Tag Archives: Technology & Electronics

How to to stream with a VPN on your Apple TV

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The Apple TV is one of the best streaming devices you can get right now to add Netflix, Disney+, Max and other streaming apps to your boring old TV. It costs more than the competition, but it offers a more polished experience (the screensavers are worth the price of admission) as well as more privacy protections. But you may not know that, with a VPN, you can use your Apple TV to access even more content. By downloading one of several VPN apps directly to the Apple TV, you can spoof your IP address, tricking your system into thinking you’re in a different country. And because most streaming services license different shows in different territories, flipping the VPN to an international location lets you access a wider array of content. Here’s how to use a VPN on your Apple TV and why you might want to install one.

As of the September 2023 release of the tvOS 17 software update, the Apple TV platform supports third-party VPN apps. Setting them up is easy; just follow these steps (these may vary slightly between VPNs):

  1. In the Apple TV App Store, search for the VPN you want to download or search for the keyword “VPN” to see your options.

  2. Download and install your chosen VPN.

  3. Sign up or log in.

We have a comprehensive guide on how to stream video to your TV using a VPN, which covers Apple TV installation and provides alternative methods for connecting a VPN to your Apple TV.

As previously mentioned, using a VPN on your Apple TV allows you to change your IP address to make it seem like you’re browsing from a different country. This happens as the VPN encrypts your connection and tunnels it through the VPN’s digital or physical servers located in other countries. So if you’re in the US and tunnel to a UK VPN server, you’ll be able to access the UK Netflix content library and watch shows on UK-only services like BBC iPlayer.

VPNs can also be essential security tools, although their features apply best when you’re using them on a smartphone or PC where you do most of your internet browsing. If you purchase a VPN subscription with your Apple TV in mind, we recommend using it on your smartphone and laptop, too. A VPN can help keep you anonymous online and protect your data from malicious parties or advertising networks. If you care about digital privacy and anonymity, it’s good practice to use a VPN across all devices with internet connectivity.

Apple TVs only work with a limited number of VPNs. Although that seems like a hindrance, Apple vets the VPNs it allows on its App Store, and you can feel reassured knowing they’re trustworthy options. Every one of the top picks on our best VPNs list is on the Apple TV app store.

We encourage you to do your own research when choosing a service. Although each VPN has the same basic functionalities, their price and extra features vary. Before deciding which one is right for your needs and the devices you have, take some time to look at what each one offers and see what other users have to say.

Don't have an Apple TV? Good news: Robust VPN options (or alternatives) exist for the other major streaming platforms, too.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-to-stream-with-a-vpn-on-your-apple-tv-113345975.html?src=rss

The Morning After: reMarkable’s new e-ink tablet has a color display

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One of the standout e-ink slates around is finally getting upgraded. The reMarkable’s third-gen tablet is its first with a ‘pro’ moniker, but it’s appropriate. The Paper Pro has a bigger display and, crucially, a color screen. It’s an e-paper slate with a stylus (or keyboard) for reading, writing or editing your own documents.

I’ll never stop being intrigued by e-ink devices, and color is a nice addition. The new Paper Pro has a different look and feel too, less like just another tablet. The edge band is sharper but still comfortable to hold. It’s also the first reMarkable with a frontlight — addressing another bugbear of reMarkable owners over the last few years. The reMarkable Paper Pro is available to order today from the company’s website for $579 with the standard Marker stylus.

— Mat Smith

Acer finally has a gaming handheld

You can finally fish in No Man’s Sky

The iOS 18 release date is this month, but is your iPhone compatible?

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With the $400 Hero 13 Black, the company is bolstering its position as the go-to action cam with more versatility and features aimed at high-level users who’ve probably owned a GoPro or two for years. GPS is back, the battery is bigger and there are upgrades to slow-motion capture and more, but the big news might be outside of the camera unit itself. A new family of modular lenses includes ultra-wide, anamorphic (unfortunately not ready for testing) and macro, as well as a ND (neutral density) filter four-pack. However, the camera sensor is largely unchanged.

Continue reading.

