Author Archives: Jeremy Gan

Proton Drive now has a tier for business users

Posted on by

Proton Drive from Swiss technology company Proton AG now has a Professional tier. It joins services like Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Pass to receive professional tiers, letting teams select a single individual product that they need rather than signing up for everything Proton offers Additionally, all Proton Drive Business suite users now enjoy 1TB of storage from the original 500GB. That plan offers Proton’s whole portfolio of products, including email, calendar, VPN and a password manager.

If you’re interested in Proton Drive Professional, you can get it for $5.99 a month right now. It’s a discount of 40% from the original price of $9.99. Besides offering 1TB of storage, users also enjoy a 365-day file version history feature. This means you can restore files up to versions from a year before. Proton Drive also has its own equivalent to Google Docs called Proton Docs.

The company has released two new products this year in addition to a host of other updates to its offerings: Proton Scribe and Proton Wallet. Proton Scribe is a privacy-first writing assistant similar to Grammarly and is integrated into Proton Mail, but you can run it locally on your computer. As the name suggests, Proton Wallet is a digital cryptocurrency wallet to hold Bitcoin securely.

It’s clear that Proton Drive for Business is the company’s latest attempt to hold its own against competitors, as services like password managers, document editors, and even a Bitcoin wallet are now part of its product ranks. Additionally, it shows that Proton is now trying to gain more business customers, especially with the lower price point now.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/proton-drive-now-has-a-tier-for-business-users-143008348.html?src=rss

Indiegogo introduces its new guaranteed shipping program

Posted on by

Indiegogo has just introduced a Shipping Guarantee program to assure buyers they’ll get their products. Previously, there was no guarantee that you would receive the product you backed, but things are now changing. The program will be open to companies that have a reliable track record on the crowdfunding platform. Having a history of successful campaigns will help increase the chances of being approved for the program. The program is a step up from the “Trust-Proven” badge from two years ago, which indicates consistent fulfillment, positive backer ratings and proof of exemplary campaign management.

According to Indiegogo’s Shipping Guarantee Program FAQ page, a campaign must be vetted by the platform’s Trust & Safety team to qualify. All products must also be in the “final manufacturing stages.”

The first campaign under this program is the HoverAIR X1 PRO and X1 PRO MAX flying action cameras. As seen on the campaign’s product page, there is a “Shipping Guarantee” badge. Those who back the project will get their money back if the drones don’t ship by October 31, 2024.

Note that backers are required to fill out surveys sent out by campaign owners to qualify for the protection program. So, don’t complain if you simply forgot to fill out your shipping information — you’ll be on your own unless customer service helps you.

I once backed the Status Audio Between Pro earbuds years ago, and while they arrived safely, the many stories of failed campaigns from over the years have kept me (and surely other potential buyers) wary. Since Indiegogo only ensures reliable companies have access to the Shipping Guaranteed program, backers could be more confident if a company misses its shipping goals.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/indiegogo-introduces-its-new-guaranteed-shipping-program-174706617.html?src=rss

Bowers & Wilkins announces its latest Pi6 and Pi8 true wireless earbuds

Posted on by

Bowers & Wilkins has just announced the Pi6 and Pi8 true wireless earbuds. They're available for $249 and $399, respectively. The cheaper model has preorders open and ships September 13, while the Pi8 can be purchased right now.

The Pi6 has Bluetooth 5.4 and supports 24-bit/96kHz aptX transmission. It also has the same 12mm bio-cellulose drivers as the Px7 S2e, The flagship Pi8 supports the same resolution, but can also playback audio in aptX Lossless. Its 12mm drivers are carbon cones instead of bio cellulose.

Both buds have an IP-54 rating and the company’s proprietary ANC algorithm. Bower & Wilkins claims that the new earbuds have superior noise cancellation compared to their predecessors. They support Made for iPhone (MFi) for easy iOS integration — Google Fast Pair compatibility is slated to be added shortly after launch.

At full charge, the flagship model can last 6.5 hours, while the case provides 13.5 hours more; the Pi6 earbuds are rated for eight hours, while the charging case has enough for 16 additional hours of use.

As with many true wireless earbuds, the Pi6 and Pi8 have an accompanying app, which adds a five-band EQ for the Pi8 or a simple treble-and-bass adjustment for the Pi6.

The Pi6 will be available in Cloud Grey, Storm Grey, Forest Green and Glacier Blue when it launches next month. The Pi8’s four colors are Anthracite Black, Dove White, Jade Green and Midnight Blue.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bowers--wilkins-announces-its-latest-pi6-and-pi8-true-wireless-earbuds-161812832.html?src=rss

Volkswagen’s long-awaited electric ID.Buzz pricing and range revealed

Posted on by

After keeping up with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric van for a while, we finally have more details about this retro-yet-modern vehicle. The exact release date isn’t yet specified, but the company claims it will be available in the US within this year. Volkswagen also released information about different trims, pricing and range.

The first version is the ID.Buzz Pro S, which has an MSRP of $59,995. It’s a rear-wheel-drive-only vehicle that accommodates up to seven passengers. Volkswagen is offering three exterior color schemes: Candy White, Deep Black Pearl and Metro Silver. The interior comes in either Copper (tan) or Moonlight (dark brown) color schemes.

Photo: James Lipman
VW / James Lipman

Next is the Pro S Plus, which has an MSRP of $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for 4Motion AWD. Unlike the Pro S, this model only has six seats, but the higher price includes a head-up display, Harman Kardon 700-watt speakers and power-sliding rear doors, among other features. It comes in the same Candy White or Deep Black Pearl single-color exteriors, as well as an additional interior color: Dune (off-white). For an extra $995, there are eight two-tone exterior colors, including Candy White top with Cabana Blue, Blue Charcoal and more below. The alternative is Metro Silver top with Cherry Red.

