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FCC launches a formal inquiry into why broadband data caps are terrible

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The Federal Communications Commission announced that it will open a renewed investigation into broadband data caps and how they impact both consumer experience and company competition. The FCC is soliciting stories from consumers about their experiences with capped broadband service. The agency also opened a formal Notice of Inquiry to collect public comment that will further inform its actions around broadband data caps.

"Restricting consumers' data can cut off small businesses from their customers, slap fees on low-income families and prevent people with disabilities from using the tools they rely on to communicate," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said. "As the nation’s leading agency on communications, it’s our duty to dig deeper into these practices and make sure that consumers are put first."

This topic has been a hot one of late, and the FCC launched another notice of inquiry about the practice of capping Internet access last year. In April 2024, the agency successfully required that ISPs offer clear information labels on their service plans, detailing additional fees, discounts, and upload and download speeds. Data caps could also come under additional fire as the FCC attempts to restore net neutrality rules, which classify broadband as an essential service. Returning net neutrality has not been a simple journey, however, as the agency faces legal challenges from broadband providers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/fcc-launches-a-formal-inquiry-into-why-broadband-data-caps-are-terrible-182129773.html?src=rss

The New York Times tells Perplexity to stop using its content

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One of the nation’s largest newspapers is targeting another AI firm for reusing its content without its permission. The Wall Street Journal reported that the New York Times sent a cease and desist letter to Perplexity, the AI startup funded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The letter states that Perplexity’s use of the New York Times’ content to create answers and summaries with its AI portal violates copyright law. The letter states that Perplexity and its backers “have been unjustly enriched by using, without authorizations, The Times’ expressive, carefully written and researched, and edited journalism without a license” and gave the startup until October 30 to respond before taking legal action.

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas told the Journal that they aren’t ignoring the notice. He added they are “very much interested in working with every single publisher, including the New York Times.”

This isn’t the first time an AI company has earned the wrath of the New York Times’ legal team. The newspaper took OpenAI and Microsoft to court over claims that both used articles from its pages to train its AI software. The suit alleges both companies used more than 66 million records across its archives to train its AI modes representing “almost a century’s worth of copyrighted content.”

Amazon Web Services’ cloud division also started an investigation over the summer into Perplexity AI. Wired reported that a machine hosted on Amazon Web Services and operated by Perplexity visited hundreds of Condé Nast publications and properties hundreds of times to scan for content to use in its response and data collections.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-new-york-times-tells-perplexity-to-stop-using-its-content-175853131.html?src=rss

Apple may be adding digital car key support for specific Volvo, Polestar and Audi vehicles

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Apple is reportedly going to add digital car key support in the Wallet app for some Volvo, Polestar and Audi vehicles. Currently, Apple’s digital car key support list includes vehicles from Kia, BMW, Lotus and several other manufacturers.

The digital car key function allows iPhone and Apple Watch owners to access, lock or start vehicles just by holding the device near the vehicle’s NFC reader. The Wallet app must also run in the background or in the foreground, but it’s not necessary to push any buttons.

MacRumors first discovered this possible future update in the Apple Wallet app’s backend. However, the publication hasn’t revealed any affected models or further details.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/apple-may-be-adding-digital-car-key-support-for-specific-volvo-polestar-and-audi-vehicles-163625563.html?src=rss

Hilton and Be My Eyes team up to make hotels more accessible for blind and low-vision users

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Hilton has teamed up with Be My Eyes to make hotel stays more accessible for blind and low-vision guests. The free app links users with sighted volunteers and companies who can help them navigate spaces and complete tasks using video calls. 

By going to the app's service directory, selecting the "hotels" option then the name of the Hilton brand they're staying at, Be My Eyes users will be connected to dedicated teams at the chain. Hilton staff members can talk users through actions such as finding and adjusting the thermostat in the room, making coffee, adjusting window coverings and moving to different areas of the hotel. The partnership covers brands including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, though only in the US and Canada for now.

Hilton and Be My Eyes first got together last year to help train the latter's Be My AI language model, which uses GPT-4. The aim was to improve the model's ability to recognize objects in Hilton hotel rooms and how to traverse the spaces. Be My Eyes also uses AI to capture text from things like menus and toiletry bottles to help users understand what's written on them.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/hilton-and-be-my-eyes-team-up-to-make-hotels-more-accessible-for-blind-and-low-vision-users-162522626.html?src=rss

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Leapmotor B10 SUV
Xavier-Alexandre Pons/Leapmotor/Stellantis

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

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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.”

A QR code for a playlist.
YouTube

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