Sony and Firewalk Studios have stopped selling the PS5 and PC game before taking it offline this Friday, two weeks after its launch. And yet, some folks are still striving to unlock Concord’s Platinum trophy before it goes. The most time-consuming trophy requires players to reach a reputation level of 100. Some Concord players have found a way to speed up matches and farm XP faster: jump to their deaths off the map, over and over again. It seems they’re primarily doing so in Rivalry, a mode in which players only have one life and don’t respawn.

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The race to build the most compelling AI PC processors continues, and this time, it’s Intel’s turn to boast the top TOPs and more. Back in June, we learned these Lunar Lake laptop chips would feature a powerful 48 TOPS (tera operations per second) neural processing unit for AI work, and, surprisingly enough, they’d also sport up to 32GB of built-in memory for faster performance and lower power consumption. If you like numbers associated with RAM, NPU, GPU, TOPS and FLOPS, read on.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-remarkables-new-e-ink-tablet-has-a-color-display-111510657.html?src=rss

Zillow enhanced its AI search feature, so now you can sadly stare at even more overpriced homes

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The American dream used to involve purchasing a home. As huge corporations buy up residential stock and wages lay stagnant, the new American dream is to scroll through Zillow and salivate at what could have been, if only we had been born into one of those families with money. To that end, Zillow just upped its AI game to make it easier to find a dream home that you’ll never be able to afford.

The popular real estate marketplace integrated some AI tools into its search feature last year, but it just released a fairly substantial software update that brings in more options. Users can now use natural language to find homes or rentals based on commute times or how far they are from schools or other points of interest.

Before this type of AI, people would have to use filters to come up with a list of appropriate domiciles. Now, you can just write “homes 20 min drive from Red Hook” and get some good listings. This should also be useful for areas with popular destinations. For instance, you could write “homes near Mall of America” instead of combing through every Minneapolis-adjacent listing.

The AI app in action.
Zillow

Today’s update also lets the AI algorithm search by cost, so you can add preferred pricing into the query. The AI-enhanced search already included the option to look for homes by ideal layout, location, style and condition. It's the money and commute stuff that's new. 

As with all things AI, Zillow’s tool is still a work in progress. It’ll be training itself as it's being used so as to “better respond to search queries that use natural, human-like sentences.” You should also be on the lookout for hallucinations. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. In any event, the update’s rolling out now to the iOS and Android apps, with website support coming soon.

The platform has never been shy about incorporating tech into its feature set. It introduced 3D virtual home tours a few years back. More recently, the company integrated with FaceTime’s SharePlay feature to allow for cooperative browsing.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/zillow-enhanced-its-ai-search-feature-so-now-you-can-sadly-stare-at-even-more-overpriced-homes-183857996.html?src=rss

Intel’s next-gen chip manufacturing process reportedly hits snag after failing crucial tests

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Intel’s been trying to recapture its glory days and establish itself, once again, as a leading chipmaker. However, this dream has run into a major snag. The company’s next-gen manufacturing process, currently referred to as 18A, has reportedly failed crucial tests, according to Reuters.

Semiconductor developer Broadcom helped conduct these tests as part of an evaluation process for a potential order. The report indicates that Intel sent Broadcom’s silicon wafers, which are the components used to form the base of a semiconductor, through the 18A manufacturing process, which is supposed to increase efficiency. Broadcom was reportedly not happy with the results, suggesting that Intel’s new-fangled manufacturing process isn’t ready for high-volume production.

A Broadcom spokesperson said the company is "evaluating the product and service offerings of Intel Foundry and have not concluded that evaluation." Intel had planned on using this new process to produce chips for major partners like Microsoft beginning next year. Despite these reported test results, the company says that timetable is still viable.

“Intel 18A is powered on, healthy and yielding well, and we remain fully on track to begin high volume manufacturing next year,” a spokesperson told Reuters. “There is a great deal of interest in Intel 18A across the industry but, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on specific customer conversations.”

It’s no secret that Intel has fallen a bit from the chipmaking perch it once dominated. It recently reported $1.6 billion in losses in the second quarter of 2024. This led to layoffs that impacted more than 15,000 workers. It’s also been dealing with widespread stability issues affecting its 13th and 14th Gen CPUs.

