You’ll soon be able to safely and easily move your passkeys between password managers

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Igor Bonifacic

By now, most people know passkeys offer a better way to protect their online credentials than passwords. Nearly every tech company of note, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, supports the protocol. Moreover, despite a slow start, adoption has dramatically increased in the last year, with, for instance, password manager Dashlane recently noting a 400% increase in use since the beginning of 2024. Amazon, meanwhile, said today more than 175 million of its customers are using passkeys to protect their accounts. Still, not everyone knows they don’t need to rely on passwords to protect their online identity, and transferring your passkeys between platforms isn’t as easy as it should be.

That’s why the FIDO Alliance, the coalition of organizations behind the technology, is working to make it easier to do just that. On Tuesday, the group published draft specifications for the Credential Exchange Protocol (CXP) and Credential Exchange Format (CXF), two standards that, once adopted by the industry, will allow you to safely and seamlessly move all your passkeys and passwords between different apps and platforms.

With some of the biggest names in the industry collaborating on the effort (including Apple, Google, 1Password, Bitwarden, and Dashlane, to name a few), there’s a very good chance we’re looking at a future where your current password manager — particularly if you use one of the first-party ones offered by Apple or Google — won’t be the reason you can’t switch platforms. And that’s a very good thing.

“It is critical that users can choose the credential management platform they prefer, and switch credential providers securely and without burden,” the FIDO Alliance said. “Until now, there has been no standard for the secure movement of credentials, and often the movement of passwords or other credentials has been done in the clear.”

The CXP and CXF standards aren’t ready for prime time just yet. The FIDO Alliance plans to collect feedback before it publishes the final set of specifications and gives its members the go-ahead to implement the technology.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/youll-soon-be-able-to-safely-and-easily-move-your-passkeys-between-password-managers-161025573.html?src=rss

New Pixel updates include AI-powered theft protection

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Sarah Fielding

Google is rolling out a slew of updates for Pixel watches, smartphones and tablets. In many cases, their predecessors are also getting the new features, such as Night Sight for Instagram — available on all Pixel 6 or newer devices, including A-series phones. The tool allows you to take photos directly on Instagram without worrying about them coming out dark. This could be ideal if you're someone who likes taking photos at concerts or parties without worrying about a bright flash going off. Other updates available for Pixel 6 or newer devices include astrophotography through Night Sight and theft protection.

Now globally available, theft protection one of the most expansive updates and actually applies to all Android 10 or newer devices (Android 15 is out today) — not just Pixel. Then, later this year, Google will release Identity Check, a feature that requires biometric authentication to access actions like changing your PIN and disabling theft protection. The new feature includes tools like the AI-powered Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device machine learning to detect possible attempts to steal your device and will automatically lock it if so. Additional features include Remote Lock, which lets you seal your device with just a verified phone number, and Offline Device Lock. You can watch a full overview of theft protection on Android's YouTube page.

Google released its latest lineup in August: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro and some of its newest features are exclusive to it. Such is the case for a Gemini extension for screenshots, a tool that lets you "Hey Google" your way to the exact image you're looking for. For example, you can say, "Hey Google, use Screenshots to show to find the red shirt I saved." Plus, you can now use a waterproof case to capture improved images and videos under the sea.

Update October 16, 1:51PM ET: Google initially indicated that Pixel A-series devices would not have access to the Night Sight for Instagram feature. However, it later confirmed — via Android reporter Mishaal Rahman — that "Night Sight for Instagram is available on the Pixel 6 and later, including A-series."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/new-pixel-updates-include-ai-powered-theft-protection-160042706.html?src=rss

Android 15 is starting to roll out on Pixel devices

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Kris Holt

It’s been a bit of a wait for those who snapped up a new Pixel phone immediately, but Google is now starting to roll out Android 15 across eligible devices. While Google released the source code for the open source variant last month, the retail iteration of the mobile operating system is starting to hit phones and tablets.

As ever, Pixel devices are the first to get access to Android 15. The Pixel 9 lineup debuted in August and although Google typically deploys a major OS update alongside its latest flagship phones, that wasn’t the case this time. Android 15 will be available on eligible devices from other manufacturers in the coming months, but some phone and tablet makers will be using forked versions of the source code.

Security and privacy are major focus points for Android 15. Google says Theft Detection Lock employs AI to help protect your data. Extra layers of authentication for the likes of SIM removal and switching off Find My Device should help secure your device too. You'll be able to set up a private space in Android 15 where sensitive apps (and any others you want to chuck in there) are all but invisible to others.

