Physical books are heavy and given everything else a youngster has to carry around in their backpack, who needs to deal with those as well? An ereader can help to lighten the load and there's a good deal on a kid-friendly option at the minute. Just ahead of the October edition of Prime Day, Amazon has dropped the price of the Kindle Paperwhite Kids by $55, bringing it down to $115. That's close to the all-time-low price.
Along with a Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB of storage, the bundle includes a year of Amazon Kids+ access, a kid-friendly cover and a two-year worry-free guarantee. If the ereader breaks for any reason in that timeframe, Amazon will replace it. Amazon says all of that equates to a value of up to $263.
Amazon Kids+ typically costs $6 per month. It includes thousands of kid-friendly books, Amazon says. The Paperwhite is all about reading. So while Amazon Kids+ includes access to games, videos and apps on a Kindle Fire, there's none of that here.
The Kindle Paperwhite Kids has a couple extra features called Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to help youngsters develop their reading skills. The ereader also includes a font called OpenDyslexic, which Amazon says some readers with dyslexia prefer.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-include-32-percent-off-amazons-kindle-paperwhite-kids-193131655.html?src=rss
Now that OpenAI is becoming a for-profit company, it’s making a tidy profit in the process. The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI has raised $6.6 billion in new funding from investors, nearly doubling its value to $157 billion. The new funding also makes it the largest venture capital deal in history.
The new investors jumped on board after the artificial intelligence startup planned to switch from a charitable non-profit to a for-profit, product-focused company. If OpenAI fails to make the move to for-profit, investors have the right to pull their funding, according to Axios.
The venture-capital firm Thrive Capital founded by Joshua Kushner, the youngest son of convicted-turned-pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner, led the new round of funding with $1.25 billion. Other investors included SoftBank, Nvidia, Fidelity Management and OpenAI’s previous largest investor Microsoft.
One name that was notably absent from the investor list is Apple. The tech giant was in the process of negotiating a funding deal but apparently the agreement fell apart.
Funding isn’t the only thing that’s growing for OpenAI. Its AI app ChatGPT has attracted 250 million weekly active users, up from the 200 million announced at the end of August, and 11 million paying subscribers. The higher usage rate has OpenAI officials thinking they should raise the subscription price for ChatGPT to $22 a month by the end of the year and $44 a month in the next five years.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-rakes-in-over-6-billion-in-new-funding-192110908.html?src=rss
Why buy a chess set that looks like any other on the market shelves when you can carve them yourselves? That kind of inspiration you are bound to derive when your little daughter picks up the game so well at a very early age. LEGO Ideas user [JonnyBrickz1820] has one of the cutest stories behind this inspiring medieval chess set design proposed to become a LEGO set.
The idea is to LEGO’fy a chess set with a medieval theme while maintaining its aesthetics to accommodate the pieces when not in use. As a novice chess player I have to say the design looks amazing, and one that’ll lure me into playing a game with my best buddies. The project has already been backed by 1,400 users and I hope this one becomes an official LEGO set one day.
It all started when Jonny noticed his 5-year-old daughter playing chess on his phone and castling against him. A few months later, she came up and asked him, if she could get her own chess set. Then came the inspiration to design one, instead of buying one since she had a keen interest in the game. After a lot of thinking and trials, he started off the crafting process for each of the pieces. Some pieces like the rook and pawns took less time while the knight was a bit of a grind for him. The major challenge was to craft them in a medieval theme while ensuring they fitted snug inside the box at the bottom when now in use.
Once the basic design was sorted, it was time to embellish the chess set in gold accents to make it pop. To maintain continuity of the design, he located weapons or items in similar pearl gold finish, or ones that could be assembled using smaller pearl gold pieces. Thereafter, it was time to design the board which derives inspiration from other LEGO creations. After much brainstorming, he decided to use a single drawer design with two separate sections for stashing the color pieces.
The interesting thing is this build is crafted without using any computer-aided design and purely on trial and error. In the end, it turned out better than any other chess set on the market!
