Tag Archives: author_name|Lawrence Bonk

Sony’s excellent WH-1000XM5 headphones are $100 off right now

Posted on by

The well-regarded Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $300 via Amazon. This deal knocks $100 off the price, which is a discount of 25 percent. The sale applies to multiple colorways, including black, blue and silver.

These headphones not only found a spot on our list of the best wireless headphones, but they were our very favorite pair. We found them to be exceptionally comfortable, even when wearing the headphones for long periods of time. The ANC is great and the battery life clocks in at around 30 hours per charge, which is a fantastic metric.

The sound is the most important thing with headphones and this model is no slouch. We admired the “crisp, clear sound with balanced tuning and punchy bass.” This is due to new 30mm carbon fiber drivers. In our official review, we noticed that the bass seemed punchier than previous models. We noted that “the lower range is both pleasant and powerful, expanding the overall soundstage.”

We did run into occasional audio issues with macOS, but that was two years ago and it’s likely everything has been patched by now. The only other downside is the price, as $400 is a lot to spend on something like over-ear headphones. However, this deal brings it down to $300 which makes things much more palatable.

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/deals/sonys-excellent-wh-1000xm5-headphones-are-100-off-right-now-162027774.html?src=rss

Apple introduces the M4 Pro chip, which finally brings Thunderbolt 5 support

Posted on by

Apple has been on a tear this week. The company announced both new iMacs and a refresh to the Mac Mini desktop computer. Buried in the announcement for the Mac Mini, however, is the news that they can be outfitted with the brand-new M4 Pro chip. That’s right. As expected, the M4 Pro has entered the chat.

The big news? The Apple Silicon M4 Pro chip finally brings Thunderbolt 5 support for Macs. Thunderbolt 5 is a major leap forward in cable tech, with a baseline speed of 80 Gbps and support for 120 Gbps. The cables also offer support for dual 6K screens. This is a boon for Mac Mini users in video editing and related fields.

Beyond that, M4 Pro chips bring a host of improvements. Apple says this is currently “the world’s fastest CPU core, delivering the industry’s best single-threaded performance.” The company also boasts of “dramatically faster multithreaded performance.”

There are faster cores and a faster ray-tracing engine when compared to the previous generation. The M4 Pro features a 14-core CPU, with ten performance cores and four efficiency cores. There’s a 16-core neural engine, which the company says is three times faster than the now-ancient M1. The chip includes a 20-core GPU, with dynamic caching.

The M4 Pro chip also supports up to 64GB of unified memory, with 273GB/s of memory bandwidth. Apple says this metric doubles the bandwidth of other AI PC chips, making for “accelerated AI workloads.”

To that end, Apple says the chip will “deliver blazing performance for Apple Intelligence.” It remains to be seen if and when the M4 Pro will show up in other products, like laptops. The M3 Pro began appearing in last year’s MacBook Pro laptops, so there’s a strong chance that could also happen this year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/apple-introduces-the-m4-pro-chip-which-finally-brings-thunderbolt-5-support-150549096.html?src=rss

Vizio just announced a soundbar that doubles as a karaoke machine

Posted on by

It’s easy to give into cynicism writing about tech. There are so many underwhelming announcements and iterative improvements. Companies toss the letters AI around like it’s a magic elixir sent down from the Gods. The layoffs are harsh. Sometimes, though, you find something simple, useful and fun that forces optimism. That’s where I’m at with the Vizio MicMe. It’s a soundbar that doubles as a karaoke machine. That’s a neat idea, right?

The MicMe is being advertised as a “two-in-one soundbar system” that totally eliminates the need for a clunky standalone karaoke speaker. It’s a legitimate 2.1 soundbar, complete with a subwoofer. It’ll get the job done with regard to endless streams of Agatha All Along or Nobody Wants This.

The soundbar in action.
Vizio

It also ships with two dynamic wireless microphones, and that’s where the karaoke magic comes in. The company says that the soundbar enters karaoke mode when one of the microphones is removed from the charging dock, without the user having to fiddle with anything. There is, however, an affiliated mobile app for making sound adjustments. This app also allows access to six different vocal effects.

Each microphone boasts eight hours of battery life per charge, which means a solid 8PM to 4AM karaoke session. Vizio says MicMe will have access to 80,000 songs via the proprietary app. It also integrates with many standalone karaoke apps, like Stingray. There should be no shortage of songs to ruin or master.

The soundbar hybrid is compatible with Vizio’s QuickFit technology, which allows it to attach to the company’s TVs without any tools. It’s also fully compatible with any smart TV with eARC. The MicMe costs $350. You can order one now but it won’t ship until the end of November.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/vizio-just-announced-a-soundbar-that-doubles-as-a-karaoke-machine-130016592.html?src=rss

Google starts selling refurbished Pixel phones

Posted on by

Google now offers refurbished Pixel phones, as originally spotted by The Verge. The company is selling refurbed Pixel 6, Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 handsets directly on the Google Store. The phones can be purchased for up to 40 percent off, when compared to new models. Each smartphone ships with the same 1-year limited warranty and customer support options as a new model.

