The UK’s competition regulator has cleared Google's $2 billion investment in Anthropic, according to reporting by Bloomberg and others. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially concluded that the company hasn’t acquired “material influence” over the AI startup Anthropic as a result of the investment.
The continuing investigation into the partnership has also been squashed, with the UK antitrust watchdog saying that the investment doesn’t qualify for a full probe under merger rules. This is after phase one of a formal investigation was announced back in October.
“Anthropic is an independent company and our strategic partnerships and investor relationships do not diminish our corporate governance independence or our freedom to partner with others,” a company spokesperson said after the CMA announced its findings.
Google’s investment into Anthropic gives the company non-voting shares and consultation rights on significant business issues. Anthropic is best known for creating the Claude AI assistant, which is in direct competition with Google Gemini. Earlier this year, the CMA expressed concern regarding the “interconnected web” of partnerships and investments in the rapidly advancing world of AI.
The CMA also allowed a similar investment to go through in which Amazon forked over a whopping $4 billion to Anthropic. It didn’t even investigate that one, on the grounds that Anthropic’s UK turnover didn’t exceed £70 million and the two parties didn’t combine to account for 25 percent or more of the region’s supply of AI LLMs and chatbots.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-uk-approves-googles-2-billion-investment-in-anthropic-162226536.html?src=rss
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and reflection. As we prepare our homes to welcome family and friends, our chosen decor can significantly impact the atmosphere. This year, consider embracing the minimalist elegance of Japanese style to create a serene and sophisticated setting. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and beauty, focusing on quality over quantity.
By incorporating a few carefully chosen products, you can transform your Thanksgiving decor into a calming retreat that honors tradition and modernity. And we have curated a collection of five unique products that perfectly embody this style. Integrate them into your Thanksgiving celebration for a lovely Japanese-inspired atmosphere!
1. Use Mood Lighting To Create A Cohesive Ambience
Japanese style and philosophy have the innate gift of making one feel calm, at peace, and almost zen-like. And, that’s exactly the kind of environment you want to create at your Thanksgiving dinner. Create a cohesive and harmonious ambiance by integrating soothing lighting options. Pick a gentle light source to guide guests, and form a welcoming atmosphere. You can use these lighting designs as centerpieces or along pathways.
Consider subtle candle designs like the Japanese Lantern Candle, and group multiple candles on a tray with other natural elements like stones or leaves to elevate the minimalist and Japanese-esque aesthetic. Your guests will feel welcomed, warm, and at ease, allowing them to shed their worries and truly make the most of Thanksgiving.
Japanese Lantern Candle
A great option would be the Japanese Lantern Candle. This lovely candle is inspired by the classic “chouchin” lanterns that were used to illuminate Japanese festivals and traditional bars. This candle will add a touch of historical charm and modern elegance to any space. It offers a warm and relaxing glow, which makes onlookers feel at ease. It is handcrafted, and blessed with a minimal aesthetic, making it an ideal addition to a Thanksgiving table setting.
The outer wax of the candle does not melt, thereby allowing the lantern to maintain its shape and beauty with time. It is a durable product that functions as a long-lasting source of ambient light while forming a peaceful atmosphere that is great for all those present at your dinner.
Showcase the beautiful craftsmanship of traditional Japanese artisanship.
Functions as a decorative piece and a functional light source.
What we dislike
Ideal for indoor use, but not may be able to withstand outdoor conditions.
2. Serve Traditional Japanese Beverages Or Whiskey To Add A Cultural Touch
If you want to fuse some Japanese culture into your Thanksgiving Day, you could consider serving some traditional Japanese beverages or whiskey in some Japanese-influenced glassware. This will help add a cultural touch to your meal, while also creating a unique visual appeal. The sleek and crisp aesthetic of Japanese glassware will elevate and enhance a sophisticated table setting.
You could pair up the glasses with minimalist tableware to create a setting that is classy, elegant, and refined. It will serve as a unique and refreshing change from the conventional Thanksgiving table settings we’ve all grown accustomed to over the years. You could consider the Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass for this job – it will add some cultural charm to your table!
Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass
Elevate your mundane Thanksgiving toast with the luxurious Unfiltered Titanium Whiskey Glass! It is crafted by skilled Japanese artisans and has a sleek and classy appeal. It merges tradition with cutting-edge technology, to create a glass with unmatched durability. It is made from pure titanium which enhances the flavor of beverages, making it an ideal choice for your Thanksgiving celebration.
It is inspired by the Aurora, and cutting-edge tech was used to form a fascinating light and color play, creating a truly mesmerizing visual experience. It adopts advanced space development technology, which creates a product that is practical, functional, and beautiful. The glass is resistant to odors and stains, ensuring long-term hygiene.
Made with pure titanium which offers long-lasting use.
Titanium preserves the purity of taste and provides an enhanced flavor.
What we dislike
Limited use, since it is mainly designed for whiskey.
3. Use A Single Color Theme For Synchronicity & Seamlessness
A simple yet clever approach to creating a seamless table setting and incorporating some Japanese-inspired cleanness is to adopt a single-color theme. Try picking out tableware designs of the same color to create a streamlined and organized aesthetic that screams Japanese design philosophy. Stick to crisp and classy colors like black, for a theme that feels subtle yet sophisticated.
We would recommend avoiding loud colors, and instead sticking to the simpler neutral ones. You can never go wrong with black, and a stellar recommendation would be the Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs. It will create a unique table setting for your guests, and serve as an interesting conversation starter for your dinner, and the next few ones as well! You could win the title of a Thanksgiving trendsetter!
Obsidian Black Precision Chopstick Tongs
The Obsidian Black PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs are an excellent option to kickstart your single-color-themed table setting. They are a unique blend of tradition and modernity, and they’re great for both cooking and dining. They feature a sleek black color, which will support you in creating a cohesive all-black table setting. You could add other products to the mix like the Obsidian Black Salad and Serve Tongs too!
What makes these tongs even more unique is their chopstick style! They are inspired by traditional Japanese utensils, offering better precision handling and versatility. They add that extra touch of Japanese inspiration to your meal. Whether used in the kitchen or at the dining table, these tongs can add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving meal.
Made from durable SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs are built to last.
Features an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable grip.
What we dislike
May be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with chopstick-style utensils.
Use may be limited to certain types of food.
4. Integrate Essential Oils To Complement The Minimalistic Aesthetic
Essential oils are a gateway to peace and calm. Add essential oils to your Thanksgiving dinner atmosphere, to create a vibe that feels calming and relaxing. You can choose essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, or sandalwood to complement the minimalistic aesthetic. These scents will create a lovely atmosphere, helping guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.
You can use diffusers to spread the scent of the essential oils throughout your living space. Place the diffuser in a central location to ensure the gentle aroma spreads and permeates your space. A diffuser to consider for this task could be the Batter-Free Aroma Diffuser. It will help your guests feel at ease in your home, encouraging them to unwind and have a wonderful dinner.
Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
You can incorporate sensory elements into your decor to create a lovely overall experience for your guests. The Batter-Free Aroma Diffuser is an eco-friendly option that uses the power of a single candle to disperse calming aroma. This little diffuser will add a sensory dimension to your Thanksgiving decor, while also aligning with Japanese emphasis on environmental consciousness.
What makes the diffuser unique is that it doesn’t need any batteries or external power sources to operate. It uses the heat of a single candle to spread the calming aromatic scents. The diffuser is built using sustainable materials, adopting an eco-friendly and minimalist ethos.
Made from recyclable materials, making it an eco-friendly option.
Suitable with all kinds of essential oils.
What we dislike
It doesn’t feature electric controls, making it tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma.
5. Use Seasonal Flowers To Capture The Essence Of Fall
Flowers are an evergreen addition to any decor or setting, they add a hint of fresh air and natural beauty. You can add seasonal flowers and foliage, using them as stunning centerpieces to capture the true essence of fall. They will beautifully embody the minimalist Japanese appreciation for nature and simplicity, adding some natural charm to your home.
Use unique and innovative flower vases or modular tubes to create an interesting setup. Pick geometrically fascinating ones to build some visual interest, urging your guests to ask you ‘Where did you get this piece from?’ One such worthy option can be the Modular Flower Tubes. The tubes feature different heights creating a visually intriguing experience.
