Nike is discontinuing its self-lacing Adapt BB sneakers and providing a case in point of what can happen to tech that relies on apps. First announced in 2019, the sneakers used a Back to the Future II style power-lacing system called FitAdapt that was adjustable either manually or with an app. Now, the company will no longer make new Adapt shoes and is retiring the Nike Adapt App, it announced in a help document spotted by The Verge.
"After five years, we’re retiring the Adapt App and removing it from the Apple and Android app stores, globally, on August 6, 2024," the page states. "Don’t worry, your Adapt shoes will continue to work without the app. See below for more information about the retirement of the Adapt App."
A FAQ goes on to state that the Adapt app "should continue to function" follow its removal, if you already have it installed. You won't be able to move it to a new device, though, and future iOS updates may limit or end functionality.
Nike goes on to state that if the app is removed, the shoes will retain the last light color selected. Features still available without it include power on, check battery status, adjust your fit, save your fit, unlace shoes and power off.
Perhaps the biggest loss with the end of Adapt is in accessibility, as the shoes were marketed in part as a way to make shoe tying easier for people with limited mobility. It also shows the danger of tying functionality of physical technology to custom apps — once the app loses support, the product gets a lot worse and there's not much you can do about it.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nike-is-killing-the-app-for-its-futuristic-adapt-bb-sneakers-120039424.html?src=rss
Making a video game on any platform takes hard work, and even if a game is finished it’s still not immune to delays (see: Duke Nukem Forever, L.A. Noire and Diablo III.) A group of Italian programmers had to wait 22 years to finally see the release of their fantasy hack ‘n slasher Kien for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) — a console whose last units went into production in 2009. It's likely the most-delayed game in history, according to a feature inThe Guardian.
Kien first started its long development in 2002. A small group of Italian programmers formed AgeOfGames, the first company in the country to start production on a GBA title. Two years later, they had a finished product, but the game never saw store shelves because its publisher deemed it too much of a financial risk to release.
In the interim, AgeOfGames switched to making educational games to stay in business,and the life cycle of the GBA came and went. Then the retro gaming boom gave the Italian studio an opportunity: a new publisher that specializes in classic console games, incube8 Games, took interest. Now Kien is available in cartridge form, and playable on original hardware.
Retro gaming in general is big business these days and more accessible than ever. There are all kinds of new consoles designed to play hundreds of thousands of different titles from yesteryear. The iPhone finally began allowing apps that emulate all sorts of classic consoles in its online stores earlier this year. There’s even been a renaissance of new games using old fashioned graphics. You’re never far away from the games and experiences that defined your childhood.
Kien is available to purchase from incube8's website for the (only slightly shocking) price of $60.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/possibly-the-most-delayed-video-game-in-history-is-finally-available-on-the-game-boy-advance-205150837.html?src=rss
Making a video game on any platform takes hard work, and even if a game is finished it’s still not immune to delays (see: Duke Nukem Forever, L.A. Noire and Diablo III.) A group of Italian programmers had to wait 22 years to finally see the release of their fantasy hack ‘n slasher Kien for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) — a console whose last units went into production in 2009. It's likely the most-delayed game in history, according to a feature inThe Guardian.
Kien first started its long development in 2002. A small group of Italian programmers formed AgeOfGames, the first company in the country to start production on a GBA title. Two years later, they had a finished product, but the game never saw store shelves because its publisher deemed it too much of a financial risk to release.
In the interim, AgeOfGames switched to making educational games to stay in business,and the life cycle of the GBA came and went. Then the retro gaming boom gave the Italian studio an opportunity: a new publisher that specializes in classic console games, incube8 Games, took interest. Now Kien is available in cartridge form, and playable on original hardware.
Retro gaming in general is big business these days and more accessible than ever. There are all kinds of new consoles designed to play hundreds of thousands of different titles from yesteryear. The iPhone finally began allowing apps that emulate all sorts of classic consoles in its online stores earlier this year. There’s even been a renaissance of new games using old fashioned graphics. You’re never far away from the games and experiences that defined your childhood.