Reports indicate that Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger will soon pitch more cost-cutting measures to get the company back on track. These measures allegedly include delays on new manufacturing facilities in Germany and Ohio. The company could also sell off Altera, a business that makes programmable logic devices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/intels-next-gen-chip-manufacturing-process-reportedly-hits-snag-after-failing-crucial-tests-172220843.html?src=rss

ASUS introduces six new Copilot+ PC laptops

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ASUS unveiled a large collection of new Copilot+ PC laptops at IFA 2024, bringing AI power to several of its product lines. The company is splitting this portfolio into two branches, each powered by a different brand's processors. Some of them will have the entry-level Snapdragon X Plus from Qualcomm and others will run on the codenamed Lunar Lake models from Intel, including the new Core Ultra 200V.

The Zenbook S14 is the lightweight option at 2.7 pounds and less than half an inch thick. The 14-inch machine runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor that can provide up to 47 TOPS in its neural processing unit (NPU) for AI performance. Its screen is a 3K 120Hz OLED display. The Zenbook S14 will retail for $1,400. It is available now from the ASUS online store and will be available for pre-order at Best Buy beginning September 6.

Next is the Vivobook S14, another 14-inch laptop running the same Intel processor. This machine has a 16:10 OLED screen and a Dolby Atmos audio system. It's also designed for portability, weighing 2.87 pounds and measuring 0.55 inches thick. The first configuration will be available for pre-order starting September 5, and other versions will be available some time in Q4. It is priced at $1,000. ASUS also added two machines to its Vivobook line of convertible laptops. The Vivobook 14 Flip and Vivobook 16 Flip are due out in Q4, and no pricing is available yet. The 14-inch version has similar specs to its standard laptop counterpart, and offers support for the ASUS Pen 2.0. The 16 Flip also offers the same innards, but with a larger 16-inch OLED screen.

ASUS Vivobook S14
Vivobook S14
ASUS

The other additions to the Intel-powered lineup are the 14-inch Expertbook P5 laptop and the NUC 14 Pro AI mini PC. The Expertbook runs on the same processors as the other laptops, while the mini-PC boasts the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with up to 48 TOPS for AI performance. Pricing has not been revealed for either machine.

On the Qualcomm side of the announcements are the Vivobook S15 and the ProArt PZ13. The Vivobook S15 has a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz OLED display and Dolby Atmos audio. The laptop promises "up to 19+ hours of use" on the battery. It is available now for $900.

The ProArt PZ13 is a detachable laptop with "up to 21 hours of FHD video playback" for battery life. It has a 16:10 3K OLED touchscreen that also supports stylus use and is available now for $1,100.

Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PC program in May 2024. These machines are built to handle AI processes locally instead of in the cloud, and ASUS had a Vivobook S15 with the Snapdragon X Elite as part of the first wave of Copilot+ PC releases in June. To be branded a Copilot+ PC, computers require an NPU with at least 40 TOPS to manage those tasks. Now that Qualcomm is no longer the exclusive processor provider for Microsoft’s program, we can expect to see more brands potentially following in ASUS' steps.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-introduces-six-new-copilot-pc-laptops-160014998.html?src=rss

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are coming in 2025

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If the over-the-ear hook design of the Powerbeats Pro is something you fancy, Beats is planning a successor for next year. The company teased the new product on Instagram, with footage of Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani taking batting practice with the upcoming earbuds. While there aren't any detailed specs or features mentioned in the brief clip, we do get a preview of the updated design. 

The Powerbeats Pro were a great set of earbuds when they arrived in 2019, offering stellar audio quality and the power of Apple H1 chip for convenient features. Earbuds have come a long way in the last five years though, and if Beats was going to keep this model around, it was in dire need of an update. From the looks of the video, the company has developed a smaller set of the sport-friendly buds, with a thinner hook that should be more comfortable to wear. It also appears that the company reduced the size of the casing that sits just outside of your ear. 

