Monthly Archives: October 2024

Prime Day TV deals include LG C4 OLED smart TVs at record-low prices

Posted on by

Amazon's October Prime Day sale kicked off today, and it includes a nice little savings on one of this year's highest-rated OLED TVs. We're referring LG's C4 OLED smart TV lineup, which has dropped in price, bringing the 55-inch model down to a record low of $1,297 — that's roughly $700 off. While it's typical to see TV prices fall throughout the year, starting basically soon after the TVs get announced, that doesn't change the fact that these are some of the steepest discounts we've seen since the C4 launched. You can save hundreds of dollars on other sizes, too.

As a refresher, the C4 is the company’s mid-grade line of OLED TVs. Each model includes the updated Alpha 9 Gen 7 chip, which makes menu navigation much snappier. They also boast improved brightness when compared to previous models. These TVs almost hit 1,000 nits of brightness, which is a little dimmer than a Mini LED panel and not quite on par with some sets that use advanced QD-OLED panels, but still better than many OLED alternatives.

There’s a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz, which is fast enough to get the most out of a PS5 or Xbox Series X and good for PC gaming as well. Along those lines, these sets are compatible with G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. The PC gaming bona-fides are strong with this one. 

One of the cool features of this smart TV is enhanced compatibility with LG soundbars. Newly-released soundbars will connect wirelessly to the television, clearing away the endless clutter of cables from the living room. 

The 65-inch model is also on sale for $1,497, which is a good $200 off that set's usual street price over the last few months. And for the big spenders, the massive 83-inch version is available for $3,997. That's $1,403 or so off that model's typical price.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prime-day-tv-deals-include-lg-c4-oled-smart-tvs-at-record-low-prices-184104211.html?src=rss

Amazon’s Smart Thermostat drops to $56 in this early Prime Day deal

Posted on by

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, so deals have begun to trickle in. The company’s own Smart Thermostat has dropped to just $56, which is 30 percent off. The typical price is a whopping $80, so this is a legit bargain. It’s not a record-low price, but it’s darn close.

This is a fantastic smart thermostat with a vast array of features. It integrates with Alexa, so you can lay in bed and bark orders at it to get the temperature just right. Adjustments can also be made via the Alexa app on your phone, if those vocal cords are running dry. App control lets you change your home’s temperature from afar, which is handy when on the way home from work.

This is, basically, a Honeywell thermostat packed with Amazon’s smart tech, so it’s durable, easy to use and reliable. It’s highly possible that a smart thermostat like this will help save money on those monthly energy bills, as you can set schedules or make adjustments while, say, on vacation.

On the downside, this is a real-deal thermostat, so it requires a C-wire connection or a power adapter. Both of these kits are sold separately. The bundle with the C-wire connector is also on sale for $78.

It does lack a couple of the features found with some of its more expensive rivals, like the Google Nest thermostat. There are no touchscreen controls and no motion sensor. The voice and app controls, however, more than make up these omissions.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice in the lead up to October Prime Day 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-smart-thermostat-drops-to-56-in-this-early-prime-day-deal-181514522.html?src=rss

Amazon’s Echo Dot hits a record low of $23 thanks to this Prime Day deal

Posted on by

The Echo Dot (5th gen) has dropped to just $23 for October Prime Day, beating the price we saw it drop to during Amazon's sale event in July. It's part of a much larger (and very typical) sale on Amazon devices for October Big Deal Days, but you won't find too much cheaper than the Echo Dot (looking at you, Echo Pop). This tiny smart speaker has improved audio that competes with more expensive rivals like the HomePod mini.

This Echo Dot model launched in 2022 with clearer vocals, deeper bass and more vibrant overall sound than previous generations. Of course, it will pale in comparison to bigger and much more expensive speakers, but good luck finding anything else of this quality for that sale price. It’s Engadget’s current pick for the best smart speaker under $50.

The speaker supports direct streaming from Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music. It works great for podcasts, too, and you can use it as a Bluetooth speaker with unsupported apps. Alexa lets you control smart home accessories, get weather updates and ask general questions. Fitting your home with smart speakers can be expensive, but this sale price could allow you to put Alexa in any room for a modest upfront investment.

The speaker has a cute, round shape and a minimalist style. It measures only 3.9 inches at its widest point and won’t take up much space on a table or desk. It's available in charcoal, white and blue — all on sale for the same price.

If you’re transforming your home into a smart home, you can opt for a bundle with a smart light for the same price. For $23, you can get a TP-Link Tapo smart color bulb and the smart speaker.

