Snapchat is, once again, beefing up its safety features to make it harder for strangers to contact teens in the app. The company is adding new warnings about "suspicious" contacts and preemptively blocking friend requests from accounts that may be linked to scams.
It’s not the first time Snap has tried to dissuade teen users from connecting with strangers in the app. The company says the latest warnings go a step further in that the alerts rely on “new and advanced signals” that indicate an account may be tied to a scammer. Likewise, Snap says it will block friend requests sent by users who lack mutual friends with the requestee, and "a history of accessing Snapchat in locations often associated with scamming activity.” The app’s block feature is also getting an upgrade so that users who block someone will also automatically block new accounts made on the same device.
These updates, according to the company, will help address sextortion scams that often target teens across social media platforms, as well as other safety and privacy concerns. Snap, like many of its social media peers, has come under fire from lawmakers over teen safety issues, including sextortion scams and the ease with which drug dealers have been able to contact teens in the app. The latest update also just happens to come shortly after Rolling Stone published an exhaustive investigation into how Snapchat “helped fuel a teen-overdose epidemic across the country.”
The article cited specific features like Snapchat’s Snap Map, which allows users to share their current location with friends, and “quick add” suggestions, which surfaced friend recommendations. (The company began limiting “quick add” suggestions between teen and adult accounts in 2022.) And while teens can still opt-in to the Snap Map location sharing, the company says it’s simplifying these settings so they’re easier to change and surfacing more “frequent reminders” about how they are sharing their whereabouts in the app.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/snapchat-is-making-it-harder-for-strangers-to-contact-teens--again-163824048.html?src=rss
ChatGPT is now available with many Volkswagen models, including all vehicles in the electric ID family, the new Golf, Tiguan and Passat. This integration is only in Europe, for now, with North America coming soon.
What does this mean exactly? ChatGPT has been integrated into Volkswagen’s own voice assistant IDA to complement the service and add more features, sort of like how Apple is handling its own partnership with OpenAI’s platform. This means that customers can better communicate with the vehicle using natural language, which allows the assistant to “answer questions about various topics.” IDA could already handle voice-controlled climate adjustments and navigation, but the addition of ChatGPT should make everything run a bit smoother.
Volkswagen also says that the updated voice assistant can provide information on tourist attractions, report on football games and help solve math problems. You know, all of the stuff that regular ChatGPT is used for, only in a car. To that end, Volkswagen touts that drivers won’t have to ever take their eyes off the road when using this service.
As for privacy, the company says that a query is only sent to the cloud if IDA can’t handle it, just like how Apple Intelligence works. The query is sent anonymously so ChatGPT doesn’t get any of your vehicle data. It can also be deactivated entirely via the settings area of the Volkswagen app.
We tried this feature a few months back at CES and came away slightly confused but also intrigued. We found that the system didn’t add much to the whole driving experience but could be a great tool for passengers. It told us a cute story about a dinosaur, though struggled with up-to-date queries like basketball scores. In short, it should keep the kids busy during road trips.
ChatGPT integration is heading to the US with 2025 vehicles, with a global release coming shortly after that. It’s also available in languages other than English, which is always a nice surprise. The system can handle Spanish, Czech and German.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chatgpt-is-now-available-in-many-volkswagen-models-161547310.html?src=rss
The original Razr was always sort of a style icon. It was super thin (almost to a fault) and looked more like a prop from a sci-fi movie than all its brick-shaped rivals at the time. And with the launch of a new generation of its signature flip phone later this summer, it feels like Moto is trying to recapture some of that magic with the 2024 Razr family.
Just like last year, the Razr line is split between two devices: the flagship Razr+, which starts at $1,000, and a more affordable non-plus model that starts at $700. That said, Motorola has made some significant changes to help close the gap between the two phones. Both of them feature a 6.9-inch flexible OLED interior display with a 165Hz refresh rate for the Razr+ and a 120Hz panel on the standard version. Meanwhile, on the outside, Moto created a new hinge it claims is 30 percent smaller, while also increasing the size of the front display (which is covered by Gorilla Glass Victus for added durability).