Google says that each refurbished handset has been “carefully inspected” to ensure that the phones, screens and batteries are all in tip-top shape. However, a company representative offered no guarantees regarding battery life in a statement to The Verge. Phone batteries age like people. Slowly at first and then all at once.

However, the prices are enticing. The Pixel 6 is available for $339, instead of $599, while the well-reviewed Pixel 7 Pro is $629 instead of $899. All of these refurbished models offer 128GB of storage, but Google spokesperson Patrick Seybold says that the store will soon offer other storage tiers.

Each phone ships with the latest Android software, which is a nice touch, and comes with a compatible charger. There’s also free shipping.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-starts-selling-refurbished-pixel-phones-184348702.html?src=rss

Google starts selling refurbished Pixel phones

Posted on by

Google now offers refurbished Pixel phones, as originally spotted by The Verge. The company is selling refurbed Pixel 6, Pixel 6A and Pixel 7 handsets directly on the Google Store. The phones can be purchased for up to 40 percent off, when compared to new models. Each smartphone ships with the same 1-year limited warranty and customer support options as a new model.

Google says that each refurbished handset has been “carefully inspected” to ensure that the phones, screens and batteries are all in tip-top shape. However, a company representative offered no guarantees regarding battery life in a statement to The Verge. Phone batteries age like people. Slowly at first and then all at once.

However, the prices are enticing. The Pixel 6 is available for $339, instead of $599, while the well-reviewed Pixel 7 Pro is $629 instead of $899. All of these refurbished models offer 128GB of storage, but Google spokesperson Patrick Seybold says that the store will soon offer other storage tiers.

Each phone ships with the latest Android software, which is a nice touch, and comes with a compatible charger. There’s also free shipping.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-starts-selling-refurbished-pixel-phones-184348702.html?src=rss

The paid version of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp arrives on December 3

Posted on by

The free-to-play mobile game Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is going the way of the dodo on November 28. However, it’s being replaced by a paid, (mostly) offline version called Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete. This refresh drops on December 3, giving mobile Animal Crossing players just a few days without access to their beloved campsites.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete won’t be cheap. It’ll be $10 from December 2 until January 25. After that, the price doubles to $20. Tom Nook doesn’t mess around. However, it will allow existing players to transfer save data and progress via their Nintendo accounts. This should be a boon for those who have been on board with the title since 2017. These players have until June 1 to transfer data from the old version to the new game.

The paid version will be different from the original in some ways. First of all, Leaf Tickets are being replaced by Leaf Tokens, likely because the tickets were purchased using real money and this is no longer a freemium game. There’s also something called Camper Cards, which Nintendo calls “customizable in-game cards that each player can create and trade through a QR Code, and that includes information like your personal favorite animal pal.” QR codes? Everyone loves those.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is also losing gift-sharing and the Market Box. There are a couple of other caveats for pre-existing players. First of all, there are no discounts available for current campers, even those who have regularly paid a monthly subscription fee. Some people have been paying those subs for years.

Finally, it looks like Nintendo plans on discontinuing support for the game next October, according to Kotaku. I’m no economist, but spending $20 on a mobile title that will likely stop receiving updates in less than a year doesn’t sound like fiscal responsibility. In any event, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete will be available for both iOS and Android come December.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-paid-version-of-animal-crossing-pocket-camp-arrives-on-december-3-175248073.html?src=rss

The paid version of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp arrives on December 3

Posted on by

The free-to-play mobile game Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is going the way of the dodo on November 28. However, it’s being replaced by a paid, (mostly) offline version called Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete. This refresh drops on December 3, giving mobile Animal Crossing players just a few days without access to their beloved campsites.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete won’t be cheap. It’ll be $10 from December 2 until January 25. After that, the price doubles to $20. Tom Nook doesn’t mess around. However, it will allow existing players to transfer save data and progress via their Nintendo accounts. This should be a boon for those who have been on board with the title since 2017. These players have until June 1 to transfer data from the old version to the new game.

The paid version will be different from the original in some ways. First of all, Leaf Tickets are being replaced by Leaf Tokens, likely because the tickets were purchased using real money and this is no longer a freemium game. There’s also something called Camper Cards, which Nintendo calls “customizable in-game cards that each player can create and trade through a QR Code, and that includes information like your personal favorite animal pal.” QR codes? Everyone loves those.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete is also losing gift-sharing and the Market Box. There are a couple of other caveats for pre-existing players. First of all, there are no discounts available for current campers, even those who have regularly paid a monthly subscription fee. Some people have been paying those subs for years.

