Monthly Archives: August 2024

The FTC finalizes its rules clamping down on fake online reviews

Posted on by

The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) crackdown on fabricated reviews and fake consumer and celebrity testimonials has produced new official federal regulations to prevent the use of these practices on websites and e-commerce hubs. The FTC approved the new rules against the buying and selling of fake reviews and product testimonials with a 5-0 vote on Wednesday. The rules will become effective in 60 days.

The new FTC rules address the practice of buying and selling fake consumer reviews, including the use of AI-generated consumer and celebrity testimonials for products or services. They also prevent “providing compensation or other incentives conditioned on the writing of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment, either positive or negative” and prohibit “a business from misrepresenting that a website or entity it controls provides independent reviews or opinions” about products or services, according to a statement released by the FTC.

The formal ban also comes with stiff penalties for violators of the new rules. Fines could reach as high as $50,000 per violation.

The FTC officially announced its intent to seek new rules for such practices last October. The Commission has been trying to get control of fake online reviews and testimonials for years. The first such case was resolved in 2019 against the Amazon seller Cure Encapsulations Inc. The company was accused of paying for fake feedback for its weight-loss products from the amazonvierifiedreviews.com website, and the FTC slapped them with a $12.8 million fine. The FTC has also investigated similar cases against the supplement maker The Bountiful Company for “review hijacking” its products’ reviews and ratings on Amazon that ended with a $600,000 fine, and the skincare maker Sunday Riley that created fake online reviews by ordering employees to write them.

The government isn’t the only entity trying to discourage the buying and selling of fake reviews. The service recommendation website Yelp created a database that lists businesses who received warnings for posting or buying fake reviews for its Yelp page.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-ftc-finalizes-its-rules-clamping-down-on-fake-online-reviews-191339646.html?src=rss

There’s another BlackBerry movie coming out and this one’s a documentary

Posted on by

If you weren’t sated by last year’s dramatic retelling of the BlackBerry story, you’ll have another chance to witness the rise and fall of the once-iconic smartphone. Filmmaker Eddie Schmidt, one of the directors behind Netflix’s Ugly Delicious, is prepping a documentary about the handset, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The documentary is currently in production and is being made by Unrealistic Ideas, which is a production company founded by Mark Wahlberg aka the guy from Fear. This team was behind HBO’s McMillions, a documentary miniseries about the infamous McDonald's Monopoly promotion scam.

The project is currently untitled and there’s no release date, but we do know that the filmmakers have been given exclusive access to the Research In Motion Alumni Association. So there will be plenty of interviews with former executives who were involved in the BlackBerry story in one way or another. The film will also include “an array of never-before-seen archival footage.”

Director Schmidt shared a statement and said that he is excited to “explore this unpredictable real-life saga at the intersection of technology and popular culture.” One thing the documentary won’t have, however, is actor Glenn Howerton absolutely crushing it as former Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsillie. 

BlackBerry was a legitimately good movie. We highly recommend it, particularly for the scene embedded above. I mean, come on! 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/theres-another-blackberry-movie-coming-out-and-this-ones-a-documentary-173618810.html?src=rss

Dark Side of the New Moon, here’s my journey with the Black Snoopy Moonswatch

Posted on by

The Omega x Swatch Snoopy MoonSwatch editions—”New Moon” and “Full Moon”—offer a unique blend of design and functionality inspired by space exploration. These non-limited timepieces, crafted from Swatch’s innovative Bioceramic material, feature distinct color schemes and detailed moon phase complications.

Designer: Swatch x Omega

The ‘New Moon’ edition, which is the topic of our Wristwatch Wednesday discussion, is rendered in a deep black hue and captures the mystique of the hidden aspects of the lunar cycle. The ‘Full Moon’ edition, in contrast, features a pristine white color, echoing the luminous surface of a full moon. Each watch is adorned with a moon phase complication at the 2 o’clock position, where Snoopy, along with Woodstock, adds a whimsical yet significant nod to the lunar theme. The moon phase complication not only adds aesthetic value but also provides an additional layer of functionality, making these watches more than just timepieces—they’re storytelling devices. The discussion of the Full Moon, aka White Snoopy edition, is saved for another discussion. Let’s dive into why I’m 100% positive that I made the right decision to go with it.

MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE – NEW MOON

The ‘New Moon’ edition, our focus for this Wristwatch Wednesday, sports a deep black hue that captures the mystique of the lunar cycle’s hidden aspects. Its counterpart, the ‘Full Moon’ edition, presents a pristine white color reminiscent of a luminous full moon. Both watches feature a moon phase complication at the 2 o’clock position, where Snoopy and Woodstock add a whimsical yet meaningful nod to the lunar theme. This complication transforms the watches into captivating storytelling devices, enhancing their aesthetic appeal while offering practical functionality. We’ll explore the Full Moon (aka White Snoopy) edition another time. For now, let’s delve into why I’m absolutely convinced I made the right choice with the New Moon edition.

MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE – FULL MOON

Before we dive in, let me share how I stumbled upon the holy trinity of moon phase Moonswatches. A week ago, I took a trip to Austin, TX—home to one of only nine Swatch boutiques selling the Super Blue Moonswatch. After making my purchase, I casually mentioned to the store manager, “Boy, I sure wish I could still get my hands on the black and white Snoopy Moonswatch!”

Omega x Swatch MISSION TO THE SUPER BLUE MOONPHASE

Then, it was as if the clouds parted above me and the moon, sun, and stars aligned when these words came out of my new best friend’s mouth: “The shipment arrives tomorrow and you can buy both.”

It took me a moment to process the situation. My flight back to Dallas was in 90 minutes, and I remembered my fruitless treks between Swatch boutiques in Tokyo and Nagoya, where I was dismissed with a mere “good luck getting one.” I faced a dilemma: should I stay the night and possibly camp out on the sidewalk by the boutique (Austin PD permitting), or fly home and return for a road trip? Given my long search for these rare pieces—rare, yet still attainable, unlike the limited Super Blue Moonphase—I knew they’d continue to be sold. But here’s the kicker: Swatch doesn’t display them on the floor. You must ask for them specifically. So I did, and before I knew it, I was embarking on a 6-hour round-trip back to Austin the next day to snag these beauties. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Now, let’s explore the striking dark dial that defines this watch’s unique design. Its matte finish adds visual depth, creating a subtle contrast with the understated moon phase complication. This clever design choice makes Snoopy appear to leap off the dial, bringing the lunar theme to life. The hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions—a nod to the watch’s space exploration inspiration. These elements showcase the meticulous attention to detail that Omega and Swatch have poured into this collaboration.

In contrast to the white Snoopy edition, the black one showcases practicality with its dark, Gotham-esque theme. This is especially noticeable in the straps—though I’ll admit, it’s the strap design, not the overall look, that I’m not particularly keen on. I’ve never been a fan of Velcro in any form, including those ’80s Velcro shoes.

Both the ‘New Moon’ and ‘Full Moon’ editions come with Velcro straps, which are lightweight and comfortable but also highly durable. The ‘New Moon’ edition features a black Velcro strap, while the ‘Full Moon’ comes with a white Velcro strap, each complementing the watch’s overall color scheme. The straps are also designed for ease of use, allowing quick adjustments for a perfect fit, and are well-suited for everyday wear, ensuring the watch stays secure on the wrist during various activities.

As for my personal preference, I found a $12 strap (multiple straps) on Amazon that offers both a premium look and feel. It features perfectly fitted lugs and a matching black tang buckle, tying everything together nicely. In my opinion, this strap looks and feels significantly more cohesive and comfortable than the original.

The watch’s case measures 42mm in diameter, making it versatile for a wide range of wrist sizes. Its Bioceramic material offers both eco-friendliness and a unique tactile feel, setting these models apart from traditional metal or plastic cases. This lightweight material enhances comfort for extended wear. I must say, after wearing much heavier, more expensive watches, I find the Bioceramic material refreshingly light—and I absolutely love it. It’s worth noting that it’s still two-thirds ceramic; it’s certainly not the “crappy plastic” some might lead you to believe.