And that's about all we know that this point. The Powerbeats Pro 2 is coming in 2025 and Beats will likely be keen to who them off on athlete's ears between now and the time they're available for purchase. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/beats-powerbeats-pro-2-earbuds-are-coming-in-2025-151902492.html?src=rss

The iPhone 16 launches September 20 and starts at $799

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The iPhone 16 series hits stores on September 20.
Apple

 

The full details on Apple's new iPhones are finally available, and the dates align with our earlier predictions below. The new iPhone 16 series will arrive in stores on September 20, starting at $799. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 will open online on Friday, September 13. The iPhone 16 Pro will start at $999, with the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max starting at $1,199. The baseline storage on all the 2024 iPhones is 128GB, and they'll all run iOS 18 with the full range of Apple Intelligence features once they begin becoming available in October in the US. 

This is a developing story. While we update the details, check out the earlier version of the story below, and catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!

Ready to set your eyes on the iPhone 16 lineup? You can in just a few hours because the Apple iPhone event is happening today, Sept. 9. You can watch the Apple video stream live starting at 1PM ET, and follow the Engadget iPhone event liveblog in real-time, too. And if you plan to get your hands on one of the new devices after the event, we're here to save you time because the new iPhones won't be available to buy yet.

Apple is pretty consistent when it comes to releasing new products and we don't expect that to change this year. We'll tell you when we expect Apple to release the iPhone 16 after its event. We'll also let you know when you can expect to download iOS 18 – Apple's latest software – on your current iPhone.

We don't yet know how much the iPhone 16 lineup will cost. Currently, the iPhone 15 models start at $799 and range as high as $1,599 for the 15 Pro with 1TB of storage. It will be interesting to see if Apple holds the line on pricing, or plays around with different storage capacities and price points, as it sometimes does.

Want to follow along with us during Apple’s big event? Here's how to watch the iPhone 16 announcement. (We’ll post our liveblog link closer to the event start time.)

While we won't have a set date for when the iPhone 16 will become available until the iPhone event, we can predict the date based on Apple's past consistency. Here’s what we expect:

  • Monday, Sept. 9: Apple’s official event (confirmed)

  • Friday, Sept. 13: Preorders open

  • Week of Sept. 16: iOS 18 available for download

  • Friday, Sept. 20: New iPhones and other devices in stores

Again, aside from the confirmed announcement event, these dates are only speculation based on Apple's previous iPhone release history. For instance, Apple generally opens preorders the Friday following the iPhone event. So if Apple follows its previous cadence, you'll be able to preorder an iPhone 16 on Friday, Sept. 13. Likewise, if Apple keeps the same schedule as the past, that would mean the iPhone 16 will officially be available to buy on Friday, Sept. 20.

How about new Apple Watch and AirPods products expected to be announced alongside the presumed new iPhone 16 series? Generally, they also follow the same dates, but there have been some delays in the past. It’s entirely possible that one or more of these expected products could hit stores in later weeks – possibly even as late as October.

If you're not planning to buy the new iPhone 16, you'll still have the option to make your older iPhone similar with the newer models – assuming your iPhone is eligible for iOS 18. (Nearly all models introduced in the past six years are.)

While Apple won't announce when it'll release iOS 18 to the public until its event, we can again speculate based on the past. The newest software will be available the week after the event – at earliest, that would be Monday, Sept. 16, though it's possible it won't become available until mid-week.

We'll update with the official dates for new hardware and software after Apple announces them on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/the-iphone-16-launches-september-20-and-starts-at-799-144939985.html?src=rss

How to stream via a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast

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Google TV is an easy to use operating system that provides access to all of the best streaming services in one centralized location. A growing number of modestly priced smart TVs have Google TV built-in. But even if your smart TV runs a different OS, you can get access to Google TV easily by buying a Chromecast for as little as $30, or a new Google TV box for closer to $100. But here's an open secret: If you use a VPN (virtual private network) with your Google TV set or Chromecast, you can access even more content. Here’s how to set up a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.

For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different country’s server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.

Let’s say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content is free if you live in the UK, but blocked everywhere else. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK VPN server and stream to your heart’s content.

VPNs