Tag Archives: Consumer Discretionary

PlayStation 5 faceplates aren’t compatible with the PS5 Pro

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Here’s a spot of bad news for those looking to upgrade to the forthcoming PS5 Pro. The console isn’t compatible with pre-existing PlayStation 5 faceplates, as reported by IGN and confirmed by Sony.

This is not entirely unexpected, given that the PS5 Pro is slightly thinner when compared to the original PS5. A Reddit user named Zrorro tried out some Cobalt blue plates on the PS5 Pro and concluded that the top plates don’t match because “while they're physically the same size, the teeth that connect to the system are [in] slightly different places. So you can't connect the top part.”

Sony confirmed the story, telling IGN that "PS5 console covers are not compatible with PS5 Pro." However, it’s not all bad news. The company is currently working on faceplates specifically for the expensive new console. It’s also highly likely that third-party accessory makers will come to the rescue sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, you’ll just have to make do with a plain-looking PS5 Pro. The console costs $700, so you probably won’t even have the money for any accessories immediately after making that purchase. The PS5 Pro will be available on November 7.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/playstation-5-faceplates-arent-compatible-with-the-ps5-pro-163046554.html?src=rss

iRobot’s entry-level Roomba vacuum and mop combo hits a new record low

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We're racing toward the giving time of year and what better way to treat a loved one (or even yourself) than with the gift of time and convenience. Robot mops and vacuums can all but wipe out the time you spend on a chore that often has to be taken care of. An entry-level Roomba has dropped to a price that may make that proposition even more enticing for newcomers to the robot-cleaner world.

The Y011 Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop from iRobot has dropped to $160. That’s 42 percent off the regular price of $275 and a new record low.

This unit doesn’t have some of the funkier features of pricier models, such as self-emptying or advanced object detection. But it should do a solid job of keeping your floors clean.

The Y011 cleans your space in neat rows, vacuuming and mopping in one pass. It has a low-profile design to help it slink under beds and sofas, while an edge-sweeping brush helps it pick up debris from corners and edges. The Roomba uses sensors to move around furniture and avoid tumbling down stairs. If there's a particularly dirty spot that needs extra attention, the spot cleaning feature enables the device to spin in place and keep cleaning that area for up to two minutes. On top of that, you can start an ad-hoc cleaning using Alexa or Google Assistant.

According to iRobot, this model will run for up to 120 minutes on a single charge and automatically return to its charging station when it needs more juice. The washable microfiber mop pad can be reused up to 30 times. 

Meanwhile, an entry-level vacuum-only Roomba has dropped to $140, down from $250. That’s a decent deal as well, but plunking down an extra $20 for iRobot to take care of mopping as well may be a more compelling option.

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/irobots-entry-level-roomba-vacuum-and-mop-combo-hits-a-new-record-low-151054307.html?src=rss

iRobot’s entry-level Roomba vacuum and mop combo hits a new record low

Posted on by

We're racing toward the giving time of year and what better way to treat a loved one (or even yourself) than with the gift of time and convenience. Robot mops and vacuums can all but wipe out the time you spend on a chore that often has to be taken care of. An entry-level Roomba has dropped to a price that may make that proposition even more enticing for newcomers to the robot-cleaner world.

The Y011 Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop from iRobot has dropped to $160. That’s 42 percent off the regular price of $275 and a new record low.

This unit doesn’t have some of the funkier features of pricier models, such as self-emptying or advanced object detection. But it should do a solid job of keeping your floors clean.

The Y011 cleans your space in neat rows, vacuuming and mopping in one pass. It has a low-profile design to help it slink under beds and sofas, while an edge-sweeping brush helps it pick up debris from corners and edges. The Roomba uses sensors to move around furniture and avoid tumbling down stairs. If there's a particularly dirty spot that needs extra attention, the spot cleaning feature enables the device to spin in place and keep cleaning that area for up to two minutes. On top of that, you can start an ad-hoc cleaning using Alexa or Google Assistant.