Can you hear the soft, cherubic voices of corporate executives singing in unison? That can only mean one thing. They’ve figured out a new way to squeeze money out of our eyeballs. Amazon is adding even more ads to Prime Video, according to reporting by Financial Times. This uptick in corporate-sponsored splendor will go into effect early next year.
This comes less than a year after Amazon forced ads onto its streaming video platform, which is something all of the major streamers do now. We pay money to watch ads. It’s pretty darn cool. In any event, it remains unclear as to how many more ads will infest that next episode of Reacher or where they’ll be placed. Modern streaming shows aren’t made with advertisements in mind, so these ads just kinda pop up wherever.
Ads have turned into a serious revenue stream for Amazon because, again, they sit on top of our monthly Prime memberships that we already pay for. It costs extra to go ad-free. The company recently crowed that it drew more than $1.8 billion in advertising commitments at an upfront event in September. This exceeded the company’s own targets. Amazon also revealed that the ad tier of Prime Video reaches 19 million monthly users in the UK alone. This tier is used by over 100 million people in the US each month.
Kelly Day, vice-president of Prime Video International, told Financial Times that the platform launched with “a very light load” of ads at first, so as to prepare consumers for the coming onslaught. She said the initial rollout was a deliberate “gentle entry into advertising.”
“We know it was a bit of a contrarian approach to take,” she said. “But it’s actually gone much better than we even anticipated.” Day added that the company has not seen “a groundswell of people churning out or canceling" after it brought in advertisements.
The company is also readying an interactive ad experience that will allow Prime Video watchers to add an item to their cart straight from the video stream. This will work with physical remotes and on the app. Sweet, sweet corporate synergy. Yay!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/more-ads-are-coming-to-amazon-prime-video-182906957.html?src=rss
It's little wonder that investors were clamoring to plow money into OpenAI. Alongside an announcement that the company had raised $6.6 billion in funding, OpenAI revealed that "every week, over 250 million people around the world use ChatGPT to enhance their work, creativity, and learning." That's a sharp rise since late August, when OpenAI said the chatbot had 200 million weekly users — double the number it had last November. As of June, 350 million people were using OpenAI's tools each month, according to internal documents obtained by The New York Times. It's unclear how many people are paying for access versus those using the free tier.
It's not exactly clear why there was such a sharp increase in user numbers in just a couple of months. However, kids just went back to school and might be using the chatbot to cheat do some quick research. OpenAI can probably expect ChatGPT's user numbers to get another major boost when Apple eventually incorporates it into Apple Intelligence, which will happen in the coming months.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpt-added-50-million-weekly-users-in-just-two-months-181012894.html?src=rss
September brought a thrilling wave of watch releases, offering something special for every enthusiast. Whether you’re into the technical brilliance of high-end complications or appreciate a well-designed everyday watch, this month’s lineup had it all. From timeless elegance to rugged tool watches, each release reflects the passion and craftsmanship that go into making these intricate timepieces.
For those drawn to heritage and tradition, the latest reimaginings of iconic designs will resonate deeply. If you’re after modern innovations or bold, eye-catching styles, this month’s releases showcase what makes watchmaking such a dynamic and evolving field. Every watch tells a story, and whether you’re an avid collector or someone searching for the perfect piece, these standout timepieces offer something for every personality and preference.
Let’s take a closer look at the 10 most exciting watches of September 2024.
1. Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT
Seiko once again captivated collectors with the release of its Presage Urushi GMT. The watch’s 42mm stainless steel case houses the 6R54 calibre, allowing simultaneous tracking of two time zones. It’s the first time Seiko’s Presage line features a GMT complication. The Urushi lacquer dial, created through a centuries-old Japanese technique, offers a distinct aesthetic that reflects Seiko’s cultural heritage. Each dial is unique, with the hand-painted lacquer producing subtle differences in texture and color.
The Seiko Presage GMT Urushi Lacquer Dial SPB447
Why is it noteworthy?
