Author Archives: Sarah Fielding

Tesla’s refreshed 2024 Model 3 is now on sale in the US

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It's been about three months since we first saw Tesla sell an upgraded version of the Model 3 in Europe, China and the Middle East. Now, Tesla's 2024 Model 3 is available to purchase in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The sedan is a refreshed version with some clear changes between the models.

Inside the Tesla 2024 Model 3 is a new eight-inch rear display that controls things like infotainment and climate. The front display remains the same size at 15 inches but is brighter and has a thinner bezel. The updated car also offers ventilated front seats, "softer, more sophisticated materials," and an audio system with up to 17 speakers. The entire 2024 Model 3 is outfitted with acoustic glass for a quieter drive and has customizable ambient lighting. 

The car's exterior also has some upgrades, with Tesla integrating the fog lights and indicators into the main headlights. The 2024 Model 3 also foregoes the front bump with "styling optimized for maximum aerodynamics." At the rear, the lights fully connect versus two separate pieces. Plus, there are two new color options: Ultra Red and Stealth Grey.  

The Model 3 is available in two types. The new Real Wheel Model 3's range remains at 272 miles. Notably, its alternative, the 2024 Long Range Model 3, has a slightly increased EPA estimated range of 341 miles versus its predecessor's 333 miles. This boost — albeit minor — comes at a time when Tesla is lowering many of its listed driving ranges in response to a new US government regulation testing vehicles to ensure they're providing accurate estimates. Tesla has previously manipulated the number displayed in cars to appear higher and even set up a secret team in 2022 tasked with suppressing range complaints and canceling service appointments about range limits. 

Tesla's 2024 Model 3 is now available to order with an estimated delivery of January or February. The Real Wheel Mode starts at $38,990, with the option to lease for $329 monthly. The Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Model 3 is available for $45,990 or $439 per month if leasing. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/teslas-refreshed-2024-model-3-is-now-on-sale-in-the-us-111533256.html?src=rss

Android Auto will soon let Google Maps see EV battery levels and tell you where to charge your vehicle

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Much of the auto news out of CES 2024 has focused on EVs, and Google is no exception. The company has announced that Android Auto will share real-time battery updates with Google Maps. The update should initially roll out to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning in the coming months before expanding to other Android Auto-compatible EVs in the future.

With this new feature, Google Maps will give you suggestions of charging stations along the route without you having to pull over and search. It should also update you on the car's battery level once you arrive at a destination (something your EV should already do) and provide an estimate of how long it will take to charge. The latter is more novel and could help when you're in a rush.

Google also announced the expansion of Google built-in to additional car brands, such as Honda, Nissan and Ford, after first launching in a Polestar. The Chrome browser is now rolling out in beta to select models from Volvo and Polestar (of which Volvo is a part-owner) and should be more widely available later this year. Plus, Google built-in now has The Weather Channel app to track the forecast as you travel.

Update, January 09 2024, 6:42PM ET: This story was updated to clarify an error about the first car that launched with Google built-in.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/android-auto-will-soon-let-google-maps-see-ev-battery-levels-and-tell-you-where-to-charge-your-vehicle-180006872.html?src=rss

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 ANC headphones are just $300 right now

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The long, cold winter days of January are meant for shutting out the world, and to properly do so, you need a great pair of headphones. Fortunately, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are currently on sale for $300, down from $400 — a 25 percent discount. If you've considered them in the past, now is the time to pick up a pair: Our favorite wireless headphones are about $30 less than their typical sale price and have very rarely dropped lower. The only slight caveat of this deal: It's only available on the classic Black Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

We have been rightfully obsessed with Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones since they first came on the scene in May 2022. They earned a 95 in our review thanks to features like their 30-hour battery life and improved noise canceling with double the number of processors and microphones for ANC compared to its predecessor, the M4.  

The WH-1000XM5's sound quality has improved with the help of new 30mm carbon drivers, providing more clarity and a punchier bass. Even using the DSEE extreme has almost no impact on the condition of what comes through the speakers. Sony also cut the headphone's weight by a minimal 0.14 ounces, yet it has a much lighter feel and better weight distribution overall. Even the synthetic leather ear cushions are snug and comfortable.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonys-wh-1000xm5-anc-headphones-are-just-300-right-now-132545294.html?src=rss

Lockly’s Visage smart lock can unlock doors by scanning your face

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Getting into your home could soon become a more hands-free experience. Lockly, a company with a name that gives away its focus on smart locks, unveiled a face recognition lock at CES 2024. The lock, known as Visage, only needs to scan your face in order to unlock the door — no fingerprint, keys or other devices required.

Lockly's Visage works with Wi-Fi and the Matter smart home standard to seamlessly integrate into your existing smart home — Matter's official certification is still pending. Visage uses a pair of 2MP-resolution infrared sensors to detect your face within a range of 2.6 feet from the device. It can store up to 100 profiles (how you would use that many unless it's an AirBnB is hard to fathom) and should unlock the door within a second and a half.