Both versions of the 2024 Razr have larger exterior displays. The easiest way to tell them apart is that the standard Razr (left) has a small body-colored strip below its screen while the Razr+ (right) has a larger 4-inch panel.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
The Razr+'s exterior OLED screen now measures 4 inches across, which is up from 3.6 inches on last year’s model. However, the basic Razr has made an even bigger jump by replacing the tiny 1.5-inch panel on its predecessor with a new 3.6-inch display. But Moto didn’t stop there. Thanks to an update to its Panels UI, you can open basically any app on the Razrs’ front display, with the only exceptions being apps that require specific (i.e. larger) resolutions. But perhaps the biggest improvement for overall usability is that both handsets now also feature IPX8 ratings for water-resistance (up from IP52), which is tested to withstand dunks of up to 5 feet for 30 minutes.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Razr without some fashionable color options and for 2024, Motorola is definitely delivering on that. The Razr+ will be available in Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Hot Pink (which is an homage to the vibrant magenta version of the OG Razr) and Peach Fuzz, with the latter being Pantone’s 2024 color of the year. Meanwhile, the standard Razr comes in three colors: Koala Gray, Beach Sand and a particularly eye-catching hue that Moto is calling Spritz Orange. Notably, every one of those options features a vegan leather back aside from the gray model. That comes in vegan suede instead, which sort of feels like silicone but with an ever softer finish. Whichever finish you choose, both options are a nice departure from the glass backs you get on pretty much every other phone these days.
For snapping photos, both devices feature a 32-MP punch-hole selfie camera on the inside along with a 50-MP main camera on the outside and either a 2x telephoto cam on the Razr+ or an ultra-wide lens on the standard Razr. Moto says it also updated the Camcorder feature so that it automatically activates when you bend the screen and rotate the phone 90 degrees, which should make switching between photo and video a bit more seamless.
As for software, Moto is jumping on the AI bandwagon with its own series of AI-powered features. The Razr supports Google Gemini (including three free months of Gemini Advanced with purchase) along with the company’s own Moto AI tools. This includes things like Magic Canvas, which allows you to generate images using text prompts and the nifty Style Sync mode, which lets you take a photo of your clothing so you can create a matching wallpaper for use on the device, which feels like a small but thoughtful addition for fashionistas that don’t want their phone to clash with their outfit.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Later this year, Moto is adding even more AI tools including Catch Me Up which can summarize all your notifications so you don’t have to swipe through everything individually after being away for a while. But the feature that might have the most impact is Remember This. With it, you can ask Moto AI to record a photo, screenshot or audio and then repeat important details back to you later when you ask. That said, you have to first prompt the Razrs to do this, and unlike Microsoft’s Copilot feature Recall, the phones only save what you tell them to instead of saving and tracking everything you do.
Finally, powering the Razr+ is a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip along with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and a 4,000 mAh battery, the latter of which is slightly larger than the 3,700mAh cell in a Galaxy Z Flip 5. Meanwhile, the vanilla Razr features still solid but less impressive specs, including a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It does come with a slightly larger 4,200 mAh power pack, though.
First impressions of the Moto Razr and Razr+
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
While I only had a short while to play around with both devices, I really like what Moto has done with the Razr’s design and software. The exterior feels more luxurious thanks to that vegan leather/suede back and the larger front display supports a wider range of apps and makes better use of space. And while AI has become a bit of a buzzword these days, it feels like Moto is taking a more considered approach with features like Style Sync and Remember This, which are fun or helpful additions that don’t feel too intrusive.
However, I do have some small complaints as well. I wish the Razr’s main cameras were positioned on the left instead of the right. The reason is that if you’re right-handed (which accounts for around 90 percent of people), the way the lens housing protrudes can sometimes get in the way of your thumb. I also think the Razr’s hinge could be a touch stiffer, as its screen doesn’t feel quite as stable as rivals like the Z Flip 5. And while Motorola says the phone will receive three major Android OS upgrades and four years of software support, that’s still way short of the seven years you get from recent Samsung and Google phones.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Lastly, while there is still a crease in the internal display, it’s so faint that it’s really more of a shallow ripple that you only see at acute angles. Motorola says the Razr’s new hinge creates more of a waterdrop-shaped fold when closed, which helps reduce the appearance of creases. After seeing the devices up close, I have to say it’s not distracting at all. But the best part is that with the basic Razr starting at just $700 and the flagship model going for $1,000, we’re getting more foldable phones with solid water resistance and good builds for a reasonable price.
The Razr and Razr+ will be available for pre-order starting on July 10 with official sales slated for July 24.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/motorolas-2024-razr-and-razr-might-be-the-most-stylish-and-affordable-foldables-of-the-year-160024366.html?src=rss
The first-ever samples from the far side of the Moon have touched down on Earth. China’s Chang’e 6 capsule landed on Tuesday in Inner Mongolia, carrying rocks that could confirm or debunk scientists’ current theories about the Moon’s origin.
The samples could help scientists confirm the current hypothesis about the Moon’s origin: that molten Earth collided with a body around the size of Mars, ripping off material that took orbit next to us and created the Moon.
“Think about the geology of the Earth: If you only landed in North America, you’d be missing a big part of the story, right?” Richard Carlson, director emeritus of the Earth and Planets Laboratory at Carnegie Science, told NPR.
