Monthly Archives: July 2024

Xbox is increasing Game Pass prices and adding a ‘standard’ plan

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Time for Xbox fans to adjust their budgets. Xbox Game Pass is increasing prices this year in a phased rollout. Beginning on July 10, any new subscribers will be charged the updated price, while current subscribers will see the higher costs take effect starting September 12. For the US, Game Pass Ultimate prices will increase from $17 a month to $20 a month, while a year of access to Game Pass Core will jump from $60 to $75. Microsoft laid out all the regional increases in a graph.

Microsoft is also adding a less expensive option in September with Xbox Game Pass Standard. This plan offers access to Game Pass titles but without some perks of the Ultimate package, such as day one releases and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The Standard option will include online multiplayer, some store discounts, and all the other features of the Core plan. It will cost $15 per month in the US.

Breakdown of benefits for Xbox Game Pass plans
Xbox

The final change is what looks like the beginning of the end for the Xbox Game Pass for Console plan. This option will no longer be available for new customers, and if any current plan holders stop their automatic renewal, they'll have to choose a different option if they want to re-up.

This is the latest in a string of sad news stories about Game Pass. In February, we heard from Microsoft that the program had 34 million subscribers, marking a notable slowdown in growth with only 9 million new players added in the past two years. That total includes Core, which is the rebranded Xbox Live plan for playing online games with minimal other perks, meaning the number of new subscribers is even lower. And in June, Xbox's hoped-for big splash of new hardware announcements turned out to be a mere trickle of refreshes. It's a great offer for players who want to keep up with the vast number of new games being released every month, but it doesn't seem to be connecting with the audience in the way Microsoft hoped.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-is-increasing-game-pass-prices-and-adding-a-standard-plan-234657957.html?src=rss

Orthopedic saddle chair is designed for gaming without a break and backache

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Seating ergonomics are constantly changing as working hours from the desk and individual video gaming sessions grow by the day. From adjustable chairs to those with lumber support and from cushiony backrests to airy ones, the chairs have not just evolved in style, but functionality and construction in a similar breath. To that accord, chairs with saddle-shaped seats are making an uncanny appearance as people who spend longer times in front of their computer screens prefer such stools and chairs above traditional seat types.

This transition is primarily credited to the back pain; which saddle seat configuration helps easily, at least that’s how we have come to believe. I believe back pain is generally because of static sitting; for long hours. It’s the lack of movement more than anyone sitting position that impacts the back. But if you are from the school of thought that believes a seat can make a difference to your backaches, an ergonomic saddle-shape gaming chair, with adjustable features, called the ‘Cross Mantis’ is here to address your woes.

Designer: Fyodor Lazariev and Farukh Imin

The Cross Mantis orthopedic saddle chair is designed for the gaming furniture brand SILIQS. The idea was to design a chair that combines the functionality of an office chair with the comfort and benefits of a saddle seat. Saddle seat, which allows an open hip position offering good leg circulation, erect spine position, and improved balance, is an orthopedically correct fit for the spinal cord, the designers believe.

After various iterations and toiling, the gaming chair – comprising a bent aluminum frame and highly cushioned mesh fabric – is made adjustable and usable with standing tables to do gaming in more positions than just sitting up front. Since the chair is conceived for a brand specializing in e-sports furniture, it is designed in contrasting color combinations with an aggressive shape. The adjustable back support, rotating headrest and armrests, and adjustable height all allow the chair to be more versatile to use.

It would take you closer to your gaming universe so you can reach further, sit up straighter, and have various adjustable positions to lock that perfect position to nail your opponent before the brink of an eye. The Cross Mantis saddle gaming chair is designed in individual modules. It can be shipped in a box and the modules can be assembled on site.

The post Orthopedic saddle chair is designed for gaming without a break and backache first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple blog TUAW returns as an AI content farm

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The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) has come back online nearly a decade after shutting down. But the once venerable source of Apple news appears to have been transformed by its new owners into an AI-generated content farm.

The site, which ceased operations in 2015, began publishing “new” articles, many of which appear to be nearly identical to content published by MacRumors and other publications, over the past week. But those posts bear the bylines of writers who last worked for TUAW more than a decade ago. The site also has an author page featuring the names of former writers along with photos that appear to be AI-generated.

