Google just announced at an update coming to Android for Cars that should make paying attention to the road just a tiny bit harder. The automobile-based OS is getting new apps, screen casting and more, which were revealed at Google I/O 2024.
First up, select car models are getting a suite of new entertainment apps, like Max and Peacock. The apps are coming to car models with Google built-in that support video, including Polestar, Volvo and Renault. More entertainment options are never a bad thing.
To that end, Angry Birds is coming to cars with Google built-in, for those who want another game to fool around with. The once-iconic bird-flinging simulator is likely the best known gaming IP on the platform, as Android Auto’s other games include stuff like Pin the UFO and Zoo Boom. Both Angry Birds and the aforementioned entertainment options are only available when parked.
Cars with Android Automotive OS are getting Google Cast as part of a forthcoming update, which will let users stream content from phones and tablets. Rivian models will be the first to get this particular feature, with more manufacturers to come.
Google’s also rolling out new developer tools to make it easier for folks to create new apps and experiences for Android Auto. There’s even a new program that should make it much easier to convert pre-existing mobile apps into car-ready experiences.
Android Automotive OS is becoming the de facto standard when it comes to car-based operating systems. Google also used the event to announce that there are now over 200 million cars on the road compatible with Android Auto. Recent updates to the platform allow users to instantly check on EV battery levels and take Zoom calls while on the road.
Catch up on all the news from Google I/O 2024 right here!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-announced-an-update-for-android-auto-with-new-apps-and-casting-support-170831358.html?src=rss
After shirking tradition and devoting its entire Google I/O keynote to showcase how it’s stuffing AI into everything imaginable, the company has reserved day two to catch up on the one-time star of the show, Android. Alongside the arrival of the second Android 15 beta on Wednesday, Google is unveiling previously unannounced security features in its 2024 mobile software, including AI-powered theft detection, Google Play fraud protection and more.
Theft Detection Lock is a new Android 15 feature that will use AI (there it is again) to predict phone thefts and lock things up accordingly. Google says its algorithms can detect motions associated with theft, like those associated with grabbing the phone and bolting, biking or driving away. If an Android 15 handset pinpoints one of these situations, the phone’s screen will quickly lock, making it much harder for the phone snatcher to access your data.
A fallback Remote Lock feature lets you quickly lock your handset if someone manages to take it without triggering Theft Detection Lock. With Remote Lock, you can (you guessed it) remotely lock the phone’s screen from any device with only your phone number and the completion of a “quick security challenge.” This is designed to avoid situations where someone gets their phone taken (or loses it) but doesn’t know their Google account password to access Find My Device.
Along similar lines, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your phone’s screen — requiring authentication to unlock — when it’s off the grid. This is designed to counter thieves who quickly take a stolen device offline before the owner can lock or wipe it remotely.
Meanwhile, an update to factory reset protection will require your credentials to use the phone after a data wipe, reducing the incentives for them to steal it in the first place. In addition, disabling Find My Device or lengthening the phone’s screen timeout will require security authentication, voiding another common tactic phone snatchers use to reset the device before getting locked out.
Similar to a feature Apple rolled out earlier this year, Android 15 will also require extra authentication when trying to change account security settings (changing the PIN, disabling theft protection or accessing Passkeys) from an untrusted location.
Catch up on all the news from Google I/O 2024 right here!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/android-15-will-make-it-harder-for-phone-thieves-to-steal-your-data-170037992.html?src=rss
After shirking tradition and devoting its entire Google I/O keynote to showcase how it’s stuffing AI into everything imaginable, the company has reserved day two to catch up on the one-time star of the show, Android. Alongside the arrival of the second Android 15 beta on Wednesday, Google is unveiling previously unannounced security features in its 2024 mobile software, including AI-powered theft detection, Google Play fraud protection and more.
Theft Detection Lock is a new Android 15 feature that will use AI (there it is again) to predict phone thefts and lock things up accordingly. Google says its algorithms can detect motions associated with theft, like those associated with grabbing the phone and bolting, biking or driving away. If an Android 15 handset pinpoints one of these situations, the phone’s screen will quickly lock, making it much harder for the phone snatcher to access your data.
A fallback Remote Lock feature lets you quickly lock your handset if someone manages to take it without triggering Theft Detection Lock. With Remote Lock, you can (you guessed it) remotely lock the phone’s screen from any device with only your phone number and the completion of a “quick security challenge.” This is designed to avoid situations where someone gets their phone taken (or loses it) but doesn’t know their Google account password to access Find My Device.