Kien is available to purchase from incube8's website for the (only slightly shocking) price of $60.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/possibly-the-most-delayed-video-game-in-history-is-finally-available-on-the-game-boy-advance-205150837.html?src=rss
The EV market is hotter than ever in the US, but there are only a handful of options for families who need three rows of seats and tons of storage space. There's the Rivian R1S, a beautiful and well-reviewed car, but one that's firmly in luxury territory with a starting price of $75,900. Tesla's Model X is similarly pricey, and its tiny rear row isn't suited for adults (the smaller Model Y's third row option is even worse). That's why Kia's EV9 is such a big deal. It offers even more internal space than the company's massive Telluride, and it starts at a more palatable $54,900 (along with a $1,495 destination charge).
It makes sense why car makers were more focused on smaller EVs up until now. Large batteries are expensive, and many people don't really need three rows of seats. But I'm a dad of two kids still using child car seats, and we also need to travel with my two parents on occasion. So the additional room is a must. And even without rear passengers, we often need extra room to lug two kids' worth of gear to local parks (especially if we bring along our wagon stroller).
There are, of course, legitimate reasons to be wary of large EVs. Like any massive vehicle, they're more dangerous for pedestrians, especially when coupled with the near-instant torque power of EVs. They're also far worse for the environment than smaller cars, because they require those aforementioned large batteries and all the rare earth material they contain. If I lived in a city with usable public transportation, I'd give up on the EV9 in an instant. But for now I'm stuck traversing Atlanta suburbs, so the EV9 (ideally a pre-owned one in a few years) is our best worst option.
A Tesla Cybertruck parked next to the Kia EV9.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Design
Like Kia’s EV6, the EV9 (available in Light, Land, Wind and GT-Line configurations) looks striking up close. It doesn't shy away from being a large SUV — its boxiness is a feature, not a bug. And what it lacks in curves, it makes up for with polygonal body panels that look futuristic without being garish like Tesla’s Cybertruck. From the front, the EV9 pairs vertical headlights with customizable LEDs. (You have to buy additional lighting patterns separately, though, a truly unfortunate choice by Kia.)
Kia didn't stray too far from the original EV9 concept it revealed in 2019, and that's a good thing. There aren't any rear-hinged suicide doors, but I don't miss them. Structurally, standard door frames are safer for passengers, especially during accidents.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Interior
Upon opening the driver side door, you're greeted with an elegant setup: well-cushioned seats with comfortable mesh headrests; Kia's 30-inch "Triple Panorama Display," which features a gauge cluster, HVAC controls and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen; and tons of clean and usable space. It's similar to the EV6's setup, but a bit less cluttered since gear controls are handled by a stalk on the steering wheel, instead of a dial by the cupholders.
Even though it features a massive screen, the EV9 also has a combination of physical and capacitive buttons. You can change the temperature, mode and fan speeds with rocker switches on the driver and passenger side (rear passengers also have easily reachable HVAC controls). You can also control heating and cooling using the small display next to the infotainment screen, but I found that a bit awkward while driving. It was sometimes obscured by the steering wheel, and there wasn't much feedback when changing settings on the screen.
Kia's infotainment software is zippy and responsive, befitting the EV9's modern displays. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support also makes it easy to connect your phone without fiddling for cables. The EV9 has a large wireless charging pad that should fit my iPhone 15 Pro Max just fine, and there's enough room to squeeze in even bigger phones. It was a bit finicky to find the right wireless charging zone, so much so it made me wish Kia had implemented MagSafe or the newer Qi2 standard to keep my phone in place. I'd recommend always having a USB-C cable handy to take advantage of the EV9's fast charging port.
I was blown away by the GT-Line EV9's 14-speaker Meridian system, which has just enough low-end oomph (thanks to an open-air subwoofer) for music and precise clarity for voices while listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Meridian says its DSP (digital sound processing) optimizes sound for the EV9's cabin, and it also upmixes audio for 5.1 surround sound (or the equivalent with many more speakers).
The EV9 is chock full of ambient lighting at night.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
The company's Intelli-Q Equalization also transforms audio as the EV9's in-cabin noise changes — instead of just raising or lowering the volume, it can emphasize specific frequency ranges to cover something like tire noise. In my testing, the Meridian system sounded great during both noisy highway driving and relaxed local trips. I definitely noticed when the Intelli-Q software kicked in, but it wasn't unbearable like older cars that would just get louder on the highway. (You can also adjust the level of automatic sound equalization, and audio purists can disable it entirely.)
