gain insights into how the LLM generates the response."

Basically, RAG allows systems to retrieve data outside of pre-loaded information from sources like APIs and document repositories. This data can be updated separately without having to retrain a model and could allow it to access up-to-date information, thus providing more accurate, clear responses (ideally).

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and Rohit Prasad, its AGI team's head scientist and a senior vice president, are working directly on the development of Metis. The team also reportedly includes many veteran Alexa AI workers, and their work on Metis seems to borrow from technology they developed for the forthcoming  "Remarkable Alexa" voice assistant.

Amazon tentatively plans to release Metis in September, around the time the company typically has its product launch event. However, one of the sources stated: "Technically it will work, I guess, but the question is if it's already too late." OpenAI first launched ChatGPT at the end of November 2022, and Google launched Bard (now known as Gemini) in March 2023 — to name just two of the big players that Amazon will face. Amazon's Titan isn't as powerful as its competitors, though the company has been trying to reach more customers with options like a business-centric model, Q.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-is-reportedly-working-on-a-new-ai-chatbot-132948672.html?src=rss

Amazon Prime members can get this Blink Outdoor bundle with a video doorbell for 63 percent off in an early Prime Day deal

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If you've been looking to improve your home's security but don't want to spend a fortune, Amazon Prime Day presents an excellent time to shop for some new gear. An early Prime Day deal discounts this Blink Outdoor bundle by 63 percent. For $120 — down from $320 — you can get a Blink Video Doorbell and three Outdoor 4 smart security cameras with Sync Module 2. Like most Prime Day deals, this one is exclusive to Prime members in the lead-up to the big day. 

The Blink bundle allows you to monitor your home, whether you're far away or right inside. You can use Video Doorbell to answer the door, get alerts when there's motion and speak to visitors. It uses infrared night vision and 1080p HD live view to give you insight during the day or night. The device requires two double AA batteries (included in the bundle) and should last for about two years. 

Then there are Blink's fourth-generation Outdoor Cameras, one of our picks for best smart home gadgets. The lens offers a 143-degree field of vision, 1080p HD video, two-way audio and Alexa integration. It also has better low-light vision and catches movement faster than its predecessors.

If you don't need three cameras and want to save some money, there's another option for you. This early Prime Day deal bundle includes a Blink Video Doorbell and just one Outdoor 4 smart security camera with Sync Module 2. The pair is also 63 percent off, with the deal dropping their price to $60 from $160. 

Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-members-can-get-this-blink-outdoor-bundle-with-a-video-doorbell-for-63-percent-off-in-an-early-prime-day-deal-134858607.html?src=rss

Roku launches a weekly pop culture quiz

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I have to admit that the fact nerd in me is partial to a good guessing game, so I'm intrigued by Roku's newest offering. The streaming system has launched a new feature for US users called Roku Weekly Trivia, featuring pop culture questions you can answer right on your TV screen.

Roku Weekly Trivia should now exist in the options list at the left of your screen alongside categories like Live TV and Streaming Store. There, you can access a multiple-choice quiz with questions on topics such as movie and television premieres, the Summer Olympics, holidays, and more cultural moments. You can test your own knowledge or go up against friends and family — at the very least, it's an easy way to decide who picks the movie. 

A new quiz should appear on Roku every Tuesday. I tried a few sample questions ahead of its release, including "What was the first feature-length animated movie ever released?" and "Which movie franchise has the most films?" The first one I got, while the second surprised me, but I've never been a big REDACTED fan (I don't want to give you all the answers!). 

Update, June 25 2024, 3:00PM ET: A previous version of this post stated there would only be 10 questions per week. While questions are released in batches of 10, there will be over 100 per week according to a company spokesperson.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/roku-launches-a-weekly-pop-culture-quiz-130005360.html?src=rss

EU finds Microsoft violated antitrust laws by bundling Teams

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It has been nearly a year since the European Commission opened its investigation into Microsoft and there's finally a preliminary finding. The European Union's executive body announced its "view" that the tech giant violated antitrust laws by tying Microsoft Teams to its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 business suites. Last October, Microsoft unbundled Teams for users in the European Union and Switzerland, but the European Commission's Statement of Objections calls it "insufficient."

The European Commission used its statement to detail its concern "that Microsoft may have granted Teams a distribution advantage by not giving customers the choice whether or not to acquire access to Teams when they subscribe to their SaaS productivity applications. This advantage may have been further exacerbated by interoperability limitations between Teams' competitors and Microsoft's offerings. The conduct may have prevented Teams' rivals from competing, and in turn innovating, to the detriment of customers in the European Economic Area."