Other new features include an easy way to pin and unpin the taskbar on foldables and tablets for more customizable layouts and app access. An app pairing option is said to benefit multitasking. You'll be able to save combinations of apps as app icons on the home screen and open them with a tap, which should make moving files between, say, Google Drive and Gmail a cinch.

Google is opening up more camera options to third-party apps, such as more granular control over the flash. You'll be able to log into apps that use passkeys with a single tap. And, perhaps most significantly of all for some folks, carrier messaging apps will be able to support messaging via satellite when you're out of range of cell and Wi-Fi networks.

In addition, Google is releasing a Pixel drop today, which includes support for Theft Detection Lock on devices running Android 10 and later.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/android-15-is-starting-to-roll-out-on-pixel-devices-160039591.html?src=rss

One of our favorite Samsung microSD cards drops to a record-low price

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Will Shanklin

Today’s a good day to grab a spare microSD card for your Nintendo Switch, phone or tablet (some still support them!), drone, camera or home security system. Amazon has the highly-rated Samsung EVO Select card in most capacities for record-low prices. That includes a 1TB one for $80 (usually $110).

The Samsung EVO Select is Engadget’s pick for the best value in microSD cards — at its full price. When you slash up to $30 off, it’s a can’t-miss deal.

If 1TB for a record-low $80 is overkill for your needs, you can save on cheaper cards, too. The 512GB EVO Select card, which usually costs $56, is on sale for a mere $40. Meanwhile, a 256GB one (typically $30) is available for $22, and the 128GB variant is only $15 (from $19). The only one not on sale is the 64GB one, so skip that one today and go with 128GB if you were eyeing the entry-level tier.

The Samsung EVO Select is a U3 Class 10 card. This is the latest 2024 model that supports sequential transfer speeds of up to 160 MB/s. If you’re shopping for storage for your Switch console, that’s far ahead of Nintendo’s recommended transfer speeds, so you’re more than golden there. It’s also great for high-resolution video recording.

The microSD card is rated to withstand up to 72 hours in seawater. Each card includes an adapter that lets you use the microSD as a full-sized SD card.

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/one-of-our-favorite-samsung-microsd-cards-drops-to-a-record-low-price-155747738.html?src=rss

Leapmotor reveals B10 SUV EV priced between $14K and $21K

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Jeremy Gan

Yesterday, Leapmotor and joint venture partner Stellantis revealed the B10 SUV electric vehicle at the Paris Motor Show. This new vehicle will reportedly have a starting price between $14,000 and $21,000 (though there’s no word about US availability yet). This marks Chinese automaker Leapmotor’s latest foray into markets outside China, and it looks like this EV could sell well globally due to its lower price tag.

The B10 SUV is Leapmotor’s first B-Series EV, and it uses the company’s LEAP 3.5 architecture, promising smart features geared towards tech-savvy customers. However, before it reaches European customers, the B10 SUV will first be available in China. As reported by CnEVpost, it will be sold for RMB 100,000 ($14,110) to RMB 150,000 ($21,070).

Leapmotor isn’t the most famous brand outside of China, but the fact that Stellantis, the fourth largest auto manufacturer in the world, is backing it gives Leapmotor more credibility. The company first sold vehicles in the European market this September and has 200 dealers in 13 countries. It plans to increase the number of European dealers to 500 before the end of 2025, signifying the start of a push into the European market.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/leapmotor-reveals-b10-suv-ev-priced-between-14k-and-21k-155016806.html?src=rss

YouTube adds tons of little tweaks, including fine-tunable playback speed

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Lawrence Bonk

YouTube just announced around two-dozen tweaks and updates to the mobile app, the web player and the TV app. Many of these updates are on the insignificant side, so let’s go over the ones that are likely to change how people use the service.

Speed adjustments are getting much more granular. There will now be fine-tunable playback speed, with adjustments in 0.05 increments. Prior to this change, adjustment options were locked into 0.25 increments. True story. I watched YouTube exclusively at 0.75 speed for like two years and now whenever people talk at a normal speed I feel completely overwhelmed. Good times!

The miniplayer on mobile is getting some new features. Viewers will be able to resize the player and move it around at will. YouTube says this is “perfect for those that love to search for more videos to add to their queues while already watching a video.”

Playlists are getting a modern facelift. There’s a new co-op playlist feature. Users can send out a QR code or a web link to invite friends and family to help on a particular playlist. There will soon be a voting feature, to let “you and your friends curate the best line-up.” YouTube’s even introducing custom thumbnails for these playlists.