Although its audio isn’t quite in the same class as the Dot, the Echo Pop for even cheaper. The equally cute smart speaker is on sale for Prime Day for $18. This could be a good option if you’re fitting your home with Alexa devices, but there are some rooms where you won’t listen to music. Otherwise, the slightly more expensive Echo Dot will be the better bet.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice, and stay tuned to Engadget.com for all of the best tech deals coming out of October Prime Day 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-echo-dot-hits-a-record-low-of-23-thanks-to-this-prime-day-deal-175633234.html?src=rss

Samsung confirms a software update wreaked havoc on older Galaxy smartphones

Posted on by

Samsung has confirmed that an update to its SmartThings app caused major issues for older Samsung Galaxy smartphones. 9to5Google first reported that the update, which rolled out from Samsung over the past few days, bricked devices from the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 series of phones. The publication also found some users reporting the same issue with Galaxy M51 and A90 models. After downloading the update, the devices reportedly got stuck in a bootloop and never fully turn back on.

Impacted devices can perform a factory reset to recover functionality, but that's not a perfect fix. It should make the phone usable, but any data that hasn't already been backed up will be lost. 

In a statement sent to Engadget Friday, a spokesperson confirmed the issue: "We are aware that a limited number of Galaxy smartphones running on Android 12 are rebooting continuously during an update to the latest version of the SmartThings app," the spokesperson told Engadget. "Upon discovery, we immediately suspended the update and are working to resolve the issue. Affected customers can contact the Samsung Contact Center to receive support for their devices.”

Software support for older models can become an issue for any hardware manufacturer. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are five years old now, which is an age where companies may stop providing regular updates.

Update, October 4, 1:10PM ET: This story was updated after publish with confirmation and a fuller description of the issue from Samsung.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-confirms-a-software-update-wreaked-havoc-on-older-galaxy-smartphones-175136332.html?src=rss

50 Years of the Porsche 911 Turbo: A Legacy in Motion with Porsche x Puma Collaboration

Posted on by

The Porsche 911 Turbo has defined automotive design and performance for fifty years. To celebrate this milestone, Porsche has introduced a special edition 911 Turbo, limited to 1,974 units, as a tribute to the year the car debuted. Alongside this, Porsche Lifestyle Group has collaborated with Puma to create a limited sneaker collection inspired by the 911 Turbo’s legacy. Both releases embody Porsche’s ability to evolve while staying connected to its heritage.

Designer: Porsche x Puma

The 911 Turbo: Celebrating Five Decades of Excellence

The 50th-anniversary Porsche 911 Turbo powerfully reflects Porsche’s engineering and design legacy. Built on the 911 Turbo S platform, this edition merges modern technology innovations with design cues from the original 1974 model. The limited run of 1,974 units underscores the significance of this special edition, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.

For Porsche enthusiasts, the connection to this iconic car runs deep. Personally, the Porsche 911 Turbo holds a special meaning, as it shares the same birth year. Much like finding a birth-year Rolex, owning a car from the same era ties you to a pivotal time in history. The introduction of the 911 Turbo in 1974 was a landmark moment for Porsche, revolutionizing sports car design and performance.

 

This special edition retains the spirit of the original Type 930 while introducing contemporary touches. Porsche’s new Turbonite color graces the rear engine cover, fuel tank cap, and Porsche crest, offering a nod to the past while embracing a modern aesthetic. Anthracite Grey accents on the rear wing blade, mirror bases, and air intakes add a subtle connection to the original, maintaining the balance between heritage and innovation.

Inside, the use of McKenzie tartan fabric on the seats and door panels evokes the interior styling of the original Turbo. This subtle but effective tribute allows the anniversary model to capture the charm of the past while integrating the sophistication of today’s Porsche design language. The optional Heritage Design Package further strengthens this connection with Aventurine Green Metallic paint and retro-inspired graphics, giving the car an added touch of nostalgia.

On the performance front, the 911 Turbo 50 Years edition lives up to its name. Equipped with a 3.7-liter twin-turbo engine, it delivers 650 horsepower and 800 Newton meters of torque, reaching 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.7 seconds. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management system and all-wheel drive ensure an agile, controlled driving experience that upholds the brand’s reputation for precision and power.

