Monthly Archives: July 2024

Actual Copper Keycaps from Awekeys turn your mechanical keyboard into an Ocean of Rose Gold

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Copper plays a VERY important role in electronics, but this might be the first time copper’s been used for its aesthetic properties. Meet the Awekeys Copper Eagle Keycap set – made from actual copper alloy to give your keyboard drip like no other. Sure, people boast about customizing the RGB backlight on their keyboards, but nothing really matches having your keys be made of actual metal. The Copper Eagle set sports keycaps machined from literal metal, giving them a heft and shimmery appeal that plastic wishes it had. Compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones, these keys attach to any supporting mechanical keyboard (no matter the size or style), giving it an audiovisual makeover. The keys offer the distinctly cool feel of metal, but start typing and you realize how much of a difference they actually make. The metal keycaps offer a distinct kind of sound that feels less like a plastic clatter and more like coins clinking against each other. It also helps that the keys make your keyboard look like a million bucks.

Designer: Awekeys

Crafted from recycled cupronickel, a material known for its strength and durability, the Copper Eagle set is a testament to Awekeys’ commitment to sustainable practices without compromising on quality. Each keycap undergoes a meticulous milling process before receiving its signature satin copper plating. This finish isn’t just visually appealing; it also lends a unique tactile sensation to every keystroke. The weight of the metal keycaps contributes to a substantial feel, while the copper’s natural warmth adds a touch of elegance to any setup.

Beyond aesthetics, the Copper Eagle set offers a sonic user experience that sets it apart. Metal keycaps are renowned for their ability to produce a deeper, more resonant click compared to their plastic counterparts. The Copper Eagle does so too, delivering satisfyingly rich auditory feedback that can be customized further with the right switch and keyboard combination. Along with just the cold tactile feel of the metal against your fingertips, the satisfying metallic click just elevates the keyboard’s UX to an entirely new level, eschewing the ‘fake’ plasticity of regular mechanical keyboards and replacing it with the premium appeal of metal.

One’s immediate concern with copper alloys (and glossy keycaps in particular) is the issue of fingerprints and patinas. A copper keyboard only looks classy if it maintains its sheen, and to address that, Awekeys actually coated each keycap with a nanocoating that prevents the metal from oxidizing or reacting to the oil and sweat from your fingertips. The keys should remain pristine and shiny for months with regular wiping down, although the durability of the coating over time is still something to be determined.

The Copper Eagle set comes in various kits to accommodate different keyboard layouts and preferences. The base kit consists of every key required for a 100% layout keyboard, but you can grab custom caps too, including different copper grades that have slightly different hues, and a few vanity keys featuring eagle imagery for your special keys like the enter, escape, backspace, etc.

The obvious caveat here is weight – copper weighs significantly more than plastic, so this should definitely make your keyboard feel considerably heavier than usual, but that’s only really a problem if you’re carrying your keyboard around. The second caveat, and a slightly smaller one, is that these keys (just like your regular mechanical keycaps) won’t support backlights. Most keyboards come with dual-plastic keys that allow the symbols to glow so you can see them in the dark – that’s not really possible with copper, so you’ll be relying entirely on muscle-memory here. The benefit, however, is that you’ll also own the coolest-looking keyboard among your friend circuits.

The post Actual Copper Keycaps from Awekeys turn your mechanical keyboard into an Ocean of Rose Gold first appeared on Yanko Design.

Belgian researchers found a huge privacy hole in six dating apps

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TechCrunch reported that a group of researchers from the university KU Leuven in Belgium identified six popular dating apps that malicious users can use to pinpoint the near-exact location of other users. Dating apps including Hinge, Happn, Bumble, Grindr, Badoo and Hily all exhibited some form of “trilateration” that could expose users’ approximate locations, which prompted some of the apps to take action and tighten their security, according to the published paper.

The term “trilateration” refers to a three-point measurement used in GPS to determine the relative distance to a target. The six named apps fell into one of three categories of trilateration” including “exact distance trilateration” in which a target is accurate to “at least a 111m by 111m square (at the equator),” “round distance trilateration” or “oracle trilateration” in which distance filters are used to approximate a rounded area much like a Venn diagram.

Grindr is “susceptible to exact distance trilateration” while Happn falls under “rounded distance trilateration.” The remaining four fall under “oracle trilateration” despite the fact that Hinge and Hily hide the distances of its users, according to the paper.

