Author Archives: Lawrence Bonk

TCL’s new budget-friendly QLED TV line starts at $600

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TCL just announced a new line up of budget-friendly QLED TVs with plenty of bells and whistles. The T7 Series offers quantum dot technology and a native refresh rate of 144Hz. The sets are available in multiple sizes, from 55-inches all the way up to 85-inches. That last one will certainly fill up the living room.

They also ship with the company's proprietary AI processor that automatically optimizes color, contrast and clarity. This should lead to some stunning 4K HDR performance. To that end, the TVs integrate with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

The sound is also on point here. The televisions offer Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital+ audio processing. The whole thing is powered via Google TV that allows for hands-free voice control via built-in microphones.

The prices here are fairly reasonable, considering the tech involved. These TVs start at $600 for the 55-inch model and go up to $1,400 for the 85-inch model. We don't have a release date just yet. 

These aren't the only interesting displays the company has announced this year. The QM6K Mini LED is available in sizes up to 98-inches, with a starting price of $700 for the smallest model. The QM7K is another Mini LED that ships with Bang & Olufsen speakers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/tcls-new-budget-friendly-qled-tv-line-starts-at-600-140024183.html?src=rss

Amazon is testing an AI tool that automatically translates books into other languages

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Amazon just introduced an AI tool that will automatically translate books into other languages. The appropriately-named Kindle Translate is being advertised as a resource for authors that self publish on the platform.

The company says the tool can translate entire books between English and Spanish and German to English. Amazon promises that more languages are coming down the pike. It's available right now in a beta form to select authors enrolled in the Kindle Direct Publishing platform. There's a broader rollout planned for a later date.

Books that use this service will have a clear Kindle Translate label, which might serve as a warning to consumers. Translating a book isn't a matter of just swapping out words. There's a whole lot of nuance and intent behind those words and it's unclear if the algorithm will be able to handle all of that. Major literary works often take years to get a decent translation out the door. Just ask Americans who often have to wait eons to gobble up the latest book by someone like Haruki Murakami.

This is a modern AI tool, so it's worth considering potential hallucinations. Nothing ruins a read more than a nonsensical chapter that was completely made up by a bot. Amazon does say that "all translations are automatically evaluated for accuracy before publication." Authors can preview the content before publishing it, but they are unlikely to know the language it's being translated into. We'll have to see how this all shakes out.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-is-testing-an-ai-tool-that-automatically-translates-books-into-other-languages-183056809.html?src=rss

Lego’s Star Trek USS Enterprise set arrives on Black Friday

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There's an official Lego set that recreates the iconic Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation, after first being teased a few months back. It'll be available on November 28 at a cost of $400. That's Black Friday, for those at home keeping score.

This is a fairly large set, with 3,600 pieces and all kinds of knick-knacks pulled from the show. It ships with nine minifigures, including Captain Picard, Guinan and Worf. Riker even comes with a trombone and Data accompanies his beloved cat, Spot. Every main character is here, even Wesley Crusher. Ensign Ro Laren makes an appearance, for those who want to recreate the crackling tension between her and Picard.

The ship itself is represented in all of its glory. The saucer section is detachable and there's a shuttle bay door that opens. Inside, there are two cute little shuttlepods. All told, the model measures around 10.5 inches tall, 23.5 inches long and 18.5 inches wide. It comes with a stand so it'll look great on that Trek-themed mantle.

The set will be available for preorder soon, but we don't have an actual date on that. It costs $400. Now that we finally have an official Lego Enterprise, where is the Lego Voyager and Lego Deep Space Nine? Get on that.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/legos-star-trek-uss-enterprise-set-arrives-on-black-friday-173414532.html?src=rss

Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s first DLC launches on December 10

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The first paid DLC for Pokemon Legends: Z-A arrives on December 10, which is a mere seven weeks after the game originally hit store shelves. Mega Dimension costs $30, which might pour more gasoline on the "Nintendo charges too much" fire. However, there's plenty of neat stuff coming with this update for Switch and Switch 2. 

First of all, there's a sizable post-game story. The current title isn't completely devoid of post-game content, but doesn't have much by way of story. This will be a good way to get back in touch with the various denizens of Lumiose City. Speaking of, the trailer shows an iconic character or two returning from Pokémon X and Y who were missing from Z-A.

The story looks to involve travel to an alternate dimension of some kind, thanks to the legendary Pokémon Hoopa. This means that players will traverse a different version of Lumiose City, complete with plenty of new Pokémon to catch. These include creatures that aren't actually native to the region, including standouts like Baxcalibur and Corviknight.

Pokémon will also be able to beef up past level 100 in the DLC, giving players another reason to grind beyond shiny hunting. We don't know if the interdimensional Lumiose City will include new collectibles, like an updated batch of hidden Colorful Screws. I sure hope so. I love parkouring around the city.