Modular Flower Tubes
Called the Modular Flower Tubes, these beautiful little tubes are an interesting and fun alternative to the boring old vases we all tend to use. The container is built from metal and wood, and it provides flexible creativity to users, allowing them to create their own tailored flower arrangements according to their tastes. You can select seasonal flowers to create a wonderful floral arrangement to add to your Thanksgiving decor.
The tubes have different heights which adds some visual interest, while the use of copper ensures the water is clean and odorless. You can arrange the tubes in different configurations to complement your Thanksgiving decor theme. You can develop different patinas with time, enhancing the aesthetic sense, and adding more value to the vase. The wooden base offers stability and durability to the product.
Robot vacuums can help automate a chore you may loathe doing yourself. And even if you don’t mind vacuuming regularly, it’s undeniable that it takes time out of your day that you could be using for other things. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday time period is a great time to look for one of these smart home gadgets because you can often find them for hundreds of dollars off their usual prices — this year is no different. We’re seeing steep discounts on many of our favorite robot vacuum cleaners, as well as some cordless vacuums too. These are the best Black Friday vacuum deals you can get this year.
Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $130 ($120 off): One of our top picks for the best budget robot vacuums, the 11S Max has a slim design that lets it get under furniture better than other models, good suction power for its size and a long battery life. Just remember that this robovac doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity, but it comes with a handy remote that lets you control it, set cleaning schedules and more.
Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with self-emptying base for $300 ($300 off): A version of one of our top picks, this Shark robot vacuum cleans both carpet and hard flooring well, has an easy-to-use app, a self-cleaning brushroll and a bagless self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days worth of debris before you need to empty it.
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro robot vacuum and mop with self-emptying base for $700 ($400 off): The PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro is the most premium robot vacuum and mop that Shark sells and it has suction and mopping capabilities to match. The self-emptying base takes care of most things for you for up to 30 days, including emptying the machine's dustbin, emptying and refilling the mop reservoir and the pad-drop system that holds the mopping pad when not in use.
Black Friday cordless vacuum deals
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute cordless vacuum for $550 ($200 off): This is our top pick for the best cordless vacuum you can get right now thanks to its excellent suction power, relatively light weight and good battery life. This model comes with a Fluffy Optic cleaning head that illuminates the ground in front of you so you can see where the most debris lies, and the pack-up includes three additional cleaning head attachments.
Dyson Gen 5 Detect cordless vacuum for $700 ($250 off): The Gen 5 Detect is another excellent Dyson machine, very similar to the V15 Detect. We like that it has a single-button start and even stronger suction power, and it's slightly newer than the V15 Detect as well.
Dyson Gen 5 Outsize Absolute for $800 ($250 off): This Outsize model has 150 percent bigger bin capacity than the standard Gen 5 vacuum, making it better for those with larger homes or those who regularly have big messes to clean up. Its cleaner head is 25 percent wider as well, allowing it to cover a larger surface area in one go, and it comes with two batteries for a total of over two hours of runtime.
Dyson Digital Slim cordless vacuum for $250 ($250 off): As its name suggests, this Dyson stick vacuum is 30 percent lighter than the V11, which should make it even easier to handle and maneuver while you clean. It also has a 40-minute runtime and an LCD display that shows the amount of battery life left.
Tineco Pure One Station 5 cordless vacuum with self-emptying base for $300 ($160 off with coupon): One of Tineco's newest machines, the Station 5 stick vacuum cleans hard floors and carpets well, doesn't choke when it meets pet hair and includes a self-cleaning HEPA filter to maintain strong, consistent suction power. Plus, the bagless, self-emptying base cleans the machine's brush, tube, filter and dustbin after every time you use it.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-14-best-black-friday-deals-on-robot-vacuums-from-irobot-shark-dyson-and-others-161528012.html?src=rss
There are Black Friday deals on kinds of tech goodies already available. But how about snapping up a TV that doesn't look like a TV when it's not in use? Rather than a large black rectangle that dominates a room, Samsung designed its Frame TVs to fade into the background, making them look like framed art when you're not watching anything or playing games. Several 2024 The Frame models are 40 percent off for Black Friday, including the 55-inch model. That has dropped by $600 to $898, which is a record low price. The offer is available at Amazon and Samsung directly.