Karel Dhondt, one of the researchers involved in the study, told TechCrunch that a user with malicious intent could locate another user up to “2 meters” away using oracle trilateration. This method involves the malicious user going to a rough estimate of the victim's location based on their profile and moving in increments until the victim is no longer in proximity along three different positions and triangulating the data to one spot. 

Bumble’s vice president of global communication Gabrielle Ferree told the website that they “swiftly resolved the issues outlined” with its distance filter last year. Hily co-founder and chief technology officer Dmytro Kononov said in a statement that an investigation revealed “a potential possibility for trilateration” but “exploiting this for attacks was impossible.”

Happn chief executive officer and president Karima Ben Adelmalek told TechCrunch they discussed trilateration with the Belgian researchers. He says that an additional layer of protection designed to prevent trilateration “was not taken into account in their analysis.”

Grindr’s chief privacy officer Kelly Peterson Miranda noted that users can disable their distance display from their profile. She also noted that “Grindr users are in control of what location information they provide.” Hinge did not respond with a comment.

Other dating apps have taken extra steps to ensure its users are speaking to actual people and not spam bots or fake accounts. Tinder started requiring users in February in the US, UK, Brazil and Mexico to upload a copy of an official driver’s license or passport along with a video selfie as part of a new advanced ID verification system.

Update, July 31, 7:55PM ET: The story was updated to remove the statement that Badoo did not respond to a request for comment. As Badoo is owned by Bumble, Bumble VP Gabrielle Ferree's statement covers both brands.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/belgian-researchers-found-a-huge-privacy-hole-in-six-dating-apps-223227855.html?src=rss

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Leaked Hands-on: A First Look at Its Stunning New Design and Features

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The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is generating buzz even before its official release. Thanks to a lucky break, a YouTuber on Andro-News.com managed to get their hands on one early. While we might wonder how they pulled it off, the real excitement comes from seeing the device in action. My initial impression? The design is quite impressive.

Designer: Google

The Pixel 9 Pro XL marks a significant shift for Google in aesthetics. The flat edges, reminiscent of the iPhone, give it a sleek, modern look that sets it apart from previous models with rounded edges. This change makes the phone look more streamlined and sophisticated. The polished metal frame feels premium, although it might be prone to scratches like the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The back of the phone is made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with a matte finish, combining durability with a refined appearance. The phone is also IP68 certified, protecting against dust and water.

Another highlight is the 6.8-inch LTPO display on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. With a resolution of 1344×2992 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate, the screen offers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, perfect for watching videos and browsing photos. The flat screen, a departure from the 2.5D curved edges of earlier models, enhances the device’s sleek and modern look. HDR10+ support ensures that the visual experience is top-notch.

One of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s most talked-about features is its camera system. The camera bump houses three lenses: a 50 MP wide-angle, a 48 MP ultra-wide with autofocus, and a 48 MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom and optical image stabilization. Additional elements like a temperature sensor, flash, extra microphone, and a white balance sensor enhance its photographic capabilities. The front camera has been significantly upgraded to a 42 MP sensor, promising sharper selfies and video calls.

Under the hood, the Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, offering a 15% performance boost over the previous generation and emphasizing energy efficiency. While it might not compete directly with the latest Snapdragon chips in sheer power, the Tensor G4 ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. The battery is confirmed to be 5,050 mAh, improving efficiency for more prolonged use between charges.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL ships with Android 15 and will receive updates for seven years, ensuring long-term support and security. AI features like the Pixel Screenshot function use artificial intelligence to provide contextual information based on user screenshots. Additionally, the device includes a one-year subscription to Gemini Advanced, offering advanced language models, cloud storage, and document analysis tools.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL holds up well compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra. It offers a comfortable grip with dimensions similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max but is slightly taller. The flat edges might appeal to users who prefer a less sharp-edged device compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. The new color options — black, gray, pink, and porcelain — offer more personalized choices.

Overall, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL impresses with its sleek design, solid performance, and innovative AI features. While it might not lead in raw processing power, its focus on energy efficiency, excellent cameras, and long-term software support make it a compelling choice in the flagship smartphone market. The various memory options and colors offer a premium experience that caters to a wide range of users.

The post Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Leaked Hands-on: A First Look at Its Stunning New Design and Features first appeared on Yanko Design.

US Copyright Office calls for better legal protections against AI-generated deepfakes

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The US Copyright Office has published a report recommending new and improved protections against digital replicas. "We have concluded that a new law is needed," the department's report states. "The speed, precision, and scale of AI-created digital replicas calls for prompt federal action. Without a robust nationwide remedy, their unauthorized publication and distribution threaten substantial harm not only in the entertainment and political arenas, but also for private individuals."