This isn't the only DLC available for the game. Game Freak actually just dropped a little free update with a new sidequest. Use the game's Mystery Gift function to unlock it.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is legitimately a fun game, despite what folks on the internet want you to think. They aren't completely in the wrong. It can be buggy. The graphics don't exactly scream "AAA title in 2025" and the tutorial section is pretty annoying. The city could use a bit more life and the map can be confusing. It's still super fun, even if Wild Zone 17 will likely haunt my dreams for years to come.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/pokemon-legends-z-as-first-dlc-launches-on-december-10-162144665.html?src=rss

Overcooked 2 drops for Switch 2 today and it makes full use of Camera Play

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The Switch 2 edition of Overcooked 2 drops today, which is something we've known was coming since September. Now it's here and ready to ruin relationships and friendships.

The developer promises "enhanced graphics in-line with PC" and 4K 60 fps gameplay when docked. This should be a night-and-day graphical upgrade when compared to the original Switch version.

Perhaps the biggest news here is Camera Play integration. This is a feature exclusive to Nintendo's new console and it leverages a connected camera to throw up the faces of players under their avatars. Overcooked 2 is already a frantic experience, but now you'll be able to see the look on the faces of your friends as you royally screw up a burger order.

It's worth noting that the Switch 2 doesn't come with a camera, but the company offers one as a standalone accessory. It also integrates with many USB-C cameras, including this Mario-themed work of art.

The Switch 2 version also works with Game Share, which lets people hop onto a multiplayer match without actually owning the game. Basically, the person who owns the game "shares" it with someone who doesn't.

It's also cross-platform with the original Switch, which is neat given the massive user base. Upgrading seems like a simple affair, as DLC, save files and star ratings all carry over. This upgrade costs $10 and buying the game outright costs $30. However, there's a 20 percent discount for the first week.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/overcooked-2-drops-for-switch-2-today-and-it-makes-full-use-of-camera-play-140021993.html?src=rss

Shazam for iOS just got a Liquid Glass makeover

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Apple just launched a redesign of the popular song-identifying app Shazam, which was spotted by 9to5Mac. This update takes full advantage of the company's recently-launched Liquid Glass visual language.

The company promises a "sleek" new look, but that's not the only change. This visual redesign should make it much easier to quickly glance at recent songs you've identified via the Home tab. They now appear directly on the home screen.

There's also a revamped toolbar that lets you quickly swap between different tabs, including one that lists nearby concerts. The search icon is now separated into its own button on the bottom of the app.

Just make sure that your device is running iOS 26 to check it out. The update is available right now, which should please millions upon millions of Shazam users. It's still the quickest and best way to identify a random song. As for Liquid Glass, the company recently introduced the ability to add a frostier, more opaque appearance.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/shazam-for-ios-just-got-a-liquid-glass-makeover-194954181.html?src=rss

Fitbit Black Friday deals are here early and one of our favorite fitness trackers is on sale for $100

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Fitbit is holding an early Black Friday and there are plenty of noteworthy deals. The Charge 6 fitness tracker is on sale for $100, which is a nice discount of $60 and 38 percent off. The deal applies to multiple colorways.

The Charge 6 topped our list of the best fitness trackers, and for good reason. It features built-in GPS, which means it doesn't have to be tethered to a phone when doing some cardio. The heart rate monitor is much more accurate when compared to the Charge 5 and the battery lasts a full week before requiring a trip to the outlet.

All told, it tracks 20 exercise types, in addition to sleep. The Charge 6 features a full-color AMOLED display that's easy on the eyes and a relatively thin design. This makes it feel fairly premium, especially when compared to rival devices.

On the downside, there's no real integration with Apple Health. This could be a dealbreaker for some. Also, some health data is hidden behind a Fitbit Premium paywall. That service costs $10 each month.

This isn't the only Fitbit product on sale right now. The Inspire 3 fitness tracker is available for $70, which is a discount of 30 percent.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/fitbit-black-friday-deals-are-here-early-and-one-of-our-favorite-fitness-trackers-is-on-sale-for-100-185704387.html?src=rss

Teenage Engineering made a reggae-inspired sampler, complete with a weird microphone for vocals

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Teenage Engineering just revealed the EP-40 Riddim sampler. This reggae-inspired groovebox is another redesign of the pre-existing EP-133 KO II sampler. It has the same square body and button-based workflow, but there are several changes here.

First of all, the entire exterior has been redesigned to make that reggae theme really pop. It's green and off-white, with fun fonts aplenty. The thing just screams "play me," much like the original KO II.

Perhaps the biggest internal feature is the addition of an actual synth engine called Supertone. The previous models in this series were just samplers. The company promises that this engine can deliver thick bass sounds and classic leads. It also offers access to a dub-inspired siren mode that's pressure sensitive. It oscillates faster the harder you press it.