The caseback of each watch is meticulously designed, featuring inscriptions of the Omega and Swatch logos, along with references to the specific MoonSwatch mission. Although it lacks the animated elements found in higher-end Speedmaster models, the caseback still honors the mission’s legacy through these engraved details, reinforcing the connection to space exploration. A closer look reveals Snoopy’s pawprint, marking the spot of the first lunar landing.

These watches feature a quartz movement, providing precision and reliability that align with Swatch’s commitment to accessible, high-quality watchmaking. The movement is housed within the Bioceramic case, which offers a sturdy and protective shell resistant to shocks and water. While the specific water resistance rating isn’t a key selling point for this model, it’s worth noting that the battery is replaceable. Plus, you can swim and shower with the watch—just remember to keep the crown closed.

Wrapping up, the Omega x Swatch Snoopy MoonSwatch ‘New Moon’ edition blends playful design with a serious nod to space exploration. Its standout features—Bioceramic case, moon phase complication, Super-LumiNova detailing, Velcro strap, and reliable quartz movement—make it a unique addition to both Omega and Swatch collections. This timepiece appeals to those who value style and substance equally. At $320, it might raise eyebrows among hardcore watch collectors who favor mechanical movements. However, it’s undeniably an accessible entry point for a watch that offers enduring enjoyment and value. Oh, and happy belated 74th birthday to Snoopy!

The post Dark Side of the New Moon, here’s my journey with the Black Snoopy Moonswatch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meet the man who set a world record by hooking up 444 consoles to one TV

Posted on by

Chances are you’ve got a couple of old video game consoles gathering dust in your closet right now. Would you be able to hook all of them up to your TV without some kind of adapter? Meet a guy who owns 444 game consoles and has them all hooked up to a single television, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Ibrahim Al-Nasser of Riyadh holds a Guinness World Record for the most video game consoles hooked up to a single television. His collection includes some of the classics such as the first Sony PlayStation, the Nintendo 64 and (his personal favorite) the Sega Genesis, complete with the 32x and Sega CD expansions. He also owns and can play games on those handheld plug-and-play consoles with arcade classics like Ms. Pac-Man and Dig Dug that you find in Target, classic and modern handhelds like the Hyperkin SuperBoy and obscure consoles like the Magnavox Odyssey.

Al-Nasser uses a series of switchers to play each console on a single screen. He keeps track of their location and powering procedure on an Excel spreadsheet. He’s even organized his collection so the cables aren’t showing or creating the kind of tangled mess most of us have to deal with when we have just two consoles hooked up to a single television.

That may sound like a lot of video game consoles for one collection but it’s far from the actual record. Linda Guillory of Garland, Texas currently holds the record for the largest collection of playable gaming systems with her collection of 2,430 items, according to Guinness World Records.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/meet-the-man-who-set-a-world-record-by-hooking-up-444-consoles-to-one-tv-171848639.html?src=rss

PS Plus Game Catalog additions for August include The Witcher 3 and Cult of the Lamb

Posted on by

Sony has revealed the next slate of additions to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers. There's a clear headliner this month in the shape of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red's immensely popular action RPG is often on sale for just a few bucks, but PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers won't have to pay anything extra to check it out if they haven't already played it. Both PS4 and PS5 versions will be available.

Cult of the Lamb, one of the standout indie games of the last couple of years, is coming to the Game Catalog as well. It's adorable and brutal, and now you can play with a friend in local co-op mode. Other additions for both Extra and Premium subscribers in August include Wild Hearts (EA's take on the Monster Hunter series), Watch Dogs 2, Ride 5, Sword Art Online: Last Recollection, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet and Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization.

Sony is bringing some very fun classics to the mix for Premium members in the form of the TimeSplitters series from the PS2 era. TimeSplitters, TimeSplitters 2 and TimeSplitters: Future Perfect will all join the lineup. It's still a bummer that Free Radical Design, a studio that was working on a reboot of the series, has been shut down but at least the original trilogy still exists.