According to iRobot, this model will run for up to 120 minutes on a single charge and automatically return to its charging station when it needs more juice. The washable microfiber mop pad can be reused up to 30 times. 

Meanwhile, an entry-level vacuum-only Roomba has dropped to $140, down from $250. That’s a decent deal as well, but plunking down an extra $20 for iRobot to take care of mopping as well may be a more compelling option.

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/irobots-entry-level-roomba-vacuum-and-mop-combo-hits-a-new-record-low-151054307.html?src=rss

Samsung could launch its ‘extended reality’ wearable device next year

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It sounds like Samsung is hoping to launch its extended reality (XR) wearable device sometime next year. The company has revealed its outlook for 2025 in its new earnings report, wherein it said that it's looking to "improve connectivity among products, including upcoming XR devices, to further elevate user experiences in the Galaxy ecosystem." Samsung first revealed that it was working on a wearable device with augmented, mixed and virtual reality capabilities at the Galaxy S23 Unpacked event last year. It will run a Google-designed version of Android specifically made for wearable displays, and it will be powered by a Qualcomm chip. 

As 9to5Google notes, previous reports claimed that Samsung will release a developer version of the wearable in October 2024, but that clearly didn't happen. Samsung didn't share more concrete details about the device's launch in its earnings report either, so there's no guarantee that the wearable will be available by next year. 

During the company's earnings conference call, Samsung EVP Jaejune Kim also alluded to the possibility of developing a more affordable foldable phone. Kim said that because its foldable devices "have high levels of product satisfaction," the company is "considering ways to ease purchase barriers" so that more people can afford one. A Samsung official previously denied rumors that a cheaper Galaxy Z Fold was in the works, so it's not quite clear if the company changed its mind or if it's only working on a cheaper version of the Z Flip. In addition, Kim revealed that Samsung is "preparing a new form factor" for those "seeking an even more powerful and innovative mobile experience," though he may also be pertaining to the company's extended reality wearable device. 

Of course, Samsung has confirmed that it will be launching the S25 series of phones next year. It reiterated plans to focus on AI features, as well as to improve AI offerings designed specifically for foldable phones. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/samsung-could-launch-its-extended-reality-wearable-device-next-year-123008566.html?src=rss

November’s PS Plus Monthly Games include Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2

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Sony has revealed the trio of games that all PlayStation Plus members can claim in November and keep in their library as long as they maintain their subscription. Arguably the most recognizable title of the bunch is Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5), an action-adventure game from former Bethesda studio Tango Gameworks.

Ghostwire: Tokyo, which debuted in early 2022, is a fairly well-reviewed first-person game that sees you battling supernatural forces in Japan's capital using an array of abilities. A sequel had been mooted before Bethesda owner Microsoft shut down Tango earlier this year. While Tango has found a second life after PUBG: Battlegrounds publisher Krafton snapped it up, it's unclear whether the Ghostwire: Tokyo franchise will continue into another game. 

It's worth noting that the PC version of Ghostwire: Tokyo will be available to claim for free on the Epic Games Store starting Thursday as well. You'll have until next Thursday morning (November 7) to snag that.

PS Plus members can also claim Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged (PS4 and PS5) at no extra cost. It's a racing game, as you might expect. It includes a track editor, so you can create your own courses.

Last but not least is Death Note Killer Within (PS4 and PS5). This is a brand-new social deduction game for up to 10 people in which you can play as characters from the manga. It looks like a Death Note-flavored spin on games like Among Us.

You can claim all three of these titles between November 5 and December 2, so they could help keep your mind occupied while the general election results become clear. If you haven't yet snagged October's PS Plus Monthly Games — WWE 2K24, Dead Space and Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! — you've got until November 4 to do so.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/novembers-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-ghostwire-tokyo-and-hot-wheels-unleashed-2-174051803.html?src=rss

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available for Macs early next year

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Cyberpunk 2077 is finally coming to Mac computers. The first-person open world adventure was first released back in 2020, so Apple fans have been waiting nearly half a decade for this release. Developer CD Projekt RED hasn’t issued a launch date yet, but says the game will be available “early next year.”