The machine also boasts double the storage and an additional main effect. All told, there are seven main effects and 12 punch-in effects. These have all been inspired by reggae tunes. It comes pre-loaded with hundreds of samples which have also primarily been pulled from the genre.

This isn't just for reggae, as sounds are sounds and people can do whatever they want with them. Also, it's really easy to load your own samples into this machine via a web tool. I've used the tool often with the original KO II and it truly is drag-and-drop.

A microphone.
Teenage Engineering

There's one final fascinating element here. The sampler ships with something called the EP-2350 Ting microphone. This handheld mic resembles something out of a CB radio and is "lo-fi by design." It features four voice-changing effects, including one that combines echo and spring reverb. This is an essential effect for dub reggae vocals. In theory, this microphone could be used with other devices, but it's only available as a combo pack with the Riddim.

Everything else is in line with the KO II. It has a speaker that'll likely be pretty crappy, but also plenty of inputs and outputs. It operates via AA batteries and there are 12 buttons to trigger samples.

The Riddim is slightly more expensive than its counterparts, at $329. However, this does include the aforementioned Ting microphone. It's available right now for purchase.

This is the second off-kilter rebrand of the KO II. Teenage Engineering already released the EP-1320 Medieval, which is filled with samples of screaming peasants, flutes and Gregorian chants. The menus were also completely in Latin which, dear readers, made it very hard to use for this dumb American.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/teenage-engineering-made-a-reggae-inspired-sampler-complete-with-a-weird-microphone-for-vocals-173812774.html?src=rss

Bang & Olufsen’s latest speaker is a $5,800 aluminum soundbar

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Bang & Olufsen just announced a new luxury speaker that costs a pretty penny. The Beosound Premiere is a soundbar made from aluminum that's priced at $5,800.

It's visually striking, with the company referring to the soundbar as a "piece of art." The aluminum chassis looks to be seamless, with a gorgeous matte satin finish. The up-firing tweeter has been placed directly in the center to draw the eye and there are plenty of lights placed throughout. There are lots of little details here, including 1,925 bespoke perforations to pay tribute to the company's founding year.

"This is not merely a product; it is a curated experience," the company wrote. "Beosound Premiere redefines the category."

As for sound, there are ten custom-engineered drivers that assist with spatial audio by firing upwards. This allows "sound to unfold around the listener from all angles" and "enhances clarity in dialogue and delivers deep, powerful bass." It integrates with Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 and can be paired with additional Bang & Olufsen speakers via the company's proprietary Beolink Surround technology.

The soundbar also features a new patent-pending technology called Wide Stage. This uses a custom-designed algorithm to create the illusion of having additional speakers, making the "soundstage wider and taller than it is." All of this stuff combines for an immersive listening experience.

There's also some kind of special integration with LG OLED C and G series TVs, but the company didn't get into what that entails. We reached out to Bang & Olufsen for clarification. It's worth noting that the soundbar can work with any TV or audio source.

A soundbar.
Bang & Olufsen

The Beosound Premiere is available in a trio of colorways, with the natural aluminum model releasing first in December. The gold one comes out in February, followed by a black soundbar in March. All models ship with a stand that enables both wall-mounting and tabletop placement. Again, the Premiere costs $5,800.

That high-end sticker price has become a hallmark of Bang & Olufsen. The company recently announced earbuds that cost $1,500 and a marble-adjacent speaker that's so expensive that the price isn't listed publicly.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/bang--olufsens-latest-speaker-is-a-5800-aluminum-soundbar-163524028.html?src=rss

EcoFlow Black Friday deals include up to 52 percent off portable power stations

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EcoFlow is hosting a Black Friday sale on portable power stations. This drops prices by up to 42 percent on many of its well-regarded products. For instance, the Delta Pro 3 is on sale for $2,099. This is a discount of 43 percent, as the typical cost is $3,699. That's a significant drop in price. Amazon's matching the sale price as well.

The Delta Pro 3 topped Yahoo's list of the best portable power stations, and for very good reason. This thing is a beast. It boasts a 4,096Wh capacity, so it can power an average 500-watt refrigerator for over 24 hours. That's with continuous use. It can be stretched out to two or three days by only running the appliance during daylight hours. There's even a discounted bundle that includes an extra battery for $3,279.

It includes four standard 120V AC outlets and a single 240V outlet. It could potentially be a temporary hub of a whole-home battery backup. There are numerous charging options here, including a standard AC outlet, solar panels and, interestingly, a cigarette lighter.

The only potential downside here is the Delta Pro 3 really pushes the boundaries of what can be considered portable. It weighs 113 pounds, though it does have wheels and a telescoping handle.

The Delta Pro 3 is just one of the products on sale right now. Another Yahoo top pick, the Delta 2 Max, is $1,000 off and down to $899.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ecoflow-black-friday-deals-include-up-to-52-percent-off-portable-power-stations-130041488.html?src=rss