The EV9's second row captain's chairs are just as comfortable as the front seats, but they have cushioned headrests instead of flexible mesh. As much as I like the second row, though, my family would likely be better off with the 7-seat arrangement from Light or Wind EV9 models. Those rely on a bench seat instead of two captain's chairs, which my wife prefers when she needs to ride beside my two-year old.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
The EV9's third row seats are comfortable as well, but as in many three-row SUVs, most adults won't have much legroom to work with. I was able to squeeze in my 5-foot 8-inch frame, but I wouldn't call the experience ideal. Anyone riding in the EV9's last row will likely have to bargain with the person in front of them for some leg space. It's also worth noting that the second row is immovable with child seats, since they lock seat belts down. So be sure to have the second row at a comfortable spot for rear passengers before hooking up child seats.
Unfortunately, the US version of the EV9 won't have second-row seats that can swivel 180-degrees to face the third row, because they don't meet federal safety standards. That feature, which was a major part of Kia's initial EV9 publicity blitz, will be available in South Korea and other countries.
The EV9's trunk space with the third row of seats folded down.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
For cargo, the EV9 sports 20.2 cubic feet behind its third row seats, and a more usable 43.5 cubic feet of storage when the third row is folded flat. If you push down the second row seats as well , you can fit in up to 81.7 cubic feet of gear. There's a front trunk, or frunk, underneath the hood too, but it's not as useful as other EVs. It can hold 3.2 cubic feet in the rear-wheel EV9, and an even more minuscule 1.8 cubic feet in the all-wheel drive models. In both cases, you have just enough room to hold Kia's level 1 charging cable and a few other small items.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Driving
On the road, the EV9 feels like a paradox. Similar to Rivian's R1S, it's a large SUV that's surprisingly quick and nimble for its size. I was able to effortlessly glide through local traffic, launch quickly from stoplights and pass cars on the highway with ease. It wasn't as easy to maneuver as my 2019 Volvo XC90, but I was still impressed since the EV9 is a far boxier car.
After visiting my parent's home, a 45-mile highway trip each way, the EV9 dropped from 80 percent charge to 52 percent. The AC was blasting heavily to combat Georgia's heat and humidity, so that range felt about right. Just be aware that an EV's estimated mileage can easily change depending on AC usage, external temperatures and how fast you're driving.
My wife, who hasn’t spent much time with EVs, noted that she didn’t feel like she was actually driving while behind the wheel of the EV9. On well-paved roads, it rides smoothly without much discernible road noise. My wife took a while to adjust to the EV9’s touchy brakes — it’s easy to slam the vehicle to a halt — but that’s something I’ve noticed on many EVs. You can use the EV9’s paddle shifters to adjust regenerative braking, which puts a bit of power back into the battery and doesn’t use the car’s traditional brake pads.
In its most extreme form, the EV9’s regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which allows you to completely stop the car simply by lifting your foot off of the accelerator. It’s an odd feature to get used if you’ve only ever driven gas cars, but it’s one of those things that EV owners learn to love quickly.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
It would be nice to see Kia offer adaptive suspension on the EV9 eventually, since you can feel the impact of rough roads and large bumps far too easily. For a car that scales up to near $80,000 — like our GT-line review unit — smarter and smoother suspension should at least be an option. Without it, the EV9 doesn't feel nearly as luxurious as the Rivian R1S as driving conditions get worse.
I didn’t have much trouble parking the EV9 in most lots, but backing out of spaces could sometimes be painful. That was particularly true in locations designed for smaller cars–I’m looking at you, Trader Joe’s. It took me six bouts of reversing and precarious turning to make it out of one spot at my local Regal Cinema. Even then, I could only leave in one direction, thanks to a slew of other large cars (including a particularly ugly Cybertruck) sitting around me.
Thankfully, the EV9’s high-resolution cameras, proximity sensors and 360-degree overhead camera (on the GT Line only) helped me get out of tight spots. But even with those assists, it was still more annoying than the chunky Pacifica hybrid minivan I used to own.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Charging
The Kia EV9 supports 210 kilowatt fast charging, and it’s compatible with both 400- and 800-volt chargers. Using the most powerful 800V hardware (which admittedly isn’t always easy to find), the EV9 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. Using a local Electrify America charger, which clocked in at 150kW, the EV9 went from 21 percent of battery to 90 percent in 39 minutes.