Christina Warren, who last wrote for TUAW in 2009, flagged the sketchy tactic in a post on Threads. “Someone bought the TUAW domain, populated it with AI-generated slop, and then reused my name from a job I had when I was 21 years old to try to pull some SEO scam that won’t even work in 2024 because Google changed its algo,” she wrote.

Originally started in 2004, TUAW was shut down by AOL in 2015. Much of the site’s original archive can still be found on Engadget. Yahoo, which owns Engadget, sold the TUAW domain in 2024 to an entity called “Web Orange Limited” in 2024, according to a statement on TUAW’s website.

The sale, notably, did not include the TUAW archive. But, it seems that Web Orange Limited found a convenient (if legally dubious) way around that. “With a commitment to revitalize its legacy, the new team at Web Orange Limited meticulously rewrote the content from archived versions available on archive.org, ensuring the preservation of TUAW’s rich history while updating it to meet modern standards and relevance,” the site’s about page states.

TUAW doesn’t say if AI was used in those “rewrites,” but a comparison between the original archive on Engadget and the “rewritten” content on TUAW suggests that Web Orange Limited put little effort into the task. “The article ‘rewrites’ aren’t even assigned to the correct names,” Warren tells Engadget, “It has stuff for me going back to 2004. I didn’t start writing for the site until 2007.”

TUAW didn’t immediately respond to emailed questions about its use of AI or why it was using the bylines of former writers with AI-generated profile photos. Yahoo didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Update July 10, 2024, 11:05 AM ET: After this story was published, the TUAW website updated its author pages to remove many of the names of former staffers. Many have been swapped with generic-sounding names. "Christina Warren" has been changed to "Mary Brown." TUAW still hasn't responded to questions. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-blog-tuaw-returns-as-an-ai-content-farm-225326136.html?src=rss

Heineken Bottles get transformed into Recycled Glassware and Lampshades

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Heineken is taking a bold step towards sustainability with its latest initiative, Waste-to-Wear, coinciding with the launch of returnable bottles in South Africa. This innovative project transforms single-use bottles into stylish homeware and wearable pieces, marking a significant move in the company’s commitment to reducing waste.

Designer: Sonic State and Heineken

The Heineken bottles are usually made of glass, a versatile and long-lasting material. Glass can be easily cleaned and reused, making it an unfortunate choice as a one-time disposable item. This inherent durability and adaptability of glass allow it to be molded and designed into a variety of household items and even wearables, showcasing its potential beyond single use.

The Waste-to-Wear collection is an extension of Heineken South Africa’s Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass initiative. This project aims to tackle two critical issues: reducing environmental impact and enhancing urban aesthetics. By repurposing broken glass “hotspots,” the initiative not only beautifies urban areas but also addresses the ecological consequences of discarded glass bottles.

In collaboration with the creative agency Sonic State, Heineken has repurposed bottles collected from these hotspots into a range of stunning items. These include 3,000 rings, 3,000 medallions, and a unique collection of homeware, such as dinner sets and a hops-inspired pendant light. Each piece reflects thoughtful design and environmental consciousness, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into something beautiful and functional.

This initiative is part of a broader focus on sustainability and community development. It includes the introduction of new returnable bottles and the Green Zones Project, which converts broken glass hotspots into green spaces. The first phase of this project has established five green zones in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, covering over 5,000 square meters. These zones feature indigenous plants and grasses, food gardens, and creative art installations, transforming urban spaces into vibrant, eco-friendly areas.

This project has also brought recognition to Sonic State, which won Bronze at the New York Festivals Ad Awards 2024 for this innovative initiative. This accolade highlights the vision and collaboration between Heineken South Africa, Sonic State, and other industry partners such as Swain Swagger, Bhavna Mistry, and Juaan Ferreira.

The success of the ‘Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass’ campaign and the ‘Waste-to-Wear’ project underscores the impact of creative design in addressing environmental issues. Sonic State’s collaboration with Chas Prettejohn and Ngwenya Glass in Eswatini further demonstrates the power of craftsmanship in transforming waste into art and utility.