Along similar lines, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your phone’s screen — requiring authentication to unlock — when it’s off the grid. This is designed to counter thieves who quickly take a stolen device offline before the owner can lock or wipe it remotely.
Meanwhile, an update to factory reset protection will require your credentials to use the phone after a data wipe, reducing the incentives for them to steal it in the first place. In addition, disabling Find My Device or lengthening the phone’s screen timeout will require security authentication, voiding another common tactic phone snatchers use to reset the device before getting locked out.
Similar to a feature Apple rolled out earlier this year, Android 15 will also require extra authentication when trying to change account security settings (changing the PIN, disabling theft protection or accessing Passkeys) from an untrusted location.
Catch up on all the news from Google I/O 2024 right here!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/android-15-will-make-it-harder-for-phone-thieves-to-steal-your-data-170037992.html?src=rss
Microsoft just released a new update for Xbox Cloud Gaming that finally brings mouse and keyboard support, after teasing the feature for years. The tool is currently in beta release and works with both the Edge and Chrome web browsers. It looks pretty simple to use. Just select a game that supports a mouse and keyboard and have at it.
You can also instantly switch between a mouse/keyboard combination to a standard controller by pressing the Xbox button on the controller or pressing a key on the keyboard. The company says it’ll be rolling out badges later in the month to alert users which games support mouse and keyboard inputs.
For now, there’s support for 26 games. These include blockbusters like ARK Survival Evolved, Halo Infinite and, of course, Fortnite. Smaller games like High on Life and Pentiment can also be controlled via mouse and keyboard. Check the above link for the full list.
Microsoft hasn’t said what took it so long to get this going. The feature was originally presumed to launch back in June of 2022, but we didn’t get a progress update until two months ago. No matter the reason, KBM setups are practically a requirement for first-person shooters and, well, better late than never.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-cloud-gaming-finally-supports-keyboard-and-mouse-inputs-on-web-browsers-165215925.html?src=rss
Microsoft just released a new update for Xbox Cloud Gaming that finally brings mouse and keyboard support, after teasing the feature for years. The tool is currently in beta release and works with both the Edge and Chrome web browsers. It looks pretty simple to use. Just select a game that supports a mouse and keyboard and have at it.
You can also instantly switch between a mouse/keyboard combination to a standard controller by pressing the Xbox button on the controller or pressing a key on the keyboard. The company says it’ll be rolling out badges later in the month to alert users which games support mouse and keyboard inputs.
For now, there’s support for 26 games. These include blockbusters like ARK Survival Evolved, Halo Infinite and, of course, Fortnite. Smaller games like High on Life and Pentiment can also be controlled via mouse and keyboard. Check the above link for the full list.
Microsoft hasn’t said what took it so long to get this going. The feature was originally presumed to launch back in June of 2022, but we didn’t get a progress update until two months ago. No matter the reason, KBM setups are practically a requirement for first-person shooters and, well, better late than never.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/xbox-cloud-gaming-finally-supports-keyboard-and-mouse-inputs-on-web-browsers-165215925.html?src=rss
Anyone who wants to keep an eye on their perimeter or see nighttime trash panda action may want to check out this deal on Amazon. Currently, bundles of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras are on sale, with the deepest discount going to a five-pack set. At full price, it costs $400. With the discount, it's $200 instead. That matches the Prime member-only price we saw earlier this year, but this time, even those who don't pay for Amazon's program can get the offer. Other bundles and Blink devices are on sale too as part of a larger sale.
The Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras allow users to see, hear and talk with anyone who comes into view and send motion-detection alerts and live feeds to a connected smartphone. They can also send footage to an Echo Show smart display and receive commands from other Alexa-enabled devices like an Echo Dot or Fire TV. Just note that Blink equipment isn't Google Assistant- or Siri-compatible, so these really only make sense for the Amazon-based smart home.
The Outdoor 4 is the latest generation of the cameras, offering a wider field of vision and better day and night image quality over the previous generation. During the day, they shoot 1080p video and use infrared night vision in the dark. Each unit runs on a pair of AA batteries which should power the camera for two years. A plug-in Sync Module that stays inside is required to operate the Outdoor 4 cameras and, conveniently, is included in each bundle — as are enough batteries for the cameras, mounting kits and the plug for the Sync Module.
For those who just need to keep an eye on one area outside, there's the one-camera system, which also includes the Sync Module and other accessories. It's 40 percent off right now and down to an all-time low of $60. For a longer battery life, the Outdoor 4 single-cam system can also be bundled with a battery pack that extends the run time from two years to four. That version is $80 after a 33 percent discount.