Standard YouTube users are getting access to the Sleep Timer, after the company tested the feature with Premium members earlier this year. This is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re someone who likes to fall asleep to the dulcet tones of a Noam Chomsky interview from 1995, the timer will ensure that YouTube powers down at some point.

YouTube TV is getting an updated UI for Shorts, which could be handy as this content doesn’t always jive with television screens. Incidentally, Shorts can now run up to three minutes, so they don’t exactly live up to their name anymore.

Finally, the platform is bringing badges to both YouTube and YouTube Music. Gotta collect 'em all, or whatever. Most of these tools begin rolling out today, but it could be several days before your particular YouTube account gets the refresh. You know the drill.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-adds-tons-of-little-tweaks-including-fine-tunable-playback-speed-153926551.html?src=rss

Sony announces PlayStation The Concert, a world tour starting in 2025

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Sarah Fielding

As a big soundtrack fan, I love any occasion in which musicians perform them live in concert. So, I'm excited that Sony has created PlayStation The Concert, a world tour featuring the scores from titles like The Last of Us, God of War, Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon. Previous video game concerts have included The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, which ran from 2012 to 2017.

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of PlayStation, with the production meant to reflect "30 years of making games that have not only captivated players but are celebrated for their breathtaking and immersive soundtracks too," Sid Shuman, senior director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications, stated in the release.

The tour will start on April 15, 2025 in Dublin before traveling to cities around Europe like Paris, Oslo, London and Budapest. There should also be stops in the US and other areas of the world, with Sony planning to take the concert to more than 200 locations. While the cities outside of Europe should be announced "soon," starting at 10AM ET tomorrow, October 16, you can use the early access code PLAYCONCERT24 to get tickets for the available dates.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-announces-playstation-the-concert-a-world-tour-starting-in-2025-153303273.html?src=rss

The New iPad Mini: Powerful Features that Make Everyday Life Easier

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Vincent Nguyen

Apple’s latest iPad mini packs powerful features into a compact design, making it practical for everyday use. Powered by the A17 Pro chip and paired with features like Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini is a versatile companion, helping make daily tasks easier and more efficient.

Designer: Apple

A17 Pro Chip: More Power for What Matters

The heart of the new iPad mini is the A17 Pro chip. The A17 Pro chip provides a significant performance boost for demanding tasks, with a faster CPU, GPU, and a Neural Engine that’s twice as fast as the previous version. For everyday users, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and a highly responsive experience. The 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU make this iPad mini perfect for diving into demanding apps, editing photos, exploring augmented reality, or even playing graphics-heavy games like Zenless Zone Zero.

This enhanced power directly translates to better performance in everyday tasks. From students tackling digital homework to professionals on the go, the speed and fluidity make a difference. You can switch between multiple apps without lag, take notes while streaming a lecture, or enjoy immersive gaming when ready to unwind. The A17 Pro chip ensures you won’t have to compromise between portability and power.

Apple Intelligence: A Smarter Way to Work and Play

With the A17 Pro chip, the new iPad mini delivers seamless support for Apple Intelligence, deeply integrated into iPadOS 18. Apple Intelligence uses Apple silicon and advanced generative models to create, understand, and simplify everyday tasks. Many of these features run entirely on the device, ensuring privacy while delivering powerful functionality.

Apple Intelligence offers Writing Tools that help users refine their text—rewriting, proofreading, or summarizing—in any app, from Notes to Mail to Pages. This saves time for students, professionals, and anyone who writes on the go. Siri is also enhanced with Apple Intelligence, making interacting more flexible and easier. You can type instead of speak, stumble over words without losing context, and get answers faster with improved language understanding.

In Photos, the Memories feature allows users to generate movies simply by typing a description, and the new Clean Up tool helps remove distracting elements from images without impacting the subject. Additional Apple Intelligence features, like Image Playground and Image Wand, make creating playful images or refining sketches quick and easy. Even emojis get an upgrade, allowing users to create custom Genmoji with just a description or a photo.

Apple Intelligence will also expand to offer more experiences in the coming months, including integrated ChatGPT for document understanding, image analysis, and more—all while maintaining privacy. With the capability to run tasks on-device or scale them through Apple’s dedicated servers, the new iPad mini ensures that every interaction feels smooth, secure, and tailored to the user.