The New York Festivals Ad Awards recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the Waste-to-Wear project. It underscores the significant impact of innovative design on our environment and communities. Sonic State’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative design and sustainability sets a high standard for future endeavors, showcasing what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference.

The importance of large organizations like Heineken adopting sustainable practices cannot be overstated. Such initiatives not only address environmental concerns but also raise awareness among a broader audience. Global warming and environmental degradation are often taken lightly by many. However, when a beloved brand like Heineken takes visible and impactful steps towards sustainability, it ignites conversations and fosters a genuine understanding of the issue. The unexpected nature of Heineken-branded wearables and homeware pieces grabs attention and makes a lasting impression, far more than a written declaration of sustainable practices ever could.

The post Heineken Bottles get transformed into Recycled Glassware and Lampshades first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google will give users free dark web monitoring

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Google announced in an update on Tuesday that its dark web monitoring service, also known as “dark web report,” will be made available to all Google users in 46 countries including the US and UK at the end of the month, according to Fast Company. The feature was previously only available to users with a Google One membership.

The dark web report will be located in the “Results about you” page when you visit myactivity.google.com.

Google’s “dark web report” feature will scan the seedy underbelly of algorithms that ended up on the wrong side of the digital tracks to determine if your personal information has been leaked. This includes information such as your name, address, phone numbers and email accounts.

It’s a handy feature to have especially if you’re one of the millions of people who’ve fallen victim to hacking, info leaks or identity theft. Just a few months ago, 7.6 million AT&T customers had their information leaked to the dark web forcing the telecom giant to reset all of its affected users’ passcodes.

Other services like Proton Mail and LastPass already have features that monitor the dark web for user information and leaked passwords and alert them if they find anything.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-will-give-users-free-dark-web-monitoring-222557429.html?src=rss

A British boarding school will make students use boring old Nokia phones

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A lot of school districts have instituted smartphone bans for students during the school day but a British boarding school has taken it one step further. Wait, scratch that. They’ve taken it one step back.

Eton College, the historic and elite British boarding school with famous alumni such as Prince William and Harry, Ian Fleming and Tom Hiddleston, has instituted a new mobile phone policy for its first-year students starting in September. Those students will have to leave their smartphones at home but bring their SIM card to school and put it in an old school, offline Nokia cell phone with a simple number pad that can only make phone calls and send text messages, according to CBS News.

The British boarding school’s policy is based on guidelines from the UK government that allows principals to enact smartphone bans on students during the school day.

Let’s hope nobody tells school officials about Snake or those poor kids may have to actually pay attention and learn something.

Smartphone bans and guidelines are starting to seep into American school districts as well. According to data from Govspend, 41 states have at least one school district that instituted a rule requiring students to place their smartphones in magnetically sealed Yondr pouches when they go to school.

The Los Angeles Unified School District passed a district-wide school phone ban for students in June that prompted California Gov. Gavin Newsom to call for a similar law on the state level.

Meanwhile in New York City, the city’s chancellor of public schools David Banks said he plans to institute a phone ban in the coming weeks. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is working with the state’s legislature to pass two new bills that would only allow students to carry phones that don’t have access internet access

Even Florida (yes, that Florida, the one that’s home to 10 million Florida Mans) has a statewide smartphone in schools ban that also requires schools to block students from accessing social media on its Wifi networks.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-british-boarding-school-will-make-students-use-boring-old-nokia-phones-215048983.html?src=rss

Ultimea’s $299 Budget Projector gives you a massive 120-inch Movie Theater experience at Home

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I’ve said it for ages, but televisions are an intermediary product stage. Just the way smartphones are a passing phase for the next big thing, televisions are too – the only difference is that the next big thing after TVs exists… it’s just that not everyone owns one yet. I’m talking about projectors. They’re usually portable, can project screens as large as 120 inches, and in a matter of seconds, turn your home into a theater. Modern projectors come with smart OS features, image correction capabilities, and more importantly, they’re now just as affordable as TVs are. The Ultimea Nova C40, with its $299 price tag offers an incredibly compelling option for those looking to switch from a 40-something-inch TV to a viewing experience that’s larger than life. The Full HD projector comes with a unique gimbal design tat lets it face practically anywhere (you could watch a movie on your ceiling if you want), with automatic focus and keystone features so the projector can instantly align its image instead of having you do it. Sure – it’s no staggering 4K OLED TV, but as a proud owner of an HD projector myself, size matters to the experience much more than pixel density and resolution.