The Copyright Office's assessment reveals several areas where current laws fall short of addressing digital replicas. It describes the state level as "a patchwork of protections, with the availability of a remedy dependent on where the affected individual lives or where the unauthorized use occurred." Likewise, "existing federal laws are too narrowly drawn to fully address the harm from today’s sophisticated digital replicas."

Among the report's recommendations are safe harbor provisions to encourage online service providers to quickly remove unauthorized digital replicas. It also notes that "everyone has a legitimate interest in controlling the use of their likenesses, and harms such as blackmail, bullying, defamation, and use in pornography are not suffered only by celebrities," meaning laws should cover all individuals and not just the famous ones.

The timing of this publication is fitting, considering that the Senate has been making notable moves this month to enact new legal structures around the use of digital replications and AI-generated copycats. Last week, the legislators passed the DEFIANCE Act to offer recourse for victims of sexual deepfakes. Today saw the introduction of the NO FAKES Act to more broadly allow any individual to sue for damages for unauthorized use of their voice or likeness.

Today's analysis is the first in several parts of the Copyright Office's investigation into AI. With plenty more questions to explore around the use of AI in art and communication, the agency’s ongoing findings should prove insightful. Hopefully legislators and courts alike will continue to take them seriously.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/us-copyright-office-calls-for-better-legal-protections-against-ai-generated-deepfakes-215259727.html?src=rss

Reddit CEO wants Microsoft to pay for its content

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Reddit’s chief executive officer Steve Huffman didn’t pull any punches with Microsoft in an interview with The Verge. He called out Microsoft and other AI search engines like Anthropic and Perplexity for not paying for the information they take from Reddit, some of which have already been blocked from Huffman’s website.

Reddit has deals in places with companies like Google and OpenAI to receive compensation for using its posts and information. The Verge paraphrased Huffman as saying Microsoft was one of several companies "refusing to negotiate," but a Reddit spokesperson disputed this characterization. The spokesperson told Engadget that Reddit and Microsoft did attempt to negotiate a solution, but didn't reach a deal they both agreed on.

“Without these agreements, we don’t have any say or knowledge of how our data is displayed and what it’s used for, which has put us in a position now of blocking folks who haven’t been willing to come to terms with how we’d like our data to be used or not used,” Huffman told The Verge’s deputy editor Alex Heath.

Huffman says if Microsoft and other AI search sites continue to use Reddit’s information without proper compensation, they’ll have to be blocked. He doesn’t want to do that because it’s “a real pain in the ass to block these companies.”

Reddit has started cracking down on search engines that expunge information from its various forms and communities. The website vowed to block unauthorized data scraping in June by updating its Robots Exclusion Protocol (robots.txt) and it’s already prevented Bing from accessing data from Reddit, a fact confirmed by Microsoft’s head of search Jordi Ribas on X.

Earlier this month, a source confirmed to Engadget's Will Shanklin that Microsoft’s refusal to work with Reddit’s terms of service led to the blocking of Bing. A spokesperson from Reddit also said, “Anyone accessing Reddit content must abide by our policies, including those in place to protect redditors. We are selective about who we work with and trust with large-scale access to Reddit content.”

Update, July 31, 7:40PM ET: This story was updated to include more detail on the talks between Reddit and Microsoft over scraping. A spokesperson for the site claimed that Microsoft and Reddit attempted to make a deal, but their negotiations ended without agreement.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/reddit-ceo-wants-microsoft-to-pay-for-its-content-212320245.html?src=rss

Google Pixel Watch 3 leak reveals more details about the upcoming wearable

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Before every gadget is released officially it must go through the rumor mill to keep things spiced up for prospective buyers and reviewers. Google Pixel Watch 3 slated for an August 13 release will take on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 head-on with its rounded dial and we hope it doesn’t have any inaugural issues like battery drain.

We’ve already seen OnLeaks and 91Mobiles reveal the first batch of design and specification details for Google’s upcoming wearables. Now another spar of leaked marketing material by Android Headlines reveals more information. The highlighting one has 10 percent more screen space than the predecessor – the Pixel Watch 2.

Designer: Google

Going by the leaked information, the Watch 3 could have a brighter display at 2,000 nits which is almost double the Watch 2, courtesy of the in-house Actua Display. According to the specs sheet, the smartwatch will get 24 hours of battery life with AOD enabled and around 36 hours if you opt for the battery saver mode. The charging speed of the 41mm model will be 20 percent better than the predecessor, although no mention of the 44mm model is there. That directly implies that the new smartwatch will not employ the hybrid interface on the Wear OS 4.