Researchers believe that if China’s rock samples show the same age as what NASA’s Apollo program brought home last century, it would confirm the hypothesis. If it doesn’t, it would throw a wrench into the works, forcing us to revise our understanding of the Moon’s birth.
“It’s pretty clear that the far side and the near side have many, many differences,” Jim Head, a planetary scientist at Brown University, said to NPR. “It’s a really critical issue. You can’t understand the origin of a planet with one hemisphere.”
Chang’e 6 landed on the Moon’s far side early this month, only the second successful mission to the end of Earth’s neighbor that always faces away from it. The pair rotates synchronously, keeping one side perpetually hidden from our view. This makes landings difficult because Earth has no direct line of communication with the far side, forcing China’s space program to rely on a satellite relay instead.
China has offered to share some of the samples with American scientists in a sign of cooperation during otherwise tense times between the two nations. NASA has given the green light for US researchers to submit proposals to study the historical samples.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chinas-rock-samples-from-the-far-side-of-the-moon-have-returned-to-earth-154645797.html?src=rss
Called Reflections, this idyllic holiday home by Okno Modhomes is tucked away in the midst of a jungle in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India. The tranquil home with a fascinating mirrored facade is the ultimate haven in nature, away from the chaos of city life. Occupying 300 square feet, the contemporary-style home is protected by a lush canopy of newly planted and old trees. It is designed to be a space where humans and nature can co-exist in peace, functioning as a thoughtfully designed and sustainable architectural structure. The home was constructed to have as little an impact as possible on the surrounding environment. The interesting mirrored facade beautifully complements the lush green environment, while the metallic and wooden elements add a modern yet earthy touch to the home.
As you enter the home through a quaint entryway, you are welcomed into a raised living area that seems to be floating amidst the trees. Expansive views and the noise of the outdoors highlight the deck which allows residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the woods. The home features an open-plan living area which perfectly merges the indoor and outdoor spaces. This area is the highlight of the home. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow impressive glimpses of the surrounding greenery. This living area then harmoniously connects to the outdoor deck with a hot tub, and a cozy lounge area, which is great for admiring views and staring at the stars in the night sky.
As you explore further, you are welcomed by a comfortable bedroom amped with stunning views of the forest. Natural materials were utilized, including soft textiles and organic wood finishes to uplift this space, imparting it with an elegant yet warm touch. The bedroom features a motorized sliding bed which offers a chance to partake in some stargazing.
“The mirrored exterior of Reflections not only creates a striking visual effect but also serves a functional purpose,” said Okno Modhomes. It reflects the natural surroundings, reducing the visual impact of the structure and helping it blend into the landscape. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems ensures that Reflections is as gentle on the environment as it is on the eyes,” the firm concluded.
Atari pretty much started this whole home console gaming thing with the 2600, a precursor to the NES. That console is 45 years old and Atari itself was formed well over 50 years ago. To originally commemorate its 50th birthday, the company released a robust collection of games called Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. Now, it’s getting a hefty update with nearly 40 additional games, though Atari has yet to release a full list of the new titles.
This brings the total of games available with this collection to almost 130, derived from multiple home and portable consoles. Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition also adds two new timelines to the software. Basically, these timelines are interactive history lessons about the company, complete with video segments and playable games.
One of the timelines is a deep dive into the company’s history, called The Wider World of Atari. This features retrospectives into the classic arcade cabinet Berzerk, Pong creator Al Alcorn and artist Evelyn Seto, who designed the company’s iconic logo. The First Console War timeline gets into the battle between the Atari 2600 and the Intellivision, which was a prelude to Nintendo versus Sega. Incidentally, Atari just bought Intellivision, officially ending the rivalry.
The update rolls out this fall. It’ll also be the definitive version moving forward. For new buyers, Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition costs $40, with a Steelbook edition retailing for $50. It’ll be available on just about every platform, including the Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and PC. The physical Steelbook edition, which is just for the Switch and PS5, comes with art cards, arcade marquee signs, replica business cards and more.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ataris-50th-anniversary-collection-is-getting-a-hefty-update-with-nearly-40-additional-games-150827022.html?src=rss
Like other browser makers, Mozilla is looking to bring more AI features into Firefox. The organization's latest effort is an experimental one for the Nightly build of the browser. Starting this week, you'll be able to add ChatGPT, Google Gemini, HuggingChat or Le Chat Mistral to the sidebar. Highlight some text on the web and you can right click to ask your preferred chatbot to summarize the information, simplify the language or test your memory and knowledge of the excerpt.