Designer: Ultimea

Click Here to Buy Now

The Nova C40 packs a fair bit of punch for its price category, delivering a projection as large as 120 inches. 600 ANSI lumens is fairly bright for dark and dimly-lit rooms, and the presence of a built-in AndroidTV 11.0 OS means access to all your favorite apps on demand. Want to take things to another level, HDMI and USB ports let you hook your laptop or gaming console to the projector for immersive work and gaming. The large 120-inch display completely surrounds your periphery in gaming content… and for work, you can multitask with efficiency by turning the large display into multiple smaller windows.

The throw ratio of 1.25:1 translates to a projected image size between 80 and 120 inches diagonally when placed at a relatively short distance. This makes it ideal for smaller rooms or even outdoor movie nights, transforming your backyard into a cinematic haven under the stars. Setting up the projector is a breeze, thanks to automatic keystone correction and autofocus features. No more fiddling with dials – the C40 ensures a crisp and properly aligned image in seconds, with zero effort.

One of the C40’s standout features is its fully sealed optical unit. This innovative design choice aims to minimize dust infiltration, potentially enhancing image quality and extending the projector’s lifespan. With a brightness of 600 ANSI lumens, the C40 performs best in slightly subdued environments. While not ideal for projecting movies in brightly lit rooms, it delivers a watchable experience in dimmer settings. The projector boasts a native Full HD (1080p) resolution, but upscaling capabilities allow it to handle 4K content. It covers 95% of the NTSC color gamut, ensuring a decent range of colors for vibrant visuals.

The Nova C40’s design integrate a gimbal that lets you point your projector in practically any direction. Face it forwards, tilt it at an angle, or even directly upwards, the 90° freedom of the C40 is perfect for all kinds of adjustments. Moreover, the base also supports ceiling mounts, so you can attach your C40 to a beam or to the ceiling for a more traditional experience. Me personally, I love the fact that the projector is fairly mobile, which means you can travel from room to room with it.

The Nova C40 breaks free from the shackles of external media players by integrating Android TV 11 directly into the system. This built-in smart platform grants access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, eliminating the need for additional devices. Feeling the urge to explore a wider entertainment library? The C40 allows you to download additional apps, expanding your options and catering to diverse interests.

For seamless connectivity, the C40 offers an HDMI input, perfect for connecting laptops, gaming consoles, or other external devices. It also boasts Bluetooth 5.3, enabling you to connect external speakers for a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, Bluetooth allows for voice control through the remote, adding a layer of convenience. While the built-in 5-watt speakers might suffice for casual viewing, a soundbar connected via Bluetooth can significantly elevate the audio quality, transforming movie nights into truly cinematic experiences.

So, who exactly is the Ultimea Nova C40 designed for? Movie buffs seeking a cinematic experience at home will find the C40’s Full HD resolution with upscaling capabilities delivers crisp visuals for a captivating experience. While the brightness might not be ideal for brightly lit rooms, creating a movie night ambiance with dimmed lights unlocks the projector’s true potential. Casual gamers on a budget can also enjoy the thrill of big-screen gaming without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the C40 might not be ideal for fast-paced, competitive games due to the potential of slight input lag. Presenters on the go will appreciate the portability and ease of use that the C40 offers, children will love the idea of having a cinema experience in their bedroom before going to bed, and friends will probably invite you to every single backyard party for movie or sports nights.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Ultimea’s $299 Budget Projector gives you a massive 120-inch Movie Theater experience at Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bumble wants users to report AI-generated images

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Bumble is making it simpler for its members to report AI-generated profiles. The dating and social connection platform now has "Using AI-generated photos or videos" as an option under the Fake Profile reporting menu.