Elsewhere, PS3 title Sword Art Online: Lost Song will be available through the Game Catalog but only via cloud streaming. There will also be a PS VR and PS VR2 game for Premium members in the shape of Vacation Simulator.

Note that these additions may differ depending on your region. So it's worth double checking the Game Catalog lineup when Sony introduces the latest additions on August 20, just in case there are any surprises.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/ps-plus-game-catalog-additions-for-august-include-the-witcher-3-and-cult-of-the-lamb-165608880.html?src=rss

Apple is finally opening up NFC to third-party developers in iOS 18.1

Posted on by

Apple isn’t just opening up Near-Field Communication (NFC) access in the European Union; it’s offering third-party access to functions like tap-to-pay in the US and other regions. The company posted a notice on Wednesday announcing that third-party developers can start implementing their own contactless transaction systems through an API in the upcoming iOS 18.1.

The move follows Apple’s “legally binding” agreement with the European Commission last month to comply with EU regulations — specifically, the Digital Markets Act (DMA). That followed a four-year investigation by the governing body that found Apple liable for restricting rival mobile wallet developers from accessing the iPhone’s underlying payment tech.

Once iOS 18.1 arrives, developers can offer contactless payments (and other transactions) using the iPhone’s Secure Element, which Apple Pay also uses. The Secure Element is a dedicated chip designed for storing sensitive information accessed via the Secure Enclave, which handles encryption and biometric data.

In addition to tap-to-pay systems, NFC handles functions like digital car keys, transit cards, compatible home locks, hotel keys, student IDs, event tickets and retail loyalty and reward cards. Apple says government IDs will be “supported in the future.”

Once developers have their NFC apps live, you’ll be able to use the secure hardware either by opening the app directly or setting the third-party software as a default contactless app in iOS settings. After doing the latter, double-clicking the side button (like with Apple Pay) will trigger the transaction.

The API will initially be available in the US and EU regions as well as in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

To participate, developers will need to “enter into a commercial agreement with Apple,” request NFC and Secure Enclave entitlements and “pay the associated fees.” Of course, Apple Pay and Apple Wallet will remain available even as rival systems are invited into the company’s software.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-is-finally-opening-up-nfc-to-third-party-developers-in-ios-181-164028928.html?src=rss

Waymo driverless cars have gotten inexplicably chatty, honking at one another all night

Posted on by

Waymo driverless cars in San Francisco have been coming back online at night and honking at each other, as reported by CBS News. Videos have begun circulating showing dozens of the vehicles sitting in the same parking lot and just honking away without a care in the world. This has, obviously, irked some human neighbors who need sleep.

Is this a sign of the forthcoming AI apocalypse or is it some robotaxis learning how to flirt? Unfortunately for those looking for a “robots in love” narrative, it’s neither. It’s just an error within the security software. Simply put, the software mandates a honk when another car gets too close. These particular Waymo taxis sit right next to one another in a cramped parking lot when not in use and, well, there you go.

"We recently introduced a useful feature to help avoid low-speed collisions by honking if other cars get too close while reversing toward us," the company said in a statement. "It has been working great in the city, but we didn't quite anticipate it would happen so often in our own parking lots.”

Waymo says that it has updated the software to address the issue, noting that “our electric vehicles should keep the noise down for our neighbors moving forward.” So that’s that. Another mystery solved.

Despite this brief foray into vehicular anthropomorphism, Waymo is still expanding its taxi service. It’s currently available to anyone with the app who’s located in San Francisco, Phoenix and a small section of Los Angeles. The company recently touted that these robotaxis complete 50,000 paid trips per week.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-driverless-cars-have-gotten-inexplicably-chatty-honking-at-one-another-all-night-162115440.html?src=rss

Our favorite cheap wireless earbuds drop to just $49

Posted on by

There are many, many options for earbuds, all the way up to high-end sets that are bursting with features and deliver stellar audio. But for folks who are looking for a solid pair of earbuds that work well without breaking the bank, there are plenty of options in that area too.