This isn’t the base game. Mac owners are getting Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which features all pre-existing DLC and patches. This includes the massive Phantom Liberty expansion, which brings Idris Elba into the mix. The expansion was first released last year for consoles and PC.

The developer says this port takes “full advantage of Apple Silicon and the advanced technologies of Metal.” It’ll boast all kinds of modern bells and whistles, like path tracing, frame generation and built-in spatial audio.

As indicated, this port is only for Apple Silicon Macs, but CD Projekt RED hasn’t announced if there would be any barriers beyond that. We reached out to the developer to ask if the game will run on every chip, from the M1 to the recently-announced M4 Max. We’ll update this post when we hear something.

There’s also a cool policy in place for pre-existing players. If you own the game on PC via Steam, the purchase will carry over to Mac. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/cyberpunk-2077-ultimate-edition-will-be-available-for-macs-early-next-year-164520024.html?src=rss

Sennheiser’s Profile Wireless is a clip-on, tabletop and handheld mic all in one

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Sennheiser has launched a new all-in-one microphone system that can transform according to your needs. The new Profile Wireless set comes with two clip-on microphones, which are pre-paired with a charging bar. While you can easily clip those mics to wherever you wish, you can also use the included magnetic mounts if you have to attach them to delicate clothing.

If you're interviewing people in your video or shooting more traditional reporting-style content, you can turn one of the clip-on mics into a handheld mic by inserting it into the charging bar. You can also add the big foam windshield Sennheiser included in the package to block out environmental noise. Finally, the mic can also turn into a desktop mic by mounting it onto the included table stands.

Two people with mics clipped onto their shirts.
Sennheiser

Profile Wireless' charging bar has an OLED touch display that shows the audio levels for the clip-on mics. It can connect to cameras, phones and laptops with the included adapters, so you can film with different devices. If you connect it to a phone using the Lightning or the USB-C adaptor included in the package, the receiver can automatically rotate to make sure its OLED display remains legible and visible to you. 

Each clip-on mic has a 24-bit recording capability and comes with 16 GB memory for internal recording. If you switch on Backup Recording Mode, it will only use the mic's internal storage if its wireless signal becomes too weak to transmit audio to the recording device. The mics have a range of 245 meters (804 feet) within line of sight, and up to 150 meters within line of sight (492 feet) when taking body blocking into account. ​

The Profile Wireless system is now available for pre-order in the US ($299), Europe (€299) and the UK (£259), making it cheaper than DJI's comparable microphone set. That said, Sennheiser's mic doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity, while DJI's does. It doesn't have a solid shipping date yet, but it will be released either sometime in the fourth quarter of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025. 

A microphone system.
Sennheiser

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/sennheisers-profile-wireless-is-a-clip-on-tabletop-and-handheld-mic-all-in-one-123008296.html?src=rss

Canon’s new lens makes it easier and cheaper to shoot 3D VR content

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Canon has officially revealed its cheapest and smallest spatial VR lens yet, the $450 RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual. It's the same size as a regular camera lens but is designed to let creators shoot 3D VR content for headsets like the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro. In fact, it was first teased in June at WWDC 2024 alongside Apple's latest Vision Pro OS. 

There is one catch, in that the lens is designed for APS-C (not full-frame cameras) and only works with Canon's 32.5-megapixel (MP) EOS R7 for now. That camera costs $1,300 for the body only, so a full shooting solution is around $1,750. 

Canon RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual lens for VR content
Canon

The company has dabbled with stereoscopic VR lenses before, most recently with the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye. However, that product is bigger and more unwieldy, much more expensive at $2,000 and only supports manual focus. Its main benefit is the nearly 180 degree field of view that's close to human vision and enhanced 3D thanks to the wide 2.36-inch gap between the elements. 