This timepiece blends Seiko’s technical innovation with deep-rooted Japanese artistry. The Urushi lacquer dial, hand-applied by skilled artisans, makes each watch a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Combined with the GMT function, it caters to travel needs and appreciation for craftsmanship.
In-house calibre 6R54
What we like:
The handcrafted Urushi lacquer dial offers unmatched depth and individuality.
The GMT complication provides practical functionality for travelers.
What we dislike:
The 72-hour power reserve, though solid, could be longer for frequent travelers.
The traditional design may not appeal to those seeking modern aesthetics.
2. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute
Jaeger-LeCoultre expands its Reverso Tribute collection with three exciting novelties this September. First, a brand-new mid-size model joins the lineup, offering dimensions that closely reflect the original 1931 Reverso design. This Monoface variant has a blue sunburst lacquer and a silver opaline dial, with a minimalist approach highlighting its Art Deco heritage. The Duoface version, now in luxurious 18k pink gold, offers a secondary dial for a second-time zone, while the Reverso Tribute Tourbillon makes its debut in a steel case, combining Jaeger-LeCoultre’s iconic design with the complexity of a tourbillon.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon in steel
Why is it noteworthy?
Introducing a mid-size model is a significant move for Jaeger-LeCoultre, catering to those seeking smaller, gender-neutral dimensions in an era where compact, vintage-inspired designs are gaining popularity. The new Duoface in pink gold adds a level of luxury, while the steel-cased Tourbillon brings haute horlogerie to a more understated level, making it a high-end daily wear option for those who appreciate functionality and elegance.
What we like:
The new mid-size Monoface feels like a modern return to the roots of the Reverso, perfectly channeling the 1931 design.
The pink gold Duoface offers a secondary dial and elegant finishing, making it versatile for any occasion.
The Reverso Tribute Tourbillon in steel combines technical mastery with a subtle design, perfect for those seeking a tourbillon without the flash of precious metals.
What we dislike:
The smaller case size of the mid-size Monoface might feel too diminutive for some modern wearers.
While luxurious, the pink gold Duoface has a hefty price tag, making it less accessible to many.
The Tourbillon’s technical complexity may not appeal to those who prefer simpler movements.
3. Panerai Navy SEALs Submersible
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Navy SEALs PAM01518
The Panerai Navy SEALs Submersible is designed for adventurers. With a 47mm titanium case, this watch is built for rugged use. Its ceramic rotating bezel and 300-meter water resistance make it an ideal dive companion, while its P.9010 automatic movement delivers a solid 72-hour power reserve. Engravings on the case back honor the Navy SEALs, adding a unique connection to the military.
Why is it noteworthy?
This watch combines Panerai’s signature oversized aesthetic with professional-grade diving capabilities. The military-grade durability and connection to the Navy SEALs make it a standout for those who need function over form.
What we like:
The 300-meter water resistance makes it a robust option for professional divers.
Titanium keeps the watch lightweight despite its large size, enhancing comfort.
What we dislike:
The 47mm case may feel overwhelming on the wrist.
The military-focused design limits its versatility for formal occasions.
4. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon SORAI
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon SORAI
Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon SORAI blends cutting-edge horology with a strong conservation message. The 42mm micro-blasted black ceramic case houses a skeletonized tourbillon movement, while the bold camo-green strap adds a rugged edge. A portion of proceeds from each watch sold goes toward wildlife conservation efforts, aligning with Save Our Rhinos Africa and India (SORAI).
Why is it noteworthy?
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon SORAI
The skeletonized dial exposes the intricate tourbillon mechanism, showcasing Hublot’s expertise in avant-garde watchmaking. Additionally, the conservation partnership provides an ethical aspect to the timepiece, making it as meaningful as it is luxurious.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon SORAI
What we like:
The exposed tourbillon creates a mesmerizing focal point for watch enthusiasts.
Supporting conservation efforts adds depth beyond its luxury status.