Porsche x Puma Sneaker Collaboration: A Design Link

In addition to the anniversary car, Porsche Lifestyle Group teamed up with Puma to create a series of limited-edition sneakers that capture the spirit of the 911 Turbo. Each sneaker model pays tribute to a key aspect of the Turbo’s design legacy, offering Porsche fans another way to engage with the brand’s heritage.

The “Turbo No. 1” and “Turbo 930” sneakers are two highlights from the collection. The “Turbo No. 1” in Metallic Silver is inspired by the Porsche given to Louise Piëch for her 70th birthday, while the “Turbo 930” in Oak Green Metallic references Dr. Ferry Porsche’s personal Turbo from 1976. Inside both sneakers, the tartan interiors reflect the fabric used in their respective cars, showcasing the attention to detail that Porsche is known for.

Limited to 911 pairs each, these sneakers reflect Porsche’s tradition of exclusivity. Design elements such as vintage turbo lettering on the side and a 3D Porsche crest on the heel tie the shoes directly to the brand’s automotive roots. The heel section even mimics the whale tail spoiler from the original 930 Turbo, further linking the footwear to one of Porsche’s most recognizable design features.

The sneaker collection’s color schemes draw heavily from Porsche’s past. The “Turbo USA” edition, finished in Olive Green with black and red accents, is a nod to the original 930 color palette. These design elements connect the automotive and sneaker worlds seamlessly, blending Porsche’s visual identity with modern streetwear.

Every pair of sneakers in the collection comes with an additional set of laces and a Porsche-branded sports bag, adding to the exclusivity of the release. Whether worn or collected, these sneakers offer a tangible link to Porsche’s legacy, much like the anniversary edition 911 Turbo itself.

A Legacy That Lasts

The Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years edition and the Porsche x Puma sneaker collection highlight Porsche’s ability to honor its rich heritage while pushing forward with contemporary design. These releases offer Porsche enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to engage with the brand’s history in new and meaningful ways.

As Porsche delivers the 911 Turbo 50 Years edition and the sneakers, those who value Porsche’s history will have a chance to own a piece of this legacy. Whether behind the wheel of the anniversary model or stepping into a pair of Turbo-inspired sneakers, these releases bring Porsche’s history into the present.

These limited-edition offerings are lasting reminders of Porsche’s journey through automotive design and performance. They offer a chance to carry a piece of that legacy forward, be it on the road or through a carefully crafted collection.

The post 50 Years of the Porsche 911 Turbo: A Legacy in Motion with Porsche x Puma Collaboration first appeared on Yanko Design.

Saber Interactive is making a ‘AAA RPG’ based on Avatar: The Last Airbender

Posted on by

Paramount just announced that it's going ahead with a new video game based on Avatar: The Last Airbender, which will be developed by Saber Interactive. For the uninitiated, Saber is behind titles like Snowrunner and Teardown. It also has plenty of experience making licensed content, as it published Evil Dead: The Game and World War Z: Aftermath, among others.

A new game in the Avatar-verse isn’t that notable on its own. After all, there have been plenty already. Paramount is already crowing about the title, though, calling it a “AAA RPG” and claiming it’ll be the “biggest video game in franchise history.” That’s not exactly a high bar, given the cartoon’s rocky history in gaming. There was that one good Bayonetta-like game that featured Avatar Korra, but everything else is pretty much trash.

This upcoming RPG won’t follow Aang or Korra. Players will control “an all-new, never-before-seen Avatar.” The game’s set “thousands of years” before the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The story has been “developed in close collaboration with Avatar Studios”, though we don’t know if franchise creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are involved in any way.

This looks to be an action RPG and not a turn-based affair, as a press release suggests “dynamic combat” and a quest to “master all four elements.” However, there’s no release date and no suggestion as to how far along the game is. Paramount says it’ll be available “soon”, but the company hasn't released a trailer or even artwork, so one person’s “soon” is another person’s “probably sometime in 2026.”

In any event, sign me up. I’m a big-time cabbage head, or honorary member of the Aang Gang or whatever fans are called. Saber Interactive has proven itself worthy with other pre-existing IPs, so why not this one? It could work.

The Avatar franchise has been relatively quiet lately, though the live-action Netflix show was renewed for two more seasons to finish up the story. Franchise creators DiMartino and Konietzko are making an animated film that follows an adult Aang and friends, but it’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything about that.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/saber-interactive-is-making-a-aaa-rpg-based-on-avatar-the-last-airbender-171655351.html?src=rss

The Rubber Keyed Wonder is an adoring portrait of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum

Posted on by

Hey! If you have fond memories playing Manic Miner or Jet Set Willy on your family TV, you’ll love The Rubber Keyed Wonder. It’s a new documentary chronicling the birth, life, death and rebirth of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum that premieres today. The crowdfunded film is an adoring look at the iconic and legendary artifact of computing history with plenty of high profile contributors. Two thumbs up! Go watch the film now, there’s no need for you to keep reading beyond this point, I hope you have loads of fun!