Finally, it looks like Nintendo plans on discontinuing support for the game next October, according to Kotaku. I’m no economist, but spending $20 on a mobile title that will likely stop receiving updates in less than a year doesn’t sound like fiscal responsibility. In any event, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Complete will be available for both iOS and Android come December.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-paid-version-of-animal-crossing-pocket-camp-arrives-on-december-3-175248073.html?src=rss

Early Black Friday deals from Amazon include the Echo Show 5 for only $50

Posted on by

It may still be October, but Black Friday deals have already started coming down the pike. Case in point? The Amazon Echo Show 5 smart display is available for just $50. This early Black Friday deal knocks 44 percent off the price, bringing it down to what we saw on Prime Day.

This sale is for the most recent version of the device, which was originally released last year. The 3rd Gen Echo Show 5 easily made our list of the best smart displays. We said that “it doubles as a stellar alarm clock.” There’s an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen, a tap-to-snooze feature and a sunrise alarm.

While others may decry the diminutive 5.5-inch screen size, when compared to rivals, we actually found it to be useful. The small form factor allows the display to easily squeeze on a busy nightstand or a dresser.

The Show 5 does have a camera, which is great for video calls but not so great for privacy. After all, this thing was made to sit by your bedside. It does, however, ship with a physical camera cover for the privacy-conscious. The only other downside is that the sound quality here isn’t quite as robust as the larger models. Still, this is a whole lot of smart display for $50.

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/deals/early-black-friday-deals-from-amazon-include-the-echo-show-5-for-only-50-163548076.html?src=rss

Early Black Friday deals from Amazon include the Echo Show 5 for only $50

Posted on by

It may still be October, but Black Friday deals have already started coming down the pike. Case in point? The Amazon Echo Show 5 smart display is available for just $50. This early Black Friday deal knocks 44 percent off the price, bringing it down to what we saw on Prime Day.

This sale is for the most recent version of the device, which was originally released last year. The 3rd Gen Echo Show 5 easily made our list of the best smart displays. We said that “it doubles as a stellar alarm clock.” There’s an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen, a tap-to-snooze feature and a sunrise alarm.

While others may decry the diminutive 5.5-inch screen size, when compared to rivals, we actually found it to be useful. The small form factor allows the display to easily squeeze on a busy nightstand or a dresser.

The Show 5 does have a camera, which is great for video calls but not so great for privacy. After all, this thing was made to sit by your bedside. It does, however, ship with a physical camera cover for the privacy-conscious. The only other downside is that the sound quality here isn’t quite as robust as the larger models. Still, this is a whole lot of smart display for $50.

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/deals/early-black-friday-deals-from-amazon-include-the-echo-show-5-for-only-50-163548076.html?src=rss

UK man gets 18 years in prison for using AI to generate CSAM

Posted on by

A UK man who used AI to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has been sentenced to 18 years in prison, according to The Guardian. Hugh Nelson, 27, created the images by using photographs of real children, which were then manipulated by AI. Nelson was convicted of 16 child sexual abuse offenses back in August, after a lengthy police investigation. This was the first prosecution of its kind in the UK.

Nelson used modeling software called Daz 3D to manufacture the loathsome images. The program has a suite of AI tools, which he used to transform regular photos of children into CSAM. Greater Manchester police said that he sold these images online and was even commissioned in several cases to create specific items of CSAM via photographs of real kids. Police say that Nelson made around $6,500 by selling images online.

He was caught when trying to sell images to an undercover cop in a chatroom. “I’ve done beatings, smotherings, hangings, drownings, beheadings, necro, beast, the list goes on,” Nelson said to the cop to entice a sale. This is according to a transcript of a conversation provided by the prosecution.

It’s worth noting that Daz 3D doesn’t create deepfakes, in which one face is swapped onto another body. Nelson created actual 3D renders by feeding the photos to the AI algorithm.

At sentencing, the judge called the images “harrowing and sickening” and addressed Nelson specifically, saying “there seems to be no limit to the depths of depravity exhibited in the images that you were prepared to create and exhibit to others.” He also said that it was “impossible to know” if children had been abused as a result of the images. Police searches of Nelson’s devices did find a series of text messages in which he encouraged people to sexually abuse children under 13. These suspects and potential victims are allegedly located throughout the world, including the US.

The United States is, of course, not immune from this horrifying trend. A soldier was arrested back in August for allegedly using AI to generate CSAM. A Wisconsin man faces 70 years in prison for allegedly creating over 13,000 AI-generated images depicting CSAM. The world’s leading AI companies have signed a pledge to help stop this type of software from being used to generate child sexual abuse material.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/uk-man-gets-18-years-in-prison-for-using-ai-to-generate-csam-154037476.html?src=rss