Microsoft faces a fine equal to 10 percent of its annual worldwide turnover if the EU confirms its preliminary findings, so it's no surprise the company is being cordial. "Having unbundled Teams and taken initial interoperability steps, we appreciate the additional clarity provided today and will work to find solutions to address the Commission's remaining concerns," said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, in a statement shared with Engadget.

This ordeal began in 2020 when Slack — now owned by Salesforce — filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft, claiming it broke the EU's competition rules in bundling Teams to its suites. In April 2023, Microsoft declared its intention to offer Teams on its own (albeit without a clear plan), but the European Commission still formally opened an investigation just three months later. Following October's unbundling, Microsoft announced this past April that Teams would be available separately from Microsoft 365 and Office 365 to customers worldwide — current users could also switch plans. 

The European Commission's Statement of Objections also mentions a complaint by Alfaview, another video-conferencing software, which filed a similar grievance to Slack in July 2023 and notes it has open proceedings based on that complaint.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/eu-finds-microsoft-violated-antirust-laws-by-bundling-teams-121520916.html?src=rss

The Elgato Stream Deck XL is 20 percent off at Amazon

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Calling all current or aspiring streamers: The Elgato Stream Deck XL is on sale right now. A 20 percent discount brings the device down from $250 to $200 — just $10 more than its all-time low price. 

The Elgato Stream Deck XL isn't just any old model — it has 32 macro keys. You can customize each LCD key to include controls such as changing scenes, switching cameras and adjusting the audio. Plus, it offers integration with platforms like Twitch, Discord, YouTube and Spotify. A non-slip magnetic stand allows it to sit easily on your desk, and you can connect to it with a USB cord. 

If you're looking for something a little smaller (and cheaper), then check out Elgato's Stream Deck MK.2. This model is one of our picks for tools that let you game-stream like a pro. Its biggest difference from the XL is that it comes with 15 keys, which still gives you a solid amount of customizable options. Pick one up for $125, down from $150 — a 17 percent discount. 

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-elgato-stream-deck-xl-is-20-percent-off-at-amazon-143044421.html?src=rss

This Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is half off right now

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There is something about summer that always seems to bring extra dirt and mess into the home, but, between the heat and many daily activities, I know the last thing I want to do is vacuum. While robot vacuums can be quite costly, right now, the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum with Matrix Clean Navigation is half off on Amazon, dropping its price to $300 from $599. It's a version of one of our favorite robot vacuums, the Shark RV2502AE AI Ultra — which also retails for $599. That one is 40 percent off right now, down to $360. 

Shark's AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum with Matrix Clean Navigation is a great option if you're looking for a robovac that offers a bit of everything. As the name suggests, it offers features like voice control, which lets you start or schedule a clean through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It also uses Matrix Clean to create a precise grid, ensuring it hits every corner of your home. Plus, 360 LiDAR vision allows it to avoid any objects in its way, so it can continue on even if you can't be bothered to tidy up.

The vacuum empties itself into a base with a 60-day capacity for dirt and debris (and the sale actually makes it cheaper than the 45-day option). Shark also bills it as skilled at collecting pet hair, thanks to powerful suction and a self-cleaning brushroll. 

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-shark-ai-ultra-robot-vacuum-is-half-off-right-now-132425919.html?src=rss

Congress passes sweeping pro-nuclear energy bill

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The United States has taken a significant step towards becoming a nuclear reactor hub. On Tuesday, June 18, the Senate passed the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act in an 88 to 2 vote. A version also garnered bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, passing 365 to 33 earlier this year, leaving the path clear for the bill to reach President Biden's desk. 

The past decade has seen over a dozen reactor closures and only two new ones open — a pair that launched last month in Georgia to the tune of over $30 billion in expenses. The ADVANCE Act aims to expand the nation's nuclear energy industry by creating incentives and reducing the time and cost of building nuclear reactors. These attempts include financial awards for the first companies to reach certain goals, such as implementing upcycling of recycled nuclear waste. 

Much of the ADVANCE Act centers on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), an independent government agency that monitors nuclear use, including commercial nuclear power plants. The bill shifts the NRC's role, requiring it to create a new mission statement that states "licensing and regulation of the civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy be conducted in a manner that is efficient and does not unnecessarily limit the benefits of civilian use of radioactive materials and nuclear energy technology to society." It further instructs the NRC to accelerate its licensing review process and hiring of staff, along with improving "its process for approving the export of American technology to international markets."

In a statement following the bill's passage, US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works chairman Tom Carper stated, "The ADVANCE Act will provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with the tools and workforce it needs to review new nuclear technologies efficiently, while maintaining the NRC's critical safety mission and creating thousands of jobs."