While Visage can operate with your face alone, it's also equipped with a 3D biometric fingerprint reader and is compatible with Apple's Home Key, iPhone and Watch. In fact, it's the first in Lockly's Zeno series, which focuses on Apple device integration. Visage should also work with Apple Home, along with technology like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Visage also uses existing Lockly technology like Air Transfer and the PIN Genie. Visage should launch this summer for the price of $350.

Lockly isn't the only company that showed up at CES 2024 with a smart lock that doesn't require you to touch it. Philips, meanwhile, introduced a deadbolt that can unlock after "looking at" your palm. 

Lastly, separate from the smart lock, Lockly also announced the $80 Matter Link Hub at CES 2024 after claiming at last year's event that the device was coming. It should tell you who opened the Visage lock and allow you also to manage older Lockly devices from your Apple Home. Lockly plans to release the Matter Link Hub sometime this year.

A black smart lock on a wooden door.
Lockly

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/locklys-visage-smart-lock-can-unlock-doors-by-scanning-your-face-112539587.html?src=rss

Razer is bringing the world’s first HD haptics gaming chair cushion to CES 2024

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CES 2024 is here, and we're seeing all manner of new gaming gear and accessories. One notable mention is Razer's Project Esther, the world's first HD haptics gaming chair cushion. Yes, that's right, you can get one step closer to feeling like you're in the game — especially if you combine it with a VR headset. 

The Project Esther concept includes 16 haptic actuators and has ultra-low latency. You can control the haptics' directionality, multiple-device integration and multi-actuator experiences. It also had automatic audio-to-HD haptics conversion, allowing for a plug-and-play solution. Razer claims the cushion is compatible with most gaming and office chairs, so you won't have to get a whole new setup to use it. 

Razer's Project Esther gaming chair cushion is the result of years of haptics development. In 2018, the company unveiled Razer HyperSense haptics in its new Nari Ultimate headphones. They used advanced digital signal processing and wideband voice-coil actuators to produce the haptics for PC gaming — expanding it into Xbox headphones the following year. 

CES 2019 brought Razer's Hypersense high-resolution vibration system, which it programmed into keyboard rests, mice, and a chair. In 2022, Razer took another big step, buying Interhaptics, a company specializing in, as the name suggests, haptics. Project Esther functions using Interhaptics technology. 

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/razer-is-bringing-the-worlds-first-hd-haptics-gaming-chair-cushion-to-ces-2024-020027892.html?src=rss

How to watch Honda unveil its new EV series at CES 2024

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For some companies, CES 2024 has started in earnest which means we'll soon get to see major car manufacturers show off what they've been working on. One of those is Honda, with its event live streaming on YouTube on January 9 at 1:30PM ET and features Honda's global CEO and EVP Toshihiro Mibe and Shinji Aoyama, respectively.

What we expect

Honda announced back in December that its new EV series would make its worldwide debut at CES 2024. "Honda will showcase the global EV series models and several key technologies that illustrate the significant transformation Honda is currently undergoing," the company stated at the time. What's unclear is how many new cars will be on display or what types of vehicles they will be.

The upcoming reveal builds on past promises from Honda to shift toward a more environmentally friendly lineup. In 2021, Honda stated its plans to have all car sales be electric or fuel cell models by 2040. The following year, it announced an investment of five trillion yen (about $35 million) into electrification efforts over the next decade. Honda also shared its aim that, by 2030, it will have launched 30 more EV models, and EVs will make up 40 percent of its models.

Tune in to Honda's live stream below to see its new EV series for yourself. 

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-honda-unveil-its-new-ev-series-at-ces-2024-183012049.html?src=rss

Garmin debuts a ‘first of its kind’ heart rate monitor that works with sports bras

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Garmin has a few pieces of news to share at CES 2024, including a heart rate monitor marketed to women that can deliver an accurate heart rate reading even when attached to a sports bra. The $150 device, called the HRM-Fit, is a "first of its kind," according to Garmin. It should fit what Garmin describes as medium- and high-support sports bras, including select models from Adidas, Under Armour and other brands. It's also compatible Garmin smartwatches to report your pace, distance and stride length. If you leave your watch at home, the clip-on device can store workout data like calories burned and intensity, then load it to your watch once it's back in range. 

Other new Garmin products for CES 2024 include the Lily 2 smartwatches with a 35mm metal case. The Lily 2 retails for $250, while the Lily 2 Classic is available for $280. They both come with heart rate monitoring, sleep quality ratings and a connected GPS. The Lily 2 smartwatches also have move alerts with suggested activities, fitness tracking and a sports app. Only the Lily 2 Classic offers Garmin Pay contactless payments. 

Lastly, the company has a pretty major refresh in store for both the web version of its Garmin Connect app as well as the mobile version. Its homepage now features customizable sections like Today's Activity, Training Plans and In Focus. This update is now available to beta testers and should fully roll out later this year. 