The TV is slim and can be mounted to the wall to make it look like a real piece of framed art. It comes with a Connect Box into which you can plug devices like your cable box and games console so that you only need to hook up a single cable to the TV itself. The idea is to reduce clutter and make it even easier to disguise The Frame when it's not in use. You can further personalize the TV with various bezels and such.
Through the Samsung Art Store, you can choose from more than 2,500 artworks to display on The Frame when you're not watching it. The selection includes works from renowned museums and artists such as The Met, the Museum of Modern Art, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Salvador Dali. Some are free to use but many are locked behind a subscription. Meanwhile, the TV has a glare-free matte screen to make it appear as though the art is printed.
The latest Frame lineup includes a motion sensor to activate the artwork when you enter a room, as well as a brightness sensor that helps adjust the TV's brightness automatically. In addition, you'll get access to many of the same features as other Samsung TVs, such as the free Samsung TV Plus, a streaming service with hundreds of ad-supported channels and many on-demand shows and movies. There's also the Gaming Hub, which includes access to game streaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA's GeForce Now.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-tv-deals-include-samsung-frame-tvs-for-40-percent-off-155241405.html?src=rss
According to the New York Times, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s defense minister, believes that undersea cables connecting Finland and Germany that were severed on Monday were not damaged by accident, the New York Times reports. Another cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden was also cut on Sunday. The internet connection between these countries remains active despite disruptions.
Pistorius said that “nobody believes these cables were severed by accident,” and he thinks anchors dropped from ships wouldn’t damage the cables like this. He claimed it was sabotage, but admitted he doesn’t yet have solid proof for this assertion.
Germany and Finland have released a joint statement, mentioning that a “thorough investigation” is ongoing. The statement also directly names Russia as a threat to European security while the country wages war against Ukraine. Cables aren’t the only potential targets — hybrid warfare, which includes cyberattacks and propaganda generation, is a looming threat.
This September, the US issued a warning of possible undersea cable sabotage following increased Russian military naval activity near crucial cables. Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland have also spotted potential Russian spy ships around these cables and wind farms in Nordic waters last year. NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) had warned Europeans in April about potential Russian hybrid warfare targeting pipelines and cables, The Guardian reports. After extended reconnaissance and planning, Russia may be finally carrying out sabotage plans on these cables.
As for the recently cut cables, we’ll have to wait for the investigations to conclude before being able to pin Russia as the culprit with more certainty. Besides Germany and Finland, Lithuania is conducting its own investigation but hasn’t yet made a statement about the damaged cable connecting it to Sweden.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/germany-says-cut-undersea-data-cables-were-sabotaged-154554172.html?src=rss
Google released Chrome in 2008 and it became synonymous with the company and its search engine. Well, that might no longer be the case if if the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has its way. The DOJ's antitrust officials reportedly plan to request a federal judge orders Google to sell off Chrome, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the plan.
In August, federal judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google "is a monopolist" in the search engine industry. Mehta further agreed Google used its "monopoly power by charging supracompetitive prices for general search text ads." The company takes signed-in users' data to create targeted advertising, however, Mehta ruled Google doesn't hold the same monopoly power when it comes to the general search advertising market.
In response to the ruling, antitrust officers also reportedly plan to suggest Google changes its data licensing policies. A new proposal would have Google syndicate search results separately and sell its click and query data. These moves could aid rival search engines and AI startups. The officers reportedly considered asking Mehta to force Google to sell of Android but have moved away from that request. The DOJ submitted initial proposals in October to remedy Google's actions.
Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s vice president of regulatory affairs, stated, that the "government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed."
Mehta's August ruling stems from a 2020 lawsuit filed by the DOJ and about one-fifth of the states, including Florida, Indiana and Texas. It argued that Google spent billions of dollars annually to device manufacturers, US wireless carriers and browser developers "to secure default status for its general search engine and, in many cases, to specifically prohibit Google’s counterparties from dealing with Google’s competitors." According to testimony from Prabhakar Raghavan, Google's chief technologist, the company spent $26.3 billion in 2021 to maintain its default search engine status — a majority of which likely went to Apple.