In comparison, the new 7.8mm crop sensor lens has a much narrower 63-degree field of view. The fact that the the two elements are so close together (.46 inches) also reduces the 3D effect, particularly when you're farther from the subject (for the best results, you need to be around 6 to 20 inches away, which isn't ideal for content creators). Autofocus support is a big benefit, though, and it also comes with a button and control wheel that allows separate manual focus for the left and right sides.

Photos and video captured with the EOS R7 and new lens must be processed using Canon's EOS VR Utility app or a plugin for Adobe's Premiere Pro, both paid apps. After that, they can be viewed on the Meta Quest 3, Vision Pro and other headsets in a variety of formats including 180-degree 3D VR, 3D Theater and spatial video. The RF-S7.8mm F4 STM Dual lens is now on pre-order for $449 and will arrive sometime in November.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/canons-new-lens-makes-it-easier-and-cheaper-to-shoot-3d-vr-content-090206553.html?src=rss

The Harris/Walz campaign has its own Fortnite map

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We’re in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election and both sides are pulling out all the stops to get those all-important undecided voters. The Harris/Walz campaign is exploring an unconventional option: a map in Epic Games’ mega online multiplayer hit Fortnite.

The “Freedom Town, USA” map available at 7331-5536-6547 is a little different from the usual Fortnite matches. Forbes senior contributor Paul Tassi played the new map and reported that there aren’t any guns in Freedom Town (probably for obvious reasons). Instead, the game focuses on racing with cars and parkour style. The map also has some campaign signs and decorations for Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz’s presidential run.

Video games have become a cornerstone of the Harris/Walz campaign. Harris’ camp has its own Twitch page that’s been broadcasting games like World of Warcraft and the latest Madden title as a way to spark discussions with the voting public. The Fortnite map, however, doesn’t look like it’s doing a great job of getting the message out to players. As of this story’s publishing, the map only has less than 300 active players.

Political ads and recruitment in video games isn’t just limited to this campaign cycle. Then-candidate Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign introduced the concept to politics when they purchased ads in 18 games including Need for Speed: Carbon and Madden NFL 13 on Microsoft’s Xbox Live service and the mobile version of Tetris, according to NPR.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-harriswalz-campaign-has-its-own-fortnite-map-220450255.html?src=rss

Enhance unveils two collectors’ box sets in honor of its tenth anniversary

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Game studio Enhance is celebrating its tenth anniversary and marking the occasion with two limited run box sets that showcase the art and audio of its creative titles. Founded by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, Enhance has released some stellar video games over the past decade, including Tetris Effect: Connected, Rez Infinite, Lumines Remastered and Humanity.

One collection — The Enhance Soundworks Collection Boxed Set — centers on the music and soundtracks from the studio's history. It includes nine LPs with the soundtracks to each of the four games above, all on custom-printed vinyl. The box set also includes a liner booklet with insights on the music from game composers and creators, a turntable slipmat, a poster and a set of pin badges. Only 505 collections will be sold and are scheduled to ship in spring 2025.

The other collection is called The Sounds & Visions: Enhance at 10 Boxed Set. This contains a 300-page oral history of the studio's founding and its game projects, a laser-etched glass sculpture inspired by Rez Infinite, prints of concept art for Tetris Effect: Connected and Rez Infinite, and a CD of audio tracks by Hydelic from the same pair of games. This set will begin shipments in summer 2025 and is limited to 1,010 copies.

Each of these box sets is available to pre-order now and will retail for $259. Even the packaging on these collectors' items align with the blend of art, audio and design that has become a hallmark of Enhance's creations. Both Rez Infinite and Tetris Effect: Connect impressed Engadget's team for their mindful, meditative approach to immersive, flow-state gaming.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/enhance-unveils-two-collectors-box-sets-in-honor-of-its-tenth-anniversary-194435400.html?src=rss