What we dislike:
The bold, avant-garde design may be too polarizing for some collectors.
Limited edition availability makes it challenging to acquire.
5. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT marries the iconic Royal Oak design with modern horological advancements. The 44mm titanium case houses a split-second chronograph and GMT complication, providing multiple functions within the octagonal bezel. The skeletonized dial maintains the futuristic aesthetic of the Concept line.
Why is it noteworthy?
The watch features a split-second chronograph that allows the timing of two separate events and the practicality of a GMT function. Its titanium construction ensures that it remains lightweight despite its technical complexity.
What we like:
The GMT and split-second chronograph offer great utility for those on the move.
The use of titanium keeps the large case light and comfortable for everyday wear.
What we dislike:
The octagonal case design may be too aggressive for those preferring classic shapes.
Its steep price makes it inaccessible to a wider audience.
Seiko’s Prospex 1968 Diver’s Reinterpretation 300m draws inspiration from its classic dive watch but adds modern-day features. The 44mm stainless steel case offers 300-meter water resistance, and its unidirectional rotating bezel ensures reliable underwater performance. Inside, the 8L35 automatic movement provides precision and durability.
Why is it noteworthy?
This model pays tribute to Seiko’s history in diving watches while incorporating modern materials and performance upgrades. It balances heritage with innovation, making it ideal for professional divers and collectors alike.
What we like:
The 300-meter water resistance makes it reliable for serious diving.
The bold, legible dial and bezel enhance usability under harsh conditions.
What we dislike:
Its larger 44mm case may feel cumbersome for everyday wear.
The practical design might lack the refinement some collectors seek in high-end watches.
7. Louis Erard 2300 Sport Chronograph Rainbow
Louis Erard 2300 Sport Chronograph Rainbow
Louis Erard adds a burst of color to its chronograph collection with the 2300 Sport Chronograph Rainbow. Housed in a 44mm stainless steel case, the watch features rainbow-colored indices against a black dial. The dual-register chronograph runs on the reliable Valjoux/ETA 7750 automatic movement, ensuring durability and precision.
Why is it noteworthy?
The rainbow-colored indices bring a playful element to the otherwise classic chronograph design. Louis Erard has created a striking balance between the watch’s technical prowess and its bold, modern aesthetic.
What we like:
The vibrant rainbow indices add character without compromising on functionality.
The Valjoux/ETA 7750 movement guarantees accuracy and durability.
What we dislike:
The 44mm case size may be too large for some wearers.
The colorful design might not suit everyone’s taste, particularly those who prefer understated watches.
8. Blancpain Air Command Camouflage Green
Blancpain’s Air Command Camouflage Green is a vintage-inspired pilot’s watch with a modern twist. The 42.5mm case is fitted with a flyback chronograph for efficient timekeeping, while the camouflage-green dial adds a rugged, military-inspired look. The in-house F388B automatic movement delivers a high-frequency chronograph performance.
Why is it noteworthy?
Blancpain Air Command Camouflage Green
Blancpain blends its aviation heritage with modern chronograph technology, making this watch a collector’s item for those who appreciate vintage military design with contemporary functionality.
What we like:
The flyback chronograph enhances usability for frequent timers.
The camo-green dial and luminescent markers ensure legibility in any condition.
What we dislike:
The military styling may not appeal to those seeking a more versatile watch.
Limited availability can make it challenging to acquire.
9. Christopher Ward C65 Desk Diver Limited Edition
Christopher Ward C65 Desk Diver Limited Edition
Christopher Ward’s C65 Desk Diver takes a whimsical approach to the dive watch category, offering a playful design for office workers. The 41mm stainless steel case provides 200-meter water resistance, while the Sellita SW200-1 movement ensures reliable performance. Its playful Easter eggs on the dial and bezel add a humorous twist.
Why is it noteworthy?
The C65 Desk Diver is a lighthearted interpretation of the traditional dive watch, designed for the urban environment rather than deep-sea expeditions. It offers a unique blend of humor and practicality, making it a fun addition to any collection.