I don’t have a Level 2 charger at home, which could completely juice up the EV9 in six to seven hours, but I was able to plug it into a Level 1 charger using a standard 120V outlet overnight. That typically added an additional 10 to 15 percent of charge after eight to 10 hours. This level of charging may not be feasible for the long term, but it’s helpful if you don’t have the ability to add a Level 2 system at home, or if you’re traveling and need to add a bit more juice to reach the next fast charger.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Pricing and the competition
The Kia EV9 starts at $54,900 (not including destination charges) for the "Light" model, which includes rear-wheel drive, 215 horsepower and 230 miles of range. Leasing options start at $487 a month on average, with $2,000 due at signing for a 36-month term. These numbers could also change depending on the offers Kia makes available, as well as what local dealers are willing to charge.
The "Light Long Range'' model gets you a bigger battery with 304 miles of range for $59,200 and a slightly weaker 201hp motor. Higher-end trims are nearly twice as fast with 379hp all-wheel drive motors. That includes the $63,900 "Wind" EV9 and the $69,900 "Land" model, both of which have 280 miles of range.
At the top end, there's the flagship GT-Line model we reviewed, which starts at $73,900. It has a bit less range (270 miles) than mid-range choices, but it also has just about every feature Kia could throw in, including a 12-inch heads-up display on the windshield, 21-inch alloy wheels and the 14-speaker Meridien sound system.
While its price escalates quickly, the EV9 is still a better deal than every other three-row EV on the market. The Rivian R1S starts at $75,900, and it currently leases for $699 a month with at least $8,500 in signing fees. The aging Tesla Model X starts at $77,990. Those cars are also both significantly faster than the EV9, and they offer better ride options like adaptive suspension.
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Wrap-up
After eagerly awaiting the perfect family EV for years – following my time with the Rav4 hybrid, Sienna hybrid and the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid – I’m surprised it’s coming from Kia and not a more established brand like Toyota. The EV9 is spacious, more affordable than other EVs and it drives (mostly) like a dream. It charges quickly, and most models have more than enough range to deal with the occasional road trip. Simply put, the Kia EV9 is everything I’ve been looking for in a three-row family EV.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/kia-ev9-review-everything-i-want-in-a-three-row-family-ev-150048944.html?src=rss
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 will come with a 50-megapixel rear camera for the first time, a bigger battery than any of its predecessors and a bunch of AI features, according to the product pages leaked by Evan Blass on Substack. Also known as @evleaks on X/Twitter and other avenues, Blass is known to have a good track record for leaking accurate information about unreleased devices. This time, evleaks has obtained and released copies of product pages for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 ahead of an Unpacked event happening on July 10, though the details aren't absolutely certain until Samsung itself announces them.
Previous Galaxy Z Flip models only had 12-megapixel rear cameras, so the Flip 6's 50-megapixel wide camera (paired with a 12-megapixel ultrawide) is a huge upgrade. Unlike the previous versions that were equipped with 3,700 mAh batteries, the upcoming model will apparently have a 4,000 mAh battery that can power up to 20 hours of internet browsing on WiFi, up to 23 hours of video playback and up to 68 hours of music playback. Meanwhile, the model's display dimensions, for both its main and external displays, are similar to the Z Flip 5.
One of the phone's most interesting AI tools, perhaps, is its personal interpreter function that can display translations on both of its screens. That way, if you're relying on the feature to talk to somebody, they can read what you're saying in their language on the external display. It could be an invaluable tool for traveling, if it's at least reasonably accurate. When the phone is folded, the Chat Assist feature will give you a way to text from the front display by giving you a selection of suggested replies. Google's Circle to Search will also be available on the device.
Samsung didn't give the Galaxy Z Fold 6 major upgrades and changes, but the new model will come with a slightly larger front display, based on the leaked product pages. Its main display is just slightly smaller and the phone itself is a bit thinner, which make it lighter than previous models, even though its battery capacity remains the same. Like the Flip 6, the upcoming Fold will come with AI-powered features, such as Note Assist that can automatically transcribe recordings and summarize notes for you. It can also display translations from its personal interpreter on both sides of the main screen, and it has Google's Circle to Search function that you can use with the S Pen.
The company is expected to announce both devices, as well as new accessories like the Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro at its Unpacked event in a few days.