Amazon is also discounting its Blink branded doorbells, floodlights and indoor cameras as part of a larger sale. Blanketing a home in Alexa's watchful eye just got a whole lot cheaper.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/blink-outdoor-4-security-cameras-are-up-to-half-off-right-now-155239715.html?src=rss
Anyone who wants to keep an eye on their perimeter or see nighttime trash panda action may want to check out this deal on Amazon. Currently, bundles of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras are on sale, with the deepest discount going to a five-pack set. At full price, it costs $400. With the discount, it's $200 instead. That matches the Prime member-only price we saw earlier this year, but this time, even those who don't pay for Amazon's program can get the offer. Other bundles and Blink devices are on sale too as part of a larger sale.
The Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras allow users to see, hear and talk with anyone who comes into view and send motion-detection alerts and live feeds to a connected smartphone. They can also send footage to an Echo Show smart display and receive commands from other Alexa-enabled devices like an Echo Dot or Fire TV. Just note that Blink equipment isn't Google Assistant- or Siri-compatible, so these really only make sense for the Amazon-based smart home.
The Outdoor 4 is the latest generation of the cameras, offering a wider field of vision and better day and night image quality over the previous generation. During the day, they shoot 1080p video and use infrared night vision in the dark. Each unit runs on a pair of AA batteries which should power the camera for two years. A plug-in Sync Module that stays inside is required to operate the Outdoor 4 cameras and, conveniently, is included in each bundle — as are enough batteries for the cameras, mounting kits and the plug for the Sync Module.
For those who just need to keep an eye on one area outside, there's the one-camera system, which also includes the Sync Module and other accessories. It's 40 percent off right now and down to an all-time low of $60. For a longer battery life, the Outdoor 4 single-cam system can also be bundled with a battery pack that extends the run time from two years to four. That version is $80 after a 33 percent discount.
Amazon is also discounting its Blink branded doorbells, floodlights and indoor cameras as part of a larger sale. Blanketing a home in Alexa's watchful eye just got a whole lot cheaper.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/blink-outdoor-4-security-cameras-are-up-to-half-off-right-now-155239715.html?src=rss
After years of rumors, Canon has confirmed that a flagship EOS R1 camera is in the works for its EOS line. The full-frame mirrorless camera is slated to arrive later this year and, while Canon hasn't revealed all the details just yet, it teased just enough to whet your appetite. There's no indication as to how much the EOS R1 will cost just yet either, but you may need to dig deep into your wallet this one.
The company says that the professional-grade camera will have an RF mount and offer improved video and still performance compared with the EOS R3. It will boast an upgraded image processing system that combines a fresh CMOS sensor, a new image processor called Digic Accelerator and the existing Digic X processor.
Canon says the system will be able to process a large volume of data at high speed and deliver advancements in auto focus and other areas. The company claims it's been able to combine the capabilities of the image processing system with its deep-learning tech to achieve "high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition."
This powers a feature called Action Priority, which can, for instance, detect a player carrying a certain action in a sports game (like shooting a ball) and identify them as the main subject for a shot. The system would be able to instantly shift the auto focus frame in that person's direction to help make sure the photographer doesn't miss out on capturing key moments from a game.
Canon claims the EOS R1 can track athletes during sporting events even if they're momentarily out of line of sight. The focus on sports in the initial announcement suggests that the camera could be put to the test at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris.
In addition, Canon says it's bringing the image noise reduction feature that was initially built for PC software directly into the camera. It suggests this further improves image quality and can help users fulfill their creative goals.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/canon-confirms-its-long-rumored-flagship-eos-r1-is-coming-later-this-year-142838188.html?src=rss
After years of rumors, Canon has confirmed that a flagship EOS R1 camera is in the works for its EOS line. The full-frame mirrorless camera is slated to arrive later this year and, while Canon hasn't revealed all the details just yet, it teased just enough to whet your appetite. There's no indication as to how much the EOS R1 will cost just yet either, but you may need to dig deep into your wallet this one.
The company says that the professional-grade camera will have an RF mount and offer improved video and still performance compared with the EOS R3. It will boast an upgraded image processing system that combines a fresh CMOS sensor, a new image processor called Digic Accelerator and the existing Digic X processor.
Canon says the system will be able to process a large volume of data at high speed and deliver advancements in auto focus and other areas. The company claims it's been able to combine the capabilities of the image processing system with its deep-learning tech to achieve "high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition."
This powers a feature called Action Priority, which can, for instance, detect a player carrying a certain action in a sports game (like shooting a ball) and identify them as the main subject for a shot. The system would be able to instantly shift the auto focus frame in that person's direction to help make sure the photographer doesn't miss out on capturing key moments from a game.