On the software front, the Watch 3 can stream live Google Home videos from your Nest Cam or Nest Doorbell. The user will also get the option to toggle between image and video feed when controlling the phone’s camera from the watch. There’ll also be voice support and quick access to apps including Maps and Wallet. Fitness is going to be another focal point of the interface with workout tracking. It’ll have audio and haptic feedback for initiating a spring, run or cooldown. For better workout planning, the Fitbit morning brief offers a summary of health and fitness metrics.

According to Android Headlines, the Pixel Watch 3 will be available in Matte Black Aluminum with an Obsidian band and Polished Silver Aluminum with a Porcelain band. Model-specific colors include the Champagne Gold Aluminum with a Hazel band for 41mm, and Matte Hazel Aluminum with a Hazel band for 45mm. The band options are going to be plentiful with Active Band, Woven Band, Metal Link Band, Crafted Leather Band and Performance Loop Band each having a further set of color options. According to the leak Google will offer exclusive options for the 41mm model that’ll include Strech Band, Metal Mesh Band, Metal Slim Band and Two-Tone Leather Band.

 

The post Google Pixel Watch 3 leak reveals more details about the upcoming wearable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Senators introduce bill to protect individuals against AI-generated deepfakes

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Today, a group of senators introduced the NO FAKES Act, a law that would make it illegal to create digital recreations of a person's voice or likeness without that individual's consent. It's a bipartisan effort from Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), fully titled the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act of 2024.

If it passes, the NO FAKES Act would create an option for people to seek damages when their voice, face or body are recreated by AI. Both individuals and companies would be held liable for producing, hosting or sharing unauthorized digital replicas, including ones made by generative AI.

We've already seen many instances of celebrities finding their imitations of themselves out in the world. "Taylor Swift'' was used to scam people with a fake Le Creuset cookware giveaway. A voice that sounded a lot like Scarlet Johannson's showed up in a ChatGPT voice demo. AI can also be used to make political candidates appear to make false statements, with Kamala Harris the most recent example. And it's not only celebrities who can be victims of deepfakes.

"Everyone deserves the right to own and protect their voice and likeness, no matter if you’re Taylor Swift or anyone else," Senator Coons said. "Generative AI can be used as a tool to foster creativity, but that can’t come at the expense of the unauthorized exploitation of anyone’s voice or likeness."

The speed of new legislation notoriously flags behind the speed of new tech development, so it's encouraging to see lawmakers taking AI regulation seriously. Today's proposed act follows the Senate's recent passage of the DEFIANCE Act, which would allow victims of sexual deepfakes to sue for damages. 

Several entertainment organizations have lent their support to the NO FAKES Act, including SAG-AFTRA, the RIAA, the Motion Picture Association, and the Recording Academy. Many of these groups have been pursuing their own actions to get protection against unauthorized AI recreations. SAG-AFTRA recently went on strike against several game publishers to try and secure a union agreement for likenesses in video games.

Even OpenAI is listed among the act's backers. "OpenAI is pleased to support the NO FAKES Act, which would protect creators and artists from unauthorized digital replicas of their voices and likenesses," said Anna Makanju, OpenAI's vice president of global affairs. "Creators and artists should be protected from improper impersonation, and thoughtful legislation at the federal level can make a difference."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/senators-introduce-bill-to-protect-individuals-against-ai-generated-deepfakes-202809816.html?src=rss

Bungie is laying off 220 employees

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The gaming industry has been plagued with rounds of layoffs and studio closures and it’s not showing any signs of stopping anytime soon. The latest round of layoffs comes from Sony-owned Bungie, best known at this point for Destiny 2.

Pete Parsons, the chief executive officer for Bungie, announced on its official website that it will eliminate 220 roles “representing roughly 17 percent of its workforce.” Executive and senior leader roles are the ones most affected by this round of layoffs but he also noted “these actions will affect every level of the company.”

Parsons blamed the need for layoffs on several factors including the “rising costs of development,” “industry shifts” and “enduring economic conditions.” He also noted the studio will focus its development efforts “entirely on Destiny and Marathon.”

Bungie and Sony seem to have been butting heads over economic concerns. Sony Interactive Entertainment chairman Hiroki Totoki noted during a February earnings call that he wanted to see more “accountability” with budgets and schedules from Bungie’s leaders. Destiny 2 alone has seen a noticeable dip in player numbers and revenues that fell 45 percent below its projections, according to PC Gamer.