Evan Blass / @evleaks on X
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-6-and-z-fold-6-product-pages-have-been-leaked-015420863.html?src=rss
Investing in a new tablet can be costly but early Prime Day deals are making it a bit more reasonable. Ahead of Amazon Prime Day, the online marketplace has discounted Samsung's Galaxy S9+ tablet by 25 percent, bringing its cost down to an all-time low price of $750 from $1000. This deal is available for the 256GB Beige model, while the Graphite model is down to $800 from $1,000 — still lower than we've previously seen it (let's hear it for the best Prime Day deals).
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ tablet is part of a series of great tablets that includes the Galaxy S9 Ultra and Galaxy S9 — the latter of which is our choice for 2024's best Android tablet. The Galaxy S9+ is a slightly larger model (12.4-inch screen, compared to 11-inch), with Vision Booster and a 2800p x 1752p max screen resolution. Plus, it has exceptionally thin bezels and an Armor Aluminum finish.
Samsung's Galaxy S9+ is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, providing it with faster processing. The device also offers 12GB of RAM, 10,090mAh battery and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/early-prime-day-deals-bring-the-samsung-galaxy-s9-tablet-down-to-a-record-low-price-142946216.html?src=rss
Investing in a new tablet can be costly but early Prime Day deals are making it a bit more reasonable. Ahead of Amazon Prime Day, the online marketplace has discounted Samsung's Galaxy S9+ tablet by 25 percent, bringing its cost down to an all-time low price of $750 from $1000. This deal is available for the 256GB Beige model, while the Graphite model is down to $800 from $1,000 — still lower than we've previously seen it (let's hear it for the best Prime Day deals).
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ tablet is part of a series of great tablets that includes the Galaxy S9 Ultra and Galaxy S9 — the latter of which is our choice for 2024's best Android tablet. The Galaxy S9+ is a slightly larger model (12.4-inch screen, compared to 11-inch), with Vision Booster and a 2800p x 1752p max screen resolution. Plus, it has exceptionally thin bezels and an Armor Aluminum finish.
Samsung's Galaxy S9+ is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, providing it with faster processing. The device also offers 12GB of RAM, 10,090mAh battery and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
Your Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Amazon Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/early-prime-day-deals-bring-the-samsung-galaxy-s9-tablet-down-to-a-record-low-price-142946216.html?src=rss
With a US ban of its hyper-popular drones more likely than not, DJI has been diversifying into products that won't be affected by the Countering CCP Drones Act, like backup batteries. Now the company is entering the e-bike arena with the Avinox Drive System that will go up against the likes of Bosch, Bafang, Shimano and SRAM.
The Avinox system promises a relatively light 2.52 kg (5.6 pound) weight (5.39 kg including the batteries), while offering up to 105Nm (850W) of peak torque/power and 600Wh or 800Wh battery options. It uses GaN 3x fast charging tech, so the 800Wh battery can be charged from 0 to 75 percent in 1.5 hours. A planetary gearset and polymer gears allow for a balance of size, weight and power output, along with a quiet ride, according to DJI.
The system offers four standard riding assist modes, Auto, Eco Trail and Turbo, along with a Boost mode for extra power when required. The Auto mode uses what DJI calls "multi-sensor fusion" to continuously adjust assistance based on riding resistance.
Avinox includes a two-inch OLED full-color touchscreen display to control the assist modes and display pertinent information. It allows riders to connect their smartphones to access features like security, data recording, sharing and real-time bike status/location. You can also use the app to access and customize assist levels and parameters.
Finally, it comes with dual Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth connectivity for a "clutter-free handlebar setup," the company wrote. The Avinox system appears to out-spec some popular systems from Bosch, Shimano, Brose and others thanks to the lower weight, extra torque and higher-capacity batteries.
It'll first appear with a new bike brand called Amflow, which is launching the new PL model weighing in at 19.2kg (42 pounds) — on the low-end for electric mountain bikes (eMTBs). The Amflow PL also includes a four-bar linkage structure and "cutting-edge geometry," a rear shock co-tuned with FOX, and an SRAM rear derailleur.
As for the US ban on DJI's drones, the Countering CCP Drones Act has passed through Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. It's now set to be reviewed by the Senate and if approved, would likely be signed into law by President Biden. In a counterpoint article, DJI wrote: "This act damages not just DJI, but also the broad ecosystem of operators, businesses and public safety agencies that rely on their technologies to conduct safe and efficient operations."