Mozilla says any chatbot use is entirely optional and none of them are integrated into Firefox's core functions. If you'd like to try one in Firefox, you'll need the experimental Nightly version of the browser (note that Mozilla describes this as a "unstable testing and development platform," so exercise caution). Go to Settings > Nightly Experiments and switch on the AI Chatbot Integration option, then pick a chatbot.
To add the chatbot to your sidebar permanently, select Customize toolbar after right clicking on the toolbar. After that, you should drag the sidebar icon to your toolbar.
Mozilla is pitching this as a way for you to try out chatbots and see which one works best for you (or find out if you want to use one at all). "All of these models are still being developed and improved," the organization noted in a blog post. "None are perfect, and they’re each good at some things and not at others." Mozilla added that it will refine the chatbot experience before bringing it to the beta and release builds of Firefox.
The organization is following several other browser makers in bringing chatbots to their products. Of course, Microsoft and Google have brought Copilot and Gemini to Edge and Chrome, respectively. The likes of Opera and DuckDuckGo have waded into these waters too.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/firefox-starts-letting-you-use-ai-chatbots-in-the-sidebar-144218734.html?src=rss
When I go to amusement parks, this single woman sometimes feels pity seeing parents lugging around heavy duty strollers for their kids who decided they prefer running around the area then later on deciding they’re too tired to walk. Most of the strollers are bulky and heavy, adding to back problems and joint problems for the parents (aside from the back pain from carrying the child around). This new concept says that it’s the most compact and lightest baby stroller even as the mechanism is still patent pending.
Designers: Mick Beliaev and David Popkov
Iva is a stroller that can be stored into a backpack when not in use. It is 1.6 inches slim and 4.4 lbs light, which apparently is lighter than the 16-inch Macbook Pro. It is also pretty easy to assemble and pack, once you get the hang of the mechanism which seems a bit complicated at first. But once you’ve mastered it, it should only take around 60 seconds for you to fold and unfold.
The stroller itself has an Aviation Aluminum 7075 frame-enclosure and includes four pipe-shaped legs with soft rubber wheels. It is designed according to the US Safety Standard F833 for carriages and strollers. You can also detach the backpack so if you want to get a new color or design, you can just buy a new backpack part. The video showing the designer’s 7-year old kid riding the stroller seems to show that it’s pretty durable and as comfortable as a stroller can get.
The Iva stroller isn’t as cushy or enclosed as most of the strollers we see in the market but those are probably some of the things you have to give up to create what is supposedly the lightest one. They said they are selling the project to a larger brand or it may also go on Kickstarter in the summer.
Audi has unveiled the new RS Q8 and the new RS Q8 Performance. The Audi RS Q8 Performance has emerged as a trailblazer in the SUV segment, setting new standards for power, performance, and advanced engineering. As the most powerful series-produced combustion model in the history of Audi Sport GmbH, the RS Q8 Performance features […]
In 2022, Beats discontinued the Pill+, the company's last remaining Bluetooth speaker. Prior to the move, Beats had decent run of smaller, portable speakers, including its original Pill and Pill XL models. Of course, that period wasn't without some headaches and there hadn't been a new model since 2015. Now it's time for a revival. Beats reintroduced its Pill speaker today with a new design that's been re-engineered from the inside out.
The first change you'll likely notice is the 20-degree upward tilt of the new Beats Pill, which the company says gives the unit improved sound projection. Beats is promising "more powerful, room-filling sound, bigger bass and improved tonality" thanks to an updated woofer and tweeter combo that should also minimize distortion. The new Pill is 10 percent lighter than the Pill+ and comes with a removable lanyard for carrying. The speaker is also IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, which should be good enough to protect the device if it accidentally takes a quick dip in the pool.
Beats
Similar to previous models, you can sync two Pill speakers together for more robust sound. The company gives you the option of Amplify Mode, which is louder, or Stereo Mode that divides the left and right channels. Beats explains that it improved the speakerphone capabilities of the Pill, mostly thanks to the company's noise-learning algorithm. By combating environmental noise, the company says it can better pick up your voice during calls.
The Pill still has on-device controls for music, volume, pairing and power, and the speaker charges via USB-C. That wired connection can also be used to charge your phone from the speaker's battery or to send lossless audio from a laptop or other device. Beats says you can expect up to 24 hours of battery life, plus there's a Fast Fuel feature that gives you two ours of use in 10 minutes. One-touch pairing is available on iOS and Android and there's compatibility for both Find My and Find My Device when you need it.
The new Beats Pill is available for pre-order today in black, red and gold color options for $150. Beats says it will start shipping the speaker on June 27.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/beats-pill-speakers-are-back-and-have-been-redesigned-from-the-inside-out-140055874.html?src=rss