If you’re a die-hard fan, there’s no need to keep reading!

(Hopefully they’ve gone now.)

It was while watching The Rubber Keyed Wonder that I realized what makes me itchy about the current crop of pop-culture documentaries going around. A documentary should be an authored essay offering a point of view, an argument, or at least educating you about a subject matter. They’re usually deeply one-sided, but they normally have something to say beyond “hey, isn’t this neat?” That’s what I’ve found lacking in documentaries like this and GoldenEra, since they don’t have much at all to say beyond that. Which is heartbreaking when the film’s subject matter is nowhere near as neat and far more interesting as it's made out to be here.

If you’re unfamiliar, Sir Clive Sinclair was a British inventor whose work made a huge impact on the electronics industry. He developed ultra-small transistor radios, pioneered the pocket calculator, the digital watch and the portable TV. His interest in green transport saw him build a single-rider electric vehicle decades before the advent of the e-scooter. But all of that is a footnote to his range of affordable home computers, the most notable being the Spectrum.

The Britain Sinclair grew up in was broke, and he made it his life’s mission to produce products that were affordable enough for anyone to buy. His cheap, mass-market products were big hits and deeply undercut the competition, especially in home computers. Unfortunately, the low cost also meant his gear was badly-made, unreliable and severely underpowered.

But the affordability and limitations sparked a creative boom that is credited with creating the UK’s computer games industry. The heads of several major British studios cut their teeth on developing and selling games for the ZX Spectrum. And the second-order effects of Sinclair’s work left a far deeper impact on the technology industry more broadly. Sinclair’s protégé turned rival Chris Curry left to build Acorn Computers and, from there, founded ARM. The founder of what would become Rockstar North worked on the Sinclair production line in Dundee.

Sinclair was also reportedly difficult to work with, had severe temper tantrums and quite a big ego, too. He was fairly bad at business, and his refusal to listen to other people wound up costing him both of his companies, once during a fight with the UK’s National Enterprise Board in 1976 and once again in 1985. Then there was his habit of rushing out unfinished products to keep money flowing into his company at the cost of his reputation.

The reason I bring all of those things up is because every single one is either given the briefest of attention or elided completely. The Rubber Keyed Wonder would much rather streamline its focus to the Spectrum itself and its impact, erasing the more interesting story around it. But if you know anything about the territory, and how bound up the machine and its idiosyncratic founder were, these omissions hurt the story.

But I understand why: This isn’t a documentary that aspires to being a serious examination of a very interesting period in computing history. Instead, it’s a product of the fan-nostalgia industrial complex, where the most insightful comments are buried in favor of misty-eyed rememberings. That’s not to say it isn’t honest; even the Spectrum’s most ardent fans are happy to admit the machine sucked on several fundamental levels. Even the Sinclair employees joke that they knew they were selling barely-functional crap a lot of the time, but that the hobbyists who bought them loved it nevertheless.

The film can’t help but be informative, delving into the broader ecosystem that cultivated around the Spectrum. There’s its genesis, the games that made it famous, and the culture it spawned from independent computer stores to the cottage industry of magazines focused on it. But there’s also plenty of time-sucking montages of playthrough footage from Spectrum games that sap the film’s momentum in favor of squeezing the audience’s ‘member berries.

That’s not to say The Rubber Keyed Wonder is a waste of time, especially given the dearth of material on the subject*. There’s plenty in there that I learned for the first time, and found some of the games I’d not encountered as a kid to be seriously impressive. It’s just a shame that you will probably leave this film with a nagging desire to answer some of the questions it’s just not at all interested in engaging with.