DJI's Avinox Drive system will be sold only to manufacturers, so no retail price is available. The Amflow eMTB doesn't have an exact price yet, but will be sold for between €7,000 and €12,000 ($7,500 and $12,850) in Europe. It's due to be released in Q4 2024 "through authorized dealers in Germany, the UK and Australia, amongst others," the company said.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dji-further-diversifies-from-drones-with-the-avinox-e-bike-drive-system-070043218.html?src=rss
With a US ban of its hyper-popular drones more likely than not, DJI has been diversifying into products that won't be affected by the Countering CCP Drones Act, like backup batteries. Now the company is entering the e-bike arena with the Avinox Drive System that will go up against the likes of Bosch, Bafang, Shimano and SRAM.
The Avinox system promises a relatively light 2.52 kg (5.6 pound) weight (5.39 kg including the batteries), while offering up to 105Nm (850W) of peak torque/power and 600Wh or 800Wh battery options. It uses GaN 3x fast charging tech, so the 800Wh battery can be charged from 0 to 75 percent in 1.5 hours. A planetary gearset and polymer gears allow for a balance of size, weight and power output, along with a quiet ride, according to DJI.
The system offers four standard riding assist modes, Auto, Eco Trail and Turbo, along with a Boost mode for extra power when required. The Auto mode uses what DJI calls "multi-sensor fusion" to continuously adjust assistance based on riding resistance.
Avinox includes a two-inch OLED full-color touchscreen display to control the assist modes and display pertinent information. It allows riders to connect their smartphones to access features like security, data recording, sharing and real-time bike status/location. You can also use the app to access and customize assist levels and parameters.
Finally, it comes with dual Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth connectivity for a "clutter-free handlebar setup," the company wrote. The Avinox system appears to out-spec some popular systems from Bosch, Shimano, Brose and others thanks to the lower weight, extra torque and higher-capacity batteries.
It'll first appear with a new bike brand called Amflow, which is launching the new PL model weighing in at 19.2kg (42 pounds) — on the low-end for electric mountain bikes (eMTBs). The Amflow PL also includes a four-bar linkage structure and "cutting-edge geometry," a rear shock co-tuned with FOX, and an SRAM rear derailleur.
As for the US ban on DJI's drones, the Countering CCP Drones Act has passed through Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. It's now set to be reviewed by the Senate and if approved, would likely be signed into law by President Biden. In a counterpoint article, DJI wrote: "This act damages not just DJI, but also the broad ecosystem of operators, businesses and public safety agencies that rely on their technologies to conduct safe and efficient operations."
DJI's Avinox Drive system will be sold only to manufacturers, so no retail price is available. The Amflow eMTB doesn't have an exact price yet, but will be sold for between €7,000 and €12,000 ($7,500 and $12,850) in Europe. It's due to be released in Q4 2024 "through authorized dealers in Germany, the UK and Australia, amongst others," the company said.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dji-further-diversifies-from-drones-with-the-avinox-e-bike-drive-system-070043218.html?src=rss
A number of pretty good titles are coming to Microsoft's Game Pass this month for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, including Engadget staff favorites Neon White and Tchia. Neon White is a first-person shooter and puzzle platformer, wherein you play the part of an assassin taken from Hell to exterminate demons in Heaven in an annual competition. It was one of Engadget's best games for 2022, and we praised it for being smooth and fast-paced, having complex weapons and having almost 100 replayable levels to go through.
Meanwhile, Tchia is one of our top game picks for 2023. In the charming action-adventure game, you play the role of Tchia, a young girl who has to find and rescue her kidnapped father. Tchia uses her power of "soul jumping" to take control of animals and inanimate objects in order to solve puzzles, find items, fight enemies and travel to new areas. Both Neon White and Tchia will be available on Game Pass starting on July 11.
Before that, on July 3, Journey to the Savage Planet is returning to the Game Pass library. In the game, you play an explorer for a company called Kindred Aerospace, traveling across galaxies and planets and interacting with alien life forms. Meanwhile, a game called Flock published by Annapurna Interactive will be available on the service on July 16, the same day it's released. It's a multiplayer co-op game, where you play shepherd to a flock of flying creatures. But if you want to play something food-related, the cooking game Magical Delicacy will also arrive on the cloud gaming service on the same day.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/neon-white-tchia-and-a-bunch-of-other-titles-are-coming-to-game-pass-this-month-045548792.html?src=rss