However, not everyone is in favor of the bill, with critics warning it comprises safety. Senators Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey were the two opposing votes, with the latter arguing that the ADVANCE Act turns the NRC into a facilitator rather than a regulator. "This bill puts promotion over protection, and corporate profits over community clean-up," Markey stated. "The ADVANCE Act, as attached to the Fire Grants and Safety Act, includes language that would require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to rewrite its mission to state that its regulation and oversight should 'not unnecessarily limit' civilian nuclear activity, regardless of whether it is beneficial or detrimental to public safety and national security. The NRC shouldn't be the Nuclear Retail Commission."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/congress-passes-sweeping-pro-nuclear-energy-bill-140035295.html?src=rss

Playstation Portal update aims to make connecting to public Wi-Fi easier

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Sony released the Playstation Portal late last year as a way to remotely play titles from your PlayStation 5. The device — which we frankly called "a baffling handheld for no one but Sony diehards" — relies entirely on a solid Wi-Fi connection. Well, as we all know, even in the year 2024, that can be challenging to find and annoying to connect to. Sony is attempting to streamline this process with a software update that should allow you to connect to Wi-Fi from a phone or tablet. 

Starting June 19, you should see a QR code come up on the PlayStation Portal after attempting to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, such as when it requires more than a password (like a sign-in screen). You can scan that on your device and use it to connect more easily. However, Sony is careful to state that it will work for "a range" of public Wi-Fi networks and that the device requires at least 5Mbps to work, but ideally at least 15Mbps. 

This feature comes alongside an update to the PlayStation Portal's touchpad which provides new visual feedback. Plus, you can now display the device's battery percentage at the top right corner of your screen. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/playstation-portal-update-aims-to-make-connecting-to-public-wi-fi-easier-141304117.html?src=rss

Amazon Labor Union partners with International Brotherhood of Teamsters in New York

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Amazon workers have taken another step towards fighting for worker protections. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU) is teaming up with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), a century-plus-old labor union active in the United States and Canada. The duo announced the partnership in a joint statement on X (formerly Twitter) following a vote that saw 98.3 percent of ALU members in favor of it.

"Together, with hard work, courage, and conviction, the Teamsters and ALU will fight fearlessly to ensure Amazon workers secure the good jobs and safe working conditions they deserve in a union contract," Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement. ALU-IBT Local 1 will represent about 5,500 JFK8 Amazon warehouse workers in Staten Island but will "have jurisdiction" for warehouse workers throughout New York City.

Staten Island served as a point of pride when, in April 2022, the ALU secured enough votes to make JFK8 Amazon's first unionized warehouse in the US — one year after the ALU formed. However, Amazon tried overturning the vote, alleging "inappropriate and undue influence" from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The conflict has since escalated, with the NLRB accusing Amazon of discriminating against the unionized workers in Staten Island and Amazon claiming in a legal filing earlier this year that the NLRB is "unconstitutional."

As the fight continues, ALU President Chris Smalls states that "having the support of 1.3 million Teamsters to take on Amazon gives us tremendous worker power and the opportunities to demand better conditions for our members and, most importantly, to secure a contract at JFK8."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-labor-union-partners-with-international-brotherhood-of-teamsters-in-new-york-140026309.html?src=rss

The Apple Watch Series 9 is back on sale for $299

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It's a great day because our favorite smartwatch for 2024 is back on sale. That's right, the 41mm Apple Watch Series 9 is currently down to $299 from $399 — a 25 percent discount. The only catch is that the deal is available on just the (Product) RED model. However, you can get the small to medium or medium to large size wrist options.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a reliable, multi-faceted smartwatch. It scored a 92 in our review thanks to new features like Double Tap and Raise To Speak. Double Tap works when you bring your index finger and thumb (on the same side as the watch) together twice. This action lets you answer calls or reply with your voice, among other functions. Raise To Speak enables you to activate Siri by bringing your wrist up — plus, Siri is now on-device, meaning you can use it while offline. The Series 9 also has up to 18 hours of battery life (36 in low power mode), blood oxygen and ECG apps and up to 2000 nits on its display. 

If you're looking for something with even more oomph, then check out the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The top-of-the-line model is currently on sale for $719, down from $799 — a 10 percent discount. Sure, it's still a much bigger chunk of money, but you can decide if it's worth features like 36 hours of battery life (72 in low power mode), a 49mm case size and up to 3000 nits on the display. 

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-watch-series-9-is-back-on-sale-for-299-132324844.html?src=rss