The 2025 ID.Buzz's 91kWh battery should deliver an EPA estimated 234 miles on a full charge (or a slightly more modest 231 miles for those equipped with 4Motion.)

Volkswagen will also offer the launch-only 1st Edition, starting at $65,495 for RWD and $69,995 for AWD. These have a few unique features to set them apart: 20-inch wheels, upgraded audio, roof rail crossbars, "heritage-inspired floor mats" and exclusive badging. The optional glass roof available on the Pro S is also part of the package. It only comes in one of five exterior two-tone color options: Cabana Blue, Mahi Green, Metro Silver, Energetic Orange and Pomelo Yellow, all of which are contrasted with Candy White.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/volkswagens-long-awaited-electric-idbuzz-pricing-and-range-revealed-143929494.html?src=rss

Don’t Nod’s Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will launch in two parts starting February 18, 2025

Posted on by

Don't Nod's spiritual successor to its popular video game series Life is Strange, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, is confirmed to launch in two parts, and the first gameplay trailer is being revealed. The first part, Tape 1, will launch on February 18, 2025. You can expect Tape 2 to come out exactly one month later, on March 18, 2025.

Earlier this year, Don't Nod decided to delay the game’s release from late 2024 to early 2025. The primary reason is Square Enix and Deck Nine Games are working on Life is Strange: Double Exposure, a new game in the series. It’s planned for an October release on PC, Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Gamers on the Switch will have to wait.

It’s safe to say that the delay of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is to prevent it from competing with the new Life is Strange title, as they would share similar audiences. Having some breathing room between the two would also allow fans to play them at comfier pace.

The new trailer showcases gameplay from Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, which allows the main character, Swann, to switch between 1995 and 2022 timelines. The game will feature a dynamic dialog system, which changes dialog based on where players look or what they choose to say. Performing or ignoring actions will also affect outcomes.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage will be available on PC, Xbox Series X/S and PS5. There’s currently no word about a Switch version. Don’t Nod also announced plans for physical PS5 copies, but there’s no release date set for them yet.

If you happen to be at Gamescom 2024, feel free to check out Don't Nod's space in the B2B and B2C areas. Besides a photo booth themed after Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, you might even bring a keepsake home.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/dont-nods-lost-records-bloom--rage-will-launch-in-two-parts-starting-february-18-2025-203015444.html?src=rss

Valve bans Razer and Wooting keyboard automation in Counter-Strike 2

Posted on by

Earlier this week Valve started kicking Counter-Strike 2 players who used a feature called Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD). It’s available on some of Razer and Wooting’s keyboards, and you'll be kicked from matches if you play Counter-Strike 2 and the game detects you using it. Fortunately, Valve isn’t planning to ban Steam accounts right now.

The Verge tested Valve’s ruling and confirmed the game kicks you from matches if you play with SOCD. We still don’t recommend challenging Valve’s leniency, as the admins still have every right to ban accounts from playing the game. Don’t come crying if they do, thanks.

Razer calls the feature Snap Tap, while Wooting prefers the cuter term Snappy Tappy. Valve’s post says that those who own these keyboards must disable the features to “avoid any interruption to your matches.”

SOCD allows players to automate strafing, which means they can move in two directions without releasing the first key. This entails that you can always peek out of cover and get back out of harm’s way as fast as the game’s limitations allow. For example, as you move left with the A key, pressing the D key without letting the A key go enables you to go right instantly. Additionally, your reticule widens while moving, so coming to a stop sooner helps with your aim. SOCD lets you stop almost instantly, which can improve your head-clicking rate.

Both Razer and Wooting have made posts on X accepting Valve’s decision. Wooting, in particular, called for SOCD keyboard owners to disable the feature while playing Counter-Strike 2.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/valve-bans-razer-and-wooting-keyboard-automation-in-counter-strike-2-160502376.html?src=rss

Waymo director says the company’s cars won’t honk at each other anymore

Posted on by

Waymo’s self-driving cars no longer honk when near each other, Waymo’s Director of Product and Operations Vishay Nihalani said yesterday when he appeared on software engineer Sophia Tung’s livestream. The vehicles were spotted honking at each other a few weeks ago, prompting Waymo to issue a software patch.

As reported by NBC Bay Area, residents living near the parking lot full of Waymo taxis reported that despite the patch going live, the taxis still honked at each other. Tung, who lived near the idling taxis, set up her live stream to capture the cacophony of honking vehicles.

No good stream is complete without a soundtrack, and Tung’s stream included lo-fi music in the vein of the ubiquitous “LoFi Girl" on YouTube. The title, “Self Driving Taxi Depot Shenanigans To Relax/Study To,” was an obvious tribute to the LoFi Girl channel. (And yes, she had permission to use the music.) Despite a fix being pushed out, the stream captured the cars continuing to honk at 4AM this past Saturday.

Nihalani joined the stream to speak to Tung about the ongoing honking. According to the director, the cars’ honking was an intentional feature for taxis cruising on public roads to avoid collisions, but honking at each other while idling in the parking lot was never intentional. The taxis have now all been updated to solve the issue.

The Waymo service is available for those living in San Francisco, Phoenix, and 79 square miles of Los Angeles, stretching from Santa Monica to Downtown. In May, the company announced that its taxis were making 50,000 paid trips per week. Back in San Francisco, though, you can still tune in to Tung’s chill livestream of a parking lot — just without the honking.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/waymo-director-says-the-companys-cars-wont-honk-at-each-other-anymore-132812747.html?src=rss