* It’s probably the law that I have to mention Micro Men, the tongue-in-cheek BBC comedy that satirizes the feud between Sinclair and Curry. Both men went on the record to decry its factual inaccuracies, with Curry saying the film was “very unfair” on Clive Sinclair. It is, however, quite a fun watch so long as you accept that it’s mostly fictional. You can probably find it for free online if you look hard enough.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-rubber-keyed-wonder-is-an-adoring-portrait-of-the-sinclair-zx-spectrum-170047407.html?src=rss

OpenAI now has a $4 billion credit line on top of $6.6 billion in funding

Posted on by

Keeping ChatGPT running is expensive as heck, so OpenAI needs access to plenty of cash to make sure the lights stay on. A day after the company said it had secured $6.6 billion in funding — the biggest ever funding round for a startup — it confirmed that it has a new $4 billion revolving line of credit. OpenAI has yet to tap the credit line, which it obtained from JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Santander, Wells Fargo, SMBC, UBS and HSBC. Some of those banks are also among OpenAI's customers.

All told, OpenAI now has a war chest of over $10 billion in liquid funds. The company says that will give it the ability to invest in new projects and research, expand its infrastructure and hire top talent. “This credit facility further strengthens our balance sheet and provides flexibility to seize future growth opportunities,” OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-now-has-a-4-billion-credit-line-on-top-of-66-billion-in-funding-163230350.html?src=rss

Google stuffs more AI into search

Posted on by

Google is adding more AI to search. On Thursday, the company unveiled a long list of changes, including AI-organized web results, Google Lens updates (including video and voice) and placing links and ads inside AI Overviews.

One can suspect that AI-organized search results are where Google will eventually move across the board, but the rollout starts with a narrow scope. Beginning with recipes and meal inspiration, Google’s AI will create a “full-page experience” that includes relevant results based on your search. The company says the AI-collated pages will consist of “perspectives from across the web,” like articles, videos and forums.

Google’s AI Overviews, the snippets of AI-generated info you see above web results, are getting some enhancements, too. The company is incorporating a new link-laden design with more “prominent links to supporting webpages” within the section. Google says its tests have shown the design increased traffic to the supporting websites it links to.

Ads are also coming to AI Overviews — an inevitable outcome if ever there was one. The company says they’re rolling out in the US, so don’t be shocked if you start seeing them soon.

Three Android phone screenshots, showing Lens voice search, ads in AI Overviews and Lens video search.
left to right: Google Lens speak to search, ads in AI Overviews, Lens video search
Google

Circle to Search is getting Shazam-like capabilities. The feature will now instantly search for songs you hear without switching apps. Google also noted that Circle to Search is now available on over 150 million Android devices, as it’s expanded in reach and capabilities since its January launch.

Google Lens, the company’s seven-year-old visual search feature for mobile, is getting some upgrades, too. It can now search via video and voice, letting you ask “complex questions about moving images.” The company provides the example of seeing fish at an aquarium and using Lens to ask it aloud, “Why are they swimming together?” According to Google, the AI will use the video clip and your voice recording to identify the species and explain why they hang out together.

Along similar lines, you can now ask Google Lens questions with your voice while taking a picture. “Just point your camera, hold the shutter button and ask whatever’s on your mind — the same way you’d point at something and ask your friend about it,” the company wrote.

Google Lens is also upgrading its shopping chops. The company describes the upgraded visual product search as “dramatically more helpful” than its previous version. The AI results will now include essential information about the searched product, including reviews, prices across different retailers and where to buy.

The Google Lens capabilities are all rolling out now, although some require an opt-in. Video searches are available globally for Search Labs users; you’ll find them in the “AI Overviews and more” experiment. Voice input for Lens is now available for English users in the Google app on Android and iOS. Finally, enhanced shopping with Lens starts rolling out this week.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-stuffs-more-ai-into-search-160003918.html?src=rss

YouTube Shorts can now run up to three minutes

Posted on by

YouTube Shorts are about to get quite a bit longer. Starting on October 15, the platform is increasing video limits from one minute to three minutes. TikTok, arguably Shorts' biggest competitor, has allowed users to share 10-minute videos for over two years. The new update should work for any Shorts that are square or taller in aspect ratio, and it won't affect any videos you shoot before the 15th. 

YouTube is also releasing a few other Shorts updates, including a preview of comments in the Shorts' feed. Plus, the company is working on letting you to pull clips from across YouTube through the Shorts camera and make remix clips. YouTube first released the remix feature in early 2024, letting you strip the audio, use the video as a background, cut a piece of it to use in your Short or put it side-by-side with your creation. 

If Shorts aren't your thing, it's also going to be easier to skip them as YouTube is introducing a tool to show fewer Shorts. You can choose this option through the three dot menu on the upper right corner — though YouTube says the preference only lasts temporarily. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-shorts-can-now-run-up-to-three-minutes-160002081.html?src=rss