Apple Intelligence makes the iPad mini a more convenient and personal companion. Many features are available on-device, which prioritizes privacy without compromising usefulness. The new Clean Up tool in Photos, for example, lets you easily remove distracting objects from your images without the need for internet connectivity or external apps.

Apple Pencil Pro: Creativity and Productivity on the Go

One of the critical features of the new iPad mini is its support for Apple Pencil Pro. It turns the iPad mini into a versatile workspace for sketching ideas, annotating documents, or taking notes. Sensing squeezes, offering customizable controls, and providing tactile feedback, the Apple Pencil Pro makes drawing or note-taking feel more natural. These features are practical for anyone who values the ability to jot down ideas or interact with documents in a personal, hands-on way.

Apple Pencil Pro attaches magnetically, making it easy to carry without worrying about losing it. For everyday users, this means they can effortlessly transition from taking handwritten notes in meetings to using more advanced tools like Image Wand, which transforms rough sketches into polished images—a valuable addition for creatives and students alike.

Better Connectivity, Greater Freedom

The latest iPad mini also sees upgrades in connectivity. With Wi-Fi 6E support, you’ll experience faster internet speeds, making it easier to work from anywhere. This makes video calls, gaming, and cloud backups faster and smoother at a coffee shop or while traveling. For those who want cellular connectivity, including 5G and eSIM support allows you to connect without the hassle of physical SIM cards, making it simple to stay online, even without Wi-Fi.

The faster USB-C port—which offers data transfers at up to 10Gbps—is a notable improvement for anyone moving large files. Importing photos, transferring videos, or backing up content is now quicker and essential for photographers and anyone who often works with media files.

A Truly Portable Experience

Apple has designed the iPad mini to be a true portable powerhouse. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display creates a vibrant viewing experience, perfect for catching up on your favorite show or working on a presentation. The lightweight design and all-day battery life make it easy to carry with you, ensuring it’s always ready when inspiration strikes or work calls. For people who use their devices on the move, the new iPad mini combines features that fit seamlessly into daily life. Its compact form provides power and versatility, making it an ideal choice for those seeking convenience and performance. The added features improve how we work, learn, and relax each day.

The post The New iPad Mini: Powerful Features that Make Everyday Life Easier first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sonos’ $999 Arc Ultra is a bass powerhouse in a (relatively) small package

Posted on 15/10/2024 by Igor Bonifacic

Sonos must feel its companion app is in good enough shape, because today the company is launching two new products just a couple of months after it delayed them to fix its software. On Tuesday, Sonos announced the Arc Ultra and Sub 4. The former replaces the $899 Arc as the company’s flagship home theater product.

It’s the first Sonos soundbar to include its new Sound Motion technology. The company says the tech allowed it to “drastically” reduce the size of the Arc Ultra’s transducer without sacrificing bass output. In fact, Arc Ultra can produce up to twice as much bass as its predecessor, according to Sonos. In all, the soundbar features 14 drivers, including a set of tweeters on both ends of the device, allowing it to deliver 9.1.4 spatial audio.

Other notable features include a Speech Enhancement tool Sonos says will allow users to decide how clear they want dialogue to sound. On the connectivity front, the soundbar includes an HDMI eARC port, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. AirPlay 2 connectivity is also included, as is support for optical audio — though the latter requires an adapter. For the first time, Sonos will also make its handy Trueplay tunning feature available to Android users. The Arc Ultra will cost an eye-watering $999 when it arrives on October 29. For now, Sonos will continue to sell the Arc for $899.

As for the Sub 4, Sonos calls it its most advanced subwoofer to date. The Sub 4 features more processing power and additional RAM, as well as a new Wi-Fi radio to offer stronger connectivity. At the same time, Sonos made the device more efficient, with the company claiming an almost 50 percent reduction in idle power consumption. Like the Arc Ultra, the Sub 4 will go on sale on October 29. It will cost a slightly more palatable $799.

With today's announcement, Sonos says a new software update is also on the way. The company claims the release will improve performance relative to its previous app. Expect refinements to system identification, speaker grouping and setup. For current users, the update will bring back 90% of the features the new app has been missing since it replaced the company's old software.

"We’ve worked tirelessly to resolve the most critical app issues and most requested legacy features. We have reached a level of quality that gives us the confidence to launch our extraordinary new products," said Sonos CEO Patrick Spence. "As we laid out in our commitments we will continue to improve the software regularly, and are determined to make the Sonos experience better than it's ever been."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/sonos-999-arc-ultra-is-a-bass-powerhouse-in-a-relatively-small-package-141412411.html?src=rss

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