What we like:
The playful design adds personality while maintaining full dive watch functionality.
The 200-meter water resistance ensures that, despite its humor, it’s still capable underwater.
What we dislike:
Some may find the playful design elements detract from its seriousness as a tool watch.
The concept may not resonate with those who prefer traditional or minimalist designs.
10. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green
TAG Heuer reinvigorates its legendary Monaco line with the Racing Green edition, paying homage to British racing history. The 39mm square case remains iconic, housing the dependable TAG Heuer Calibre 11 automatic movement, recognizable for its left-hand crown placement and chronograph functionality. The deep green dial is complemented by two chronograph subdials, adding visual depth and a sense of purpose to the design. This bold color choice is complemented by a matching green leather rally strap, making the watch a standout for those who appreciate heritage and style.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Monaco Racing Green brings a fresh, vibrant twist to one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic models. The British racing green dial offers a nod to motorsport history, adding a new dimension to the iconic square design celebrated for decades. With its rich color palette and excellent functionality, this model is a fitting tribute to TAG Heuer’s automotive partnerships and its heritage in precision timekeeping.
What we like:
The striking green dial offers a unique and modern update to the classic Monaco aesthetic.
The Calibre 11 movement ensures reliable chronograph performance, and a vintage-inspired left-hand crown adds a touch of nostalgia.
What we dislike:
The square case design may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional round shapes.
As a limited edition, the Racing Green may be hard to acquire, with high demand driving up prices for collectors.
An unsettling report from 404 Media has shed light on some ways that the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses could be used to violate people's privacy. Two Harvard students used facial recognition tech and a large language model to unearth a subject's name, occupation and other details. Their setup (dubbed I-XRAY) can use that information to pull together other data about the person including their address, phone number, family member details and partial Social Security Numbers from a variety of sources on the web. All of this is said to happen automatically.
While this would be possible with a variety of cameras, AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio opted to use Meta's smart glasses since "they look almost indistinguishable from regular glasses" and have a camera built in. A demo video shows the students using the glasses to swiftly find out information about people they meet in public. Nguyen and Ardayfio address people who appear to be strangers by name, discuss their work and bring up a place where they may have met in the past, based on information gleaned through the facial recognition setup.
In the video, it's explained that the students stream video from the glasses to Instagram. The stream is monitored by a computer program. Once AI detects someone's face, their I-XRAY system pulls more photos of that person from the web along with public information about them. The program then feeds those details back to a mobile app that Nguyen and Ardayfio built. It can take just a couple of minutes for this process to play out.
The students told 404 Media that they developed I-XRAY to make people aware of what's possible with this technology and they won't release the code that they used. Nguyen said that while some of the people they showed the tech to suggested they might use it to network or prank friends, others pointed out some serious safety concerns. “Some dude could just find some girl’s home address on the train and just follow them home," Nguyen pointed out.
In a Google Doc that explains some of the tech behind their system, Nguyen and Ardayfio provide resources detailing how to remove your information from the services that they used for I-XRAY. Those concerned about their privacy may also want to consider using personal information removal services such as DeleteMe or Incogni.
This kind of technology isn't inherently new — 404 Media points out that Meta and Google have had the ability to apply facial recognition to a camera feed for years, but didn't release it publicly. But the ability to use it in off-the-shelf smart glasses that appear relatively innocuous (save for a light that is active when the camera is recording) may give cause for concern.
When asked for comment, Meta referred Engadget to this section of its terms of service regarding Facebook View, an accompanying app for the smart glasses:
Your responsibility for your use of Facebook View. You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws when using Facebook View, and for providing any notice or obtaining any consents, as required under video recording, audio recording, biometric data, or other privacy, data protection, or other applicable laws, from other individuals who use your Facebook View or interact with you while you are using Facebook View. You are also responsible for using Facebook View in a safe, lawful, and respectful manner. You may not tamper with the Glasses, or otherwise obscure or modify any of the features on the Glasses that signal to others that the Glasses are recording (including the external-facing LED light).