Canon claims the EOS R1 can track athletes during sporting events even if they're momentarily out of line of sight. The focus on sports in the initial announcement suggests that the camera could be put to the test at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris.
In addition, Canon says it's bringing the image noise reduction feature that was initially built for PC software directly into the camera. It suggests this further improves image quality and can help users fulfill their creative goals.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/canon-confirms-its-long-rumored-flagship-eos-r1-is-coming-later-this-year-142838188.html?src=rss
Ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day this week, Apple is issuing its typical annual set of announcements around its assistive features. Many of these are useful for people with disabilities, but also have broader applications as well. For instance, Personal Voice, which was released last year, helps preserve someone's speaking voice. It can be helpful to those who are at risk of losing their voice or have other reasons for wanting to retain their own vocal signature for loved ones in their absence. Today, Apple is bringing eye-tracking support to recent models of iPhones and iPads, as well as customizable vocal shortcuts, music haptics, vehicle motion cues and more.
Built-in eye-tracking for iPhones and iPads
The most intriguing feature of the set is the ability to use the front-facing camera on iPhones or iPads (at least those with the A12 chip or later) to navigate the software without additional hardware or accessories. With this enabled, people can look at their screen to move through elements like apps and menus, then linger on an item to select it.
That pause to select is something Apple calls Dwell Control, which has already been available elsewhere in the company's ecosystem like in Mac's accessibility settings. The setup and calibration process should only take a few seconds, and on-device AI is at work to understand your gaze. It'll also work with third-party apps from launch, since it's a layer in the OS like Assistive Touch. Since Apple already supported eye-tracking in iOS and iPadOS with eye-detection devices connected, the news today is the ability to do so without extra hardware.
Vocal shortcuts for easier hands-free control
Apple is also working on improving the accessibility of its voice-based controls on iPhones and iPads. It again uses on-device AI to create personalized models for each person setting up a new vocal shortcut. You can set up a command for a single word or phrase, or even an utterance (like "Oy!" perhaps). Siri will understand these and perform your designated shortcut or task. You can have these launch apps or run a series of actions that you define in the Shortcuts app, and once set up, you won't have to first ask Siri to be ready.
Another improvement coming to vocal interactions is "Listen for Atypical Speech," which has iPhones and iPads use on-device machine learning to recognize speech patterns and customize their voice recognition around your unique way of vocalizing. This sounds similar to Google's Project Relate, which is also designed to help technology better understand those with speech impairments or atypical speech.
To build these tools, Apple worked with the Speech Accessibility Project at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The institute is also collaborating with other tech giants like Google and Amazon to further development in this space across their products.
Music haptics in Apple Music and other apps
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, Apple is bringing haptics to music players on iPhone, starting with millions of songs on its own Music app. When enabled, music haptics will play taps, textures and specialized vibrations in tandem with the audio to bring a new layer of sensation. It'll be available as an API so developers can bring greater accessibility to their apps, too.
Help in cars — motion sickness and CarPlay
Drivers with disabilities need better systems in their cars, and Apple is addressing some of the issues with its updates to CarPlay. Voice control and color filters are coming to the interface for vehicles, making it easier to control apps by talking and for those with visual impairments to see menus or alerts. To that end, CarPlay is also getting bold and large text support, as well as sound recognition for noises like sirens or honks. When the system identifies such a sound, it will display an alert at the bottom of the screen to let you know what it heard. This works similarly to Apple's existing sound recognition feature in other devices like the iPhone.
Apple
For those who get motion sickness while using their iPhones or iPads in moving vehicles, a new feature called Vehicle Motion Cues might alleviate some of that discomfort. Since motion sickness is based on a sensory conflict from looking at stationary content while being in a moving vehicle, the new feature is meant to better align the conflicting senses through onscreen dots. When enabled, these dots will line the four edges of your screen and sway in response to the motion it detects. If the car moves forward or accelerates, the dots will sway backwards as if in reaction to the increase in speed in that direction.
Other Apple Accessibility updates
There are plenty more features coming to the company's suite of products, including Live Captions in VisionOS, a new Reader mode in Magnifier, support for multi-line braille and a virtual trackpad for those who use Assistive Touch. It's not yet clear when all of these announced updates will roll out, though Apple has historically made these features available in upcoming versions of iOS. With its developer conference WWDC just a few weeks away, it's likely many of today's tools get officially released with the next iOS.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-brings-eye-tracking-to-recent-iphones-and-ipads-140012990.html?src=rss