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/garmin-debuts-a-first-of-its-kind-heart-rate-monitor-that-works-with-sports-bras-144910862.html?src=rss

Google Pixel phones and smartwatches are up to 21 percent off

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If you're a Google Pixel fan, this week is starting off well for you. A range of Google Pixel phones are currently on sale. For starters, the Google Pixel 8 is back down to its Black Friday price of $549, dropping from $699. The 21 percent discount is the lowest price we've seen the phone at since it launched.

The Google Pixel 8 is a great, cheaper alternative to the Google Pixel 8 Pro. We gave it a 90 in our review due to features like a Tensor G3 chip, faster Face Unlock and 20 hours and 16 minutes of battery life. The Google Pixel 8 also has a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Plus, there's the Magic Editor, which combines the capabilities of content-aware fill and lasso. Then there's the new Actua display and an overall more compact design than its predecessor. 

The Google Pixel 7a is also available at a solid discount, with a 20 percent off sale dropping its price to $399 from $499. This is only $25 more than its all-time low price, so it's a good option. The Google Pixel 7a also earned a 90 in our review thanks to its ability to deliver a quality phone for much less money than the flagship option. It offers a 90Hz display, Tensor G2 chip and wireless charging. The phone also has a high-res 64MP main camera in the back and a 13MP selfie camera with 4K video recording. In our video running test, the battery lasted 17 hours and 41 minutes. Some of our quips were that the speakers sounded a bit shallow and it didn't have a dedicated zoom lens. 

You can pick up a new smartwatch while you're at it, with the Google Pixel Watch 2 with Wi-Fi on sale alongside the phones. It's down to an Amazon all-time low of $300, dropping from $350 — a 14 percent discount. The Google Pixel Watch 2 has sensors for stress management, heart rate and skin temperature. It also has an always-on display and a 24-hour battery that fully charges in an hour and 15 minutes. The screen is 41mm and features all the Google apps like Calendar and Maps. 

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/google-pixel-phones-and-smartwatches-are-up-to-21-percent-off-120544932.html?src=rss

Netflix and Hulu pick up TV Golden Globes as Succession dominates

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The 2024 Golden Globes represented a return to normalcy after a year dominated by strikes in the entertainment industry. Streamers continued to get recognition for their shows, with Netflix, Hulu and Max picking up a combined 12 television awards.

Max (formerly HBO Max) won the most awards, garnering four for the final season of Succession, including best drama television series. Best performance by an actress and actor in that category went to Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin, who played siblings Roman and Shiv Roy on the series. Matthew Macfayden rounded out Succession's wins by taking home the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role on television. Succession is available to stream through Max but was viewable direct on TV through HBO.

Netflix won for a range of shows, such as The Crown, which premiered its final season at the end of the year. The Crown actress Elizabeth Debecki took home the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role on television for her portrayal of Princess Diana. Ricky Gervais won best performance in standup comedy on television for Ricky Gervais: Armageddon. Beef took home three awards, winning for best performances by an actress (Ali Wong) and actor (Steven Yeun) in a limited series, anthology series or series made for television. It also won for best overall in that category. The show was mired in controversy due to the casting of (and silence around) actor David Choe, who previously shared stories describing alleged sexual assaults.

Hulu's three awards came courtesy of FX-produced The Bear, which won for best musical or comedy television series. The show's lead actors, Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White, took home the best performance in a musical or comedy television series by an actress and actor awards, respectively.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-and-hulu-pick-up-tv-golden-globes-as-succession-dominates-102514804.html?src=rss

What AMD announced at its CES 2024 press conference focused on AI in personal computers

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AMD always brings something interesting to CES — hopefully CES 2024 is no different. The company will livestream its press conference on January 8 at 10AM ET. It will feature AMD's chair and CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, and the company's senior vice president and GM of computing and graphics, Jack Huynh.

What we expect

Like many companies, AMD says its focus for the press conference on AI — in this case, as it pertains to personal computers. The livestream's landing page says that "AMD is powering the end-to-end infrastructure that will define the AI era, from cloud installations to enterprise clusters, AI-enabled intelligent embedded devices and PCs."

If all of that sounds very vague and boring, don't fret: While we don't know exactly what AMD plans to unveil at CES 2024, it's usually the time that the company unveils the CPUs and GPUs that will be in laptops through the coming year. We're hoping to see more of the same, and there's a high chance we'll get some desktop chips as well, in the form of new CPUs with high-end integrated graphics. 

AMD unveiled a range of gear at CES 2023, including the Ryzen 9 7945HX processor, the RX 7700S and RX 7600S for thin and light notebooks and the Radeon RX 7600M XT and 7600M for high fps 1080p gaming. 

Tune in to AMD's live stream here to see what new offerings it has this year.

What AMD announced

If you missed AMD's CES 2024 press conference live, we have a recap video that'll take less than seven minutes of your time to watch. Spoiler alert: highlights include new Ryzen 800G desktop chips with AI and the entry-level Radeon RX 7600 XT, which is designed for 1440p gaming.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-amds-ces-2024-press-conference-focused-on-ai-in-personal-computers-150016783.html?src=rss