Author Archives: Sarah Fielding

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is on sale for $130 at Amazon

Posted on by

There's still time to make 2024 the year you upgrade your streaming capabilities. Doing so is currently more affordable with Elgato's Stream Deck MK.2 down to $130 from $150. The 13 percent discount brings it to just $15 more than its record-low price — but we haven't seen that deal since July Prime Day 2023. 

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is one of our must-haves to game-stream like a pro this year. It comes with 15 customizable keys that can complete actions like muting a microphone, changing the lighting and controlling connected accessories. Plus, offers plugins for YouTube, Discord, Spotify, Twitch and more. 

There's also a sale on Elgato's Stream Deck +, with an 11 percent discount dropping its price to $178 from $200 — just $8 off its all-time low. The Stream Deck + has eight customizable LCD buttons for everything from changing scenes to going live. It also has four knobs to control settings such as audio and video, along with a touch bar. Like the Stream Deck MK.2, it has plugins for Twitch, Spotify and more. 

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-mk2-is-on-sale-for-130-at-amazon-143940246.html?src=rss

You can try the IRS alternative to Turbo Tax in 12 states today

Posted on by

April is just around the corner, so if you're not stressed about filing taxes yet, it's likely coming any day now. Thanks to the lovely (read: horrible) tax lobby and the politicians who take their money, the headache taxes bring is as American as apple pie. The IRS is attempting to simplify things a bit with a Direct File tool, a free digital program that provides step-by-step guidance for taxpayers submitting their returns, The Associated Press reports. The IRS first announced this tool was on its way back in October.

To clarify, yes, even this development still requires filing your taxes and determining how much you owe (why tell us when we can just guess?), but it should be a more straightforward process and save you some money. However, it's far from open for all. The IRS pilot program is available to residents of 12 states and only those with a simple tax situation — we're talking basic W-2s and standard deductions here. Other potentially eligible reporting includes SSA-1099 Social Security income, the Child Tax Credit and student loan interest. The IRS has a complete list of eligibility requirements and a tool to check if you qualify.

Direct File is available to residents of Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, Washington, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and New York. The last four also require state tax returns, so their residents who use Direct File will be directed to tools for filing those once they are finished. Alaska was initially in the mix but has seemingly been dropped since last year's statement.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-try-the-irs-alternative-to-turbo-tax-in-12-states-today-125757658.html?src=rss

Airbnb to hosts: please stop filming the guests

Posted on by

Have you ever wondered if your visit to an Airbnb included being on candid camera? Well, there's good news for you and your stress levels because you really shouldn't have to worry about it soon. Airbnb has announced new privacy policies that entirely ban the use of indoor cameras. 

Previously, the company allowed hosts to keep cameras in communal spaces but banned them in areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. Hosts were technically supposed to disclose any cameras in the rental location, but this shift removes any ambiguity (or issues for most of us who don't read the entire listing description).

In addition to banning indoor cameras, Airbnb has also limited the use of outdoor ones. Hosts have to disclose any outdoor cameras on the property and these cameras can't point indoors or be in areas with a "greater expectation of privacy," like outdoor showers or saunas. They can also use doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors. However, the latter also requires disclosure and can only assess decibel levels, not record or send sounds. Airbnb hosts can only place these in common spaces. 

Any host found to violate these policies can have their listing or entire account removed by Airbnb. If you have spring travels planned, remember to read your listing thoroughly to find out about any cameras — the new rules don't go into effect until April 30.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/airbnb-to-hosts-please-stop-filming-the-guests-144537408.html?src=rss

Apple’s AirPods Pro are back to a low of $190

Posted on by

Spring is coming, and with it comes many opportunities to put your earbuds in and go on a sunny walk reminiscent of a movie montage. If you're looking for an updated pair that won't cost too much, there's good news: The second-generation Apple AirPods Pro are currently on sale for $190, down from $249. The 24 percent discount brings these earbuds back to their record-low price. 

Apple released its second-gen AirPods Pro in late 2022, and while they're certainly not a budget wireless earbud, they offer a lot for under $200. We gave them an 88 in our initial review thanks to several internal updates from their predecessor, such as the ability to swipe for volume control (handy if your device isn't nearby). Apple also added Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio and an H2 chip that improves noise canceling. Externally, Apple shrunk the ear tip for a better fit.