Facebook View is intended for purely personal or household use. You may only use Facebook View for personal non-commercial purposes subject to the Terms and any other terms made available by us relating to Facebook View. Except to the extent such restriction is prohibited under applicable law, you will not disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer, decrypt, or attempt to derive any code or extract software from Facebook View. Except to the extent expressly permitted by us, you will not prepare derivative works based upon, distribute, license, sell, rent, transfer, publicly display, publicly perform, transmit, stream, broadcast or otherwise exploit Facebook View or any software, content, or services made available on or through Facebook View.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/students-used-metas-smart-glasses-to-automatically-dox-strangers-via-instagram-streams-170228496.html?src=rss
Garmin has just announced its Lily 2 Active smartwatch, which is currently the company’s smallest model with built-in GPS functionality. It boasts nine days of battery life when used without GPS and nine hours with GPS mode on.
This sleek metal watch has two buttons and a display that activates with a tap or wrist turn. The buttons are used to select activities or switch screens. As with many smartwatches out right now, the Lily 2 Active can also gather information on your last night’s sleep and grant insights on improving sleep quality. The sleep function also records heart rate, sleep stages, stress and respiration, among other factors useful for calculating your sleep score. You can also use Body Battery monitoring to check your energy levels.
For those who like to follow workout videos or routines, you can download workouts for strength, yoga sessions and high intensity interval training (HIIT). You can view these workouts on the watch screen to ensure you follow the planned workout correctly.
One final feature that impressed us was the morning report. The Lily 2 Active can provide all of the information above in the morning, as well as “women’s health tracking” information. For example, users can use the smartwatch to track their menstrual cycles and pregnancies.
The Lily 2 Active is compatible with the Garmin Connect smartphone app on iOS and Android. The app lets you check data collected by the watch, and you can even challenge friends who have Garmin products.
We didn’t forget to mention the colors. The Lily 2 Active smartwatch is available in two color schemes: Lunar Gold and Bone or Silver and Purple Jasmine. Those interested can purchase it now for $300.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/garmins-new-lily-2-active-smartwatch-is-pretty-cute-for-a-gps-watch-165410157.html?src=rss
None of these features are too surprising, but they seem useful and fun. There’s something called Writing Assist, which is exactly what it sounds like. This tool integrates with the on-screen keyboard and should be compatible with any app on the tablet. It provides grammar assistance and will transform copy into a number of pre-set styles. This is a quick way to turn “what’s up with my paycheck” into something a bit more professional.
The appropriately-named Webpage Summaries offers up automatic summaries of websites. This tool will “distill the key points in an article or on a web page” to give concise summaries. Amazon says it will catch readers up to speed “in a matter of seconds.” This kind of thing is generative AI 101, as there are plenty of pre-existing tools that mimic this functionality. Still, it’s nice to have it native on Amazon tablets.
Amazon
Finally, there’s Wallpaper Creator, which brings a chat prompt into the mix. Just type in what kind of background you want and let the power-hungry magic of AI do the work. Amazon says users can “choose from one of the curated prompts” or let their “imagination run wild.” The company says the algorithm will create “unique, high-resolution” images that can be used as a tablet’s wallpaper.
All of these features will be available for the just-revealed Fire HD 8 refresh, but Amazon says they are also coming to other “compatible Fire tablets later this month.” As for compatibility, Writing Assist and Wallpaper Creator are coming to tablets released since 2022. Webpage Summaries goes a bit further back to Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 8 tablets from 2018 and newer.
This isn’t Amazon’s only dip into the exciting world of artificial intelligence. The company recently unleashed a shopping-focused chatbot and is working on another chatbot which has been codenamed Metis. It has also been reported that Alexa will soon be getting an AI-centric makeover, powered by Claude AI.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/amazon-tablets-are-getting-ai-tools-like-writing-assist-and-automatic-website-summaries-164809318.html?src=rss