Our pick for the best budget wireless earbuds is the Soundcore by Anker Space A40. You're in luck, because that model has dropped back down to their record low price of $49. It often retails for $80, so that's a $31 discount. Given that we felt the Space A40 already offered great value at the full retail price, this is a strong deal.

The lightweight earbuds should be comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions. The battery life is rated for 10 hours, with the charging case adding an extra 40 hours of listening time. Anker says that 10 minutes of fast charging will add four hours of listening time.

As you might expect from a lower-cost pair of earbuds, there's not as much detail in the sound profile as in higher-end models, though they offer warm tones and decent bass performance. EQ settings are adjustable in the Soundcore app, as are touch controls.

The Space A40 earbuds have an IPX4 rating for water resistance, so they should endure everyday sweat and light rain without much of an issue. You can use each earbud independently and connect them to two devices simultaneously.

What makes the Space A40 really stand out compared to rival models is the active noise cancellation (ANC), which performs very well for a set of earbuds in this price range. Adaptive ANC tech adjusts the intensity of the noise cancellation depending on your surroundings. However, higher pitched sounds won't be completely blocked out. You also have the option of adjusting ANC levels manually. The transparency mode isn't bad, either.

On the downside, the mic quality isn't fantastic, so folks on the other end of a phone call may not hear you super clearly. There's no auto-pause when you remove an earbud either. However, those are but small quibbles considering how well the Space A40 earbuds perform in other departments.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-cheap-wireless-earbuds-drop-to-just-49-155507153.html?src=rss

Braille learning device uses minimalist design to facilitate seamless learning

Posted on by

Most people assume that it is easy for visually impaired people to learn Braille. But according to those who are learning this system, the learning tools available are not always that intuitive and easy to use. In fact, the more cluttered a device or tool is, the harder it is as it can be overwhelming for those who are trying to learn and navigate it. Fortunately, there are product designers that want to create concepts for better designed tools that will hopefully be turned into actual products.

Designer: SAQ Design

SMARTIO EDU is a concept for a Braille Education Device that uses minimal tactile noise for both teachers and students that are trying to learn Braille. It is designed to optimize the organization of the information that is at the user’s fingertips. They used soft contours for the surfaces of the device and at the same time used tactile hints to help the user read the information through their fingertips.

The device looks like an instrument and in fact, it is, just not one that produces music. There are buttons on top for the various functions and that can serve as navigational aids. The “subtle cues” is able to tell the user the front and back of the device and also where the key interfaces are located. The device is also designed to work with a companion app that the teacher and student can easily follow and engage with.

The designers would of course have consulted with actual Braille learners to determine if this is something that could work even as it is still a concept. But we don’t see a lot of Braille learning devices in the market so if this does become an actual product, it would be a big help to the community.

The post Braille learning device uses minimalist design to facilitate seamless learning first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ninja’s DualZone air fryer is on sale for $150 right now

Posted on by

Ninja's DualZone air fryer is on sale for $150 right now via Amazon. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen all year for this kitchen mainstay. The sale drops $50 from the sticker price, which is a discount of 25 percent.

We chose the Ninja DualZone as one of the best air fryers out there, and the primary reason is right there in the name. The dual cooking zones are incredibly handy, letting home chefs prepare two different foods simultaneously. Each chamber allows for independent temperatures, cooking modes and more. Of course, the zones can also be chained together to whip up a whole bunch of one thing, like fries or nuggets.

We appreciated how quickly this oven heats up, with little to no preheating time required. It’s also fairly quiet during use, which isn’t always the case with air fryers. Some of them are downright cacophonous. Another neat little feature is that the oven will automatically adjust cooking times so that both ingredients in each chamber finish at the same time.

On the downside? This is a beast of a kitchen gadget that takes up a whole lot of counter space. It might not be the best fit for studio apartments and the like. The sale does only apply to the 8-quart model and not the even beefier 10-quart version. This is good for preserving counter space, but bad for those looking to cook a whole lot of stuff at once.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/ninjas-dualzone-air-fryer-is-on-sale-for-150-right-now-150803947.html?src=rss