Last year in October, Bloomberg reported that Bungie had to lay off an undetermined number of staffers that caused noticeable delays for its next game Marathon and an expansion for Destiny 2. A month later, Bungie announced it had to push back the release date for The Final Shape expansion for Destiny 2 from February to June.

Sony’s various game studios have also seen scores of layoffs in the last few months. Sony announced in February it had to eliminate around 900 positions from its PlayStation division as well as its Technology, Creative and Support teams. The cuts also affected studios like Insomniac, Naughty Dog and Guerilla that produced some of the PlayStation 5’s biggest titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us and Horizon Forbidden West. Sony also shut down its London studio after more than 20 years in operation that was right in the middle of working on a new fantasy co-op multiplayer game for the PS5.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bungie-is-laying-off-220-employees-200242815.html?src=rss

Ayaneo’s take on the Game Boy Micro is available to order starting at $190

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Ayaneo’s Pocket MICRO, a tangible tribute to Nintendo’s GameBoy Micro, is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo. The portable console maker started its crowdfunding campaign for the tiny, rectangular gaming device this morning and it’s already raised more than $50,000 in its opening day.

Ayaneo first announced its new line of portable game players back in May. The lineup included the Pocket MICRO and the Pocket DMG, a GameBoy-esque console with a left thumbstick and touchpad.

The Pocket MICRO may be smaller than the DMG but it offers some features its bigger brother doesn’t have like dual thumbsticks and a 960 x 640 borderless IPS screen. The pocket console’s frame is made from a premium CNC aluminum alloy and runs on a Helio G99 processor and 2,600mAH battery that can power up to 6 hours of play, according to the company’s website.

The Pocket MICRO is available for pre-order with “early bird prices” during the first week of the campaign. You can purchase your Pocket MICRO in one of three tiers: the 6G+128G Pocket Micro in “Magic Black” or “Soul Red” for $190, the 8GB+256GB Pocket Micro in black or red for $220 and the 8G+256GB in “Retro Grey” for $250. Shipping is $30 for each item and 400 orders will be taken for the first two tiers and 200 orders for the third tier.

The “early bird” orders also come with a special gift box that includes a coffee mug, a portable storage bag, a portable stand, tempered film for the screen, a joystick cap and a pack of Ayaneo stickers. The prices increase by $30 once the weeklong “early bird” promotion ends.

Ayaneo is known for its premium portable consoles and Steam Deck competitors, and this GameBoy Advance variant is competing with a ton of other devices that are over $100 cheaper. However, this new portable Android gaming device could feasibly create some real competition with its dual analogs that could play games from all sorts of consoles and streaming services.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ayaneos-take-on-the-game-boy-micro-is-available-to-order-starting-at-190-192714568.html?src=rss

Samsung unveils recycled Hershey’s-themed accessories for new Flip, Fold, and Galaxy watch

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The loved chocolate company, Hershey’s, is a household name, but it contributed roughly 24,000 metric tons of waste in 2023. Through a collaborative and conscious effort, The Hershey Company is assisting Samsung develop custom accessories for its lineup of phones, watches, and earbuds. All of these are made from recycled material comprising Hershey’s plastic packaging waste that would otherwise end in landfills.

Interestingly, the collaborative accessories are part of the new Samsung Friends lineup. Samsung Friends is a lifestyle accessories wing of the South Korean tech giant, which aligns partnerships with different brands to create collaborative accessories through the uses of eco-friendly materials. It currently has 17 such collaborations – with Minions, Disney, Pokémon and more – to its credit and with accessories made using recycled material from Hershey’s confectionary packaging waste, it is making a new story.

Designer: Samsung x Hershey’s

Samsung Friends x Hershey’s collection was officially launched in South Korea on 29 July, 2024. Inspired by the packaging of Hershey’s Kisses, milk chocolate bars, and more; the 12 unique accessories include Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Buds3 series cases and bands.

There is no word on the pricing structure of the accessories, but Samsung Friends will allow customers to interact and customize their accessories in Hershey’s pop-up at Samsung’s Gangnam through 11 August, 2024. Customers can live experience the cases and bands made from 100% recycled material and also savor Hershey’s limited-edition chocolate beverages alongside.

Currently, the lineup of these Hershey’s-themed accessories is only available in South Korea, but the US release is likely in the near future. Tech company informs that the Samsung Friends x Hershey’s collection will also be made available in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines soon.

The post Samsung unveils recycled Hershey’s-themed accessories for new Flip, Fold, and Galaxy watch first appeared on Yanko Design.