Even the case got an upgrade, with a built-in speaker that will ping if you need to find it and a hook for a lanyard (of course, the string is available separately). Speaking of locating it, the second-gen AirPods Pro case also got a U1 chip that powers Precision Finding in Find My.

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/apples-airpods-pro-are-back-to-a-low-of-190-124757007.html?src=rss

X will launch a YouTube-like video app on Samsung and Amazon TVs

Posted on by

Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter (now X) in October 2022, he has thrown a lot of things at the wall and hoped they stuck (read: make money). Now, he's taking a page from YouTube and launching a video streaming service on the platform, SamMobile reports. Musk announced that the feature was "Coming soon" in a quote tweet from the DogeDesigner's account: "You can soon watch your favorite X long form videos directly on your SmartTVs."

X will launch a dedicated app that allows users to watch these videos on Samsung TV and Amazon's Fire TV. Musk recently said X would be a "video-first" platform moving forward, and this development shows that this will translate beyond the small content boxes typically available on feeds to a bigger screen. At the time, Musk also claims that eight out of ten times a person visits X, they're watching videos.

The decision follows bad news for X, with a recent Edison Research report finding that 2024 has seen a 30 percent drop in the site's usage compared to 2023. In X's continued bid to change (and remain popular), it has been leaning into resources for creators and its dwindling advertisers. One such shift came in a February announcement that the platform would roll out tools so that "advertisers on X can run ads against a curated list of premium content creators" — including pre-roll video ads, Forbes reported. As for longer videos, we'll have to wait until they roll out on Samsung and Fire TVs to see how effectively they grab users' attention.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-will-launch-a-youtube-like-video-app-on-samsung-and-amazon-tvs-120004624.html?src=rss

Apple will make it easier for EU users to switch to Android and delete Safari

Posted on by

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is officially in action, and the ramifications are coming out left and right. The latest development comes from Apple, which released a DMA Compliance Report outlining the changes required of them. These include immediate and upcoming steps, such as introducing a browser choice screen.

Before we get into Apple's changes, here's some quick background: The Digital Markets Act identifies "gatekeepers" such as Apple, Meta, and Amazon based on earnings and users. The law prohibits these companies from favoring their own platforms or forcing users to stay within their ecosystem. In line with that — when Apple users in the EU open Safari, they'll be prompted to choose a default browser from a list of options available in their area. Developers can also choose from different browsers — though they need to request and obtain different "entitlements." These updates will be reflected for anyone who has downloaded iOS 17.4. 

Apple is also implementing steps to make its data more portable to outside systems, meaning an iOS user could import their data to an Android phone, for instance. "Apple is developing a solution that helps mobile operating system providers develop more user-friendly solutions to transfer data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone," the statement reads. "Apple is also creating a browser switching solution for exporting and importing relevant browser data into another browser on the same device." The mobile operating system changes should go into effect by Fall 2025, while Apple aims to get the browser switches in effect by the end of 2024 or early 2025. 

Throughout the Compliance Report, Apple lays out ways in which the company believes these shifts could harm users and developers. Apple states these risks include "new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats. These changes also compromise Apple's ability to detect, prevent, and take action against malicious apps on iOS and to support users impacted by issues with apps downloaded outside of the App Store." The company has introduced steps like Notarization for iOS apps, but claims they won't be fully effective. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-will-make-it-easier-for-eu-users-to-switch-to-android-and-delete-safari-113041250.html?src=rss

Apple will make it easier for EU users to switch to Android and delete Safari

Posted on by

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is officially in action, and the ramifications are coming out left and right. The latest development comes from Apple, which released a DMA Compliance Report outlining the changes required of them. These include immediate and upcoming steps, such as introducing a browser choice screen.

Before we get into Apple's changes, here's some quick background: The Digital Markets Act identifies "gatekeepers" such as Apple, Meta, and Amazon based on earnings and users. The law prohibits these companies from favoring their own platforms or forcing users to stay within their ecosystem. In line with that — when Apple users in the EU open Safari, they'll be prompted to choose a default browser from a list of options available in their area. Developers can also choose from different browsers — though they need to request and obtain different "entitlements." These updates will be reflected for anyone who has downloaded iOS 17.4. 

Apple is also implementing steps to make its data more portable to outside systems, meaning an iOS user could import their data to an Android phone, for instance. "Apple is developing a solution that helps mobile operating system providers develop more user-friendly solutions to transfer data from an iPhone to a non-Apple phone," the statement reads. "Apple is also creating a browser switching solution for exporting and importing relevant browser data into another browser on the same device." The mobile operating system changes should go into effect by Fall 2025, while Apple aims to get the browser switches in effect by the end of 2024 or early 2025. 