"An essential part of creating a space to build meaningful connections is removing any element that is misleading or dangerous," Bumble Vice President of Product at Bumble Risa Stein said in an official statement. "We are committed to continually improving our technology to ensure that Bumble is a safe and trusted dating environment. By introducing this new reporting option, we can better understand how bad actors and fake profiles are using AI disingenuously so our community feels confident in making connections."

According to a Bumble user survey, 71 percent of the service's Gen Z and Millennial respondents want to see limits on use of AI-generated content on dating apps. Another 71 percent considered AI-generated photos of people in places they've never been or doing activities they've never done a form of catfishing.

Fake profiles can also swindle people out of a lot of money. In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission received reports of romance scams from almost 70,000 people, and their losses to those frauds totaled $1.3 billion. Many dating apps take extensive safety measures to protect their users from scams, as well as from physical dangers, and the use of AI in creating fake profiles is the latest threat for them to combat. Bumble released a tool called the Deception Detector earlier this year, leveraging AI for positive ends to identify phony profiles. It also introduced an AI-powered tool to protect users from seeing unwanted nudes. Tinder launched its own approach to verifying profiles in the US and UK this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bumble-wants-users-to-report-ai-generated-images-203627777.html?src=rss

Developed by former Samsung engineers, this walking assist wearable robot also lets you tone your legs

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Wear it as a harness: fasten the thigh braces and buckle up the fanny pack-like device around your waist and you can be in command of a mobility wearable robot that can assist you walk with better efficiency or provide resistance to your legs so you can add strength to your lower body.

While existing mobility assist robots are made for seniors with leg discomforts or are intended to help the differently abled to move with more freedom; the WIM mobility assist wearable device created by WIRobotics, is designed for younger consumers to walk better and exercise with the new age technique.

Designer: WIRobotics  

WIRobotics is a company formed by former Samsung Electronics robotics engineers with the intent to help people with limited abilities leverage the freedom of movement that new technologies can permit. With the Wearable Mobility WIM robot, the idea is slightly different. Even though it is a device for those who have issues with their legs and have problems walking longer distances, it would also cater to those who spend hours in the gym trying to strengthen their lower body.

Weighing much lighter than most other assist robots on the market, the WIM robot is also slimmer and more compact, but absolutely effective at providing powerful assistance force to the limb. It also analyses the gait of the user – and corrects it – in real-time. It comes with two different use modes: the assist mode, which does what it means – assist the user walking with more confidence and freedom while saving user energy by up to 20 percent. The exercise mode provides resistance – force comparable to walking in water – to the legs of the user for lower body strength.

Since this harness-style wearable exoskeleton is not a typical medical device, it doesn’t look like one. Provided in vibrant orange, electric blue, and subtle gray color options, the exoskeleton for hiking and exercise is designed like a fashion accessory that the Gen Z or even the millennial population wouldn’t mind wearing in their everyday routine.  The robot has a single-motor in the fanny pack-like belt strapped to the front of the waist, while both the thigh extensions have individual actuators. The ergonomics of the robot are maintained by aluminum joints in a plastic body to provide a non-restrictive design that can provide free and natural movement. The entire structure can be completely disassembled for convenience of storage and transportation.

The post Developed by former Samsung engineers, this walking assist wearable robot also lets you tone your legs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google Maps’ speedometer finally comes to iOS and CarPlay

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Google Maps is rolling out a speedometer as well as speed limit indicators for iOS and CarPlay, TechCrunch reported. Android has had both features since 2019, while Waze has had them since 2016. Now, iPhone users can use them to gauge how fast they’re driving while using Google Maps.

To enable it, tap your profile picture on Google Maps and go to Settings > Navigation. Scroll down to the Map display section, and you’ll see the switches for the speedometer and speed limit features. When enabled, the speedometer will appear in the bottom left corner of the screen. If you drive over the speed limit the speedometer will change colors to remind you to slow down.

Google said on its support page that the speedometer is for “informational use only” and should not be used as a substitute for your car’s actual speedometer. This is because your actual driving speed may differ from the speed shown on Google Maps. Just something to bear in mind for your own safety.

The new speeding features were spotted being used by iPhone owners in India, and Google will roll them out worldwide in the coming weeks.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-maps-speedometer-finally-comes-to-ios-and-carplay-185946210.html?src=rss