A two-week hearing is set for April 2025 on changes for Google to implement, with a final ruling expected by August next year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/department-of-justice-will-reportedly-push-for-google-to-sell-chrome-153612337.html?src=rss
Tiny MEMS ultrasonic drivers have already made a huge difference in sound quality for true wireless earbuds. Now, the company behind those "sound from ultrasound" speakers, xMEMS Labs, is taking aim at open-fit earbuds, smart glasses and smart watches with its new Sycamore micro driver. xMEMS says that this is the first full-range, all-silicon, near-field micro speaker that offers full-range audio for open-air devices.
Sycamore is based on the same platform as xMEMS' Cypress driver for active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds. This means the component uses ultrasonic waves to create full-frequency sound from a 1mm thin chip. The company explains that Sycamore can match the mid-bass performance of current drivers while pushing up to 11dB more of sub-bass. This new speaker-on-a-chip also has improved treble, clocking up to 15dB above 5KHz when compared to drivers that are currently in use. And, of course, there's the clarity and detail MEMS units offer.
"Everything that you get out of our in-ear speakers translates to Sycamore," xMEMS vice president of marketing and business development Mike Housholder told Engadget. "In these early products that we benchmarked, our clarity continues to come through in Sycamore, so you'll get that benefit as well."
xMEMS Sycamore
xMEMS
In addition to improved audio performance, another key advantage of Sycamore drivers is their ultra-compact size. xMEMS says these micro speakers are one-seventh the size of conventional dynamic driver and one-third of their thickness. They also weigh 70 percent less. This reduced size would give product designers more flexibility, which could lead to sleeker, more attractive products. One of my key gripes with smart glasses is how thick the ear pieces are, so if companies can make something that's more akin to real glasses and still improve the audio, that's a win in my book.
"Because these are fashion forward products, you need something that is really thin and really light, and that's where Sycamore comes in," Housholder continued. "The benefit that Sycamore brings to these categories of products is next level thinness and weight."
Since Sycamore is based on the same platform as Cypress and xMEMS' XMC-2400 micro-cooling fan on a chip, this new driver will use the same manufacturing setup. This means that xMEMS will be able to deliver it faster, but also expedite the industrial process for future micro products. Samples of the open-air Sycamore drivers are expected to be available in Q1 2025 with mass production beginning next October. Given this timeline, we're likely to see the first products with Sycamore drivers in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/mems-drivers-are-coming-to-open-wear-devices-like-xr-glasses-smart-watches-and-earbuds-150429131.html?src=rss
The automotive landscape is undergoing a significant shift as electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity due to their eco-friendly nature and rapid technological advancements. Amidst this transformation, the Renault 5 E-Tech emerges as a catalyst in the realm of affordable electric vehicles. This modern reinvention of the iconic Renault 5 seamlessly blends retro charm with innovative […]
Bluesky has passed the 20 million user mark as the app continues its recent surge in growth. The decentralized service, which reached 15 million users less than a week ago, has just about tripled its user base in the last three months.
Though it’s still far smaller than its rivals Threads and X, Bluesky’s current momentum is notable. The app has had several days over the last week where it added a million new users in a single 24-hour period. That’s similar to the growth rate of Threads, which has been getting a million new sign-ups a day for “going on three months,” according to an update last week from Meta’s Adam Mosseri. Threads reached 275 million monthly users earlier this month and has added at least 15 million since the start of November.
And while Bluesky remains the underdog, there are other signs it’s gaining momentum. Bluesky has been the top app in Apple’s App Store for the last six days and has been the top non-gaming app in Google Play for four days, according to data provided by analytics firm App Figures. Meta’s Threads is currently in the number two spot on the App Store.
Though Bluesky has experienced other periods of significant growth over the last year, the recent surge is far bigger than what the open-source service has previously seen. The latest growth for Bluesky seems to be at least partially furled by mounting frustration from some X users. There was a significant spike in traffic to Bluesky on November 7, the day after the presidential election, according to a report from analytics company SimilarWeb. That spike seemed to coincide with a surge in users trying to deactivate their accounts on X.
Bluesky has also been keen to differentiate its policies from its larger rivals. Last week, the company pledged that it would not use its users’ content to train generative AI. X’s new privacy policy allows it to work with third-parties to train AI models on users’ past tweets. Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber has also said that she doesn’t want to “enshittify the network with ads.” Threads, meanwhile, reportedly plans to start experimenting with its first ads in January.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-hits-20-million-users-143920955.html?src=rss