Throughout the Compliance Report, Apple lays out ways in which the company believes these shifts could harm users and developers. Apple states these risks include "new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats. These changes also compromise Apple's ability to detect, prevent, and take action against malicious apps on iOS and to support users impacted by issues with apps downloaded outside of the App Store." The company has introduced steps like Notarization for iOS apps, but claims they won't be fully effective. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-will-make-it-easier-for-eu-users-to-switch-to-android-and-delete-safari-113041250.html?src=rss

The Dream Vapor Xbox Wireless Controller drops to a record low of $58

Posted on by

Do you really like the aesthetic of bowling but have no interest in the game itself? In January, Xbox released the special edition Dream Vapor controller with swirls that look like they've been pulled right from a bowling ball. Now, the Dream Vapor controller — which is a great accessory for the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One or Windows — is on sale for $58, down from $70. The 17 percent discount puts the model at the lowest price we've seen yet.

Xbox's Dream Vapor controller is — dare we say — beautiful. It has pink and purple accents that swirl together to create a calm, aesthetically pleasing look. Even the buttons are in a light pink with purple accents. The wireless controller works like its counterparts, offering 40 hours of battery life, custom button mapping and a share button.

The Dream Vapor model isn't the only Xbox controller available for a record-low price. If you're looking for a basic new controller, the Robot White Xbox controller is down to $45 from $60 — a 25 percent discount. It's a sleek but fun option with ABXY buttons in a range of bright colors.

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-dream-vapor-xbox-wireless-controller-drops-to-a-record-low-of-58-151551431.html?src=rss

The Dream Vapor Xbox Wireless Controller drops to a record low of $58

Posted on by

Do you really like the aesthetic of bowling but have no interest in the game itself? In January, Xbox released the special edition Dream Vapor controller with swirls that look like they've been pulled right from a bowling ball. Now, the Dream Vapor controller — which is a great accessory for the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One or Windows — is on sale for $58, down from $70. The 17 percent discount puts the model at the lowest price we've seen yet.

Xbox's Dream Vapor controller is — dare we say — beautiful. It has pink and purple accents that swirl together to create a calm, aesthetically pleasing look. Even the buttons are in a light pink with purple accents. The wireless controller works like its counterparts, offering 40 hours of battery life, custom button mapping and a share button.

The Dream Vapor model isn't the only Xbox controller available for a record-low price. If you're looking for a basic new controller, the Robot White Xbox controller is down to $45 from $60 — a 25 percent discount. It's a sleek but fun option with ABXY buttons in a range of bright colors.

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-dream-vapor-xbox-wireless-controller-drops-to-a-record-low-of-58-151551431.html?src=rss

This luxury handbag is made from the material NASA uses to collect comet dust

Posted on by

Space and fashion lovers have a crossover accessory right now, and it's not just because there are some moons and stars dotted across it. Coperni, a French luxury brand, has unveiled the Air Swipe Bag, made entirely of NASA's nanomaterial silica aerogel, Fast Company reports. Scientist Steve Jones first created the substance for NASA's 1999 Stardust mission, which brought samples back from the Wild 2 comet.

The Air Swipe Bag weighs only 1.1 ounces, with just 0.2 percent of its matter actually tangible. The rest is air that moves through the Aerogel's trillions of channels. Aerogel is renowned for its lightweight build, taking the title of lightest matter in the 1990s, with a second version breaking that record. NASA previously dubbed the substance "solid smoke," and one look at the bag shows how true that statement is. Coperni's Instagram post even had one Instagram user comment: "This looks like my bong when it's filled with smoke and I'm obsessed."

While Aerogel is just being used to create a small bag, in this case, it's one sturdy accessory. The substance can hold 4,000 times its weight (far more than this purse can fit) and withstand up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. It's no surprise then that, when not being made into bags, Aerogel has been used for tasks such as insulating Mars rovers.

The Air Swipe Bag isn't listed for sale on Coperni's website yet, but if you want an accessory this powerful, it's likely going to cost you. Space travel and fashion are two things that never come cheap. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-luxury-handbag-is-made-from-the-material-nasa-uses-to-collect-comet-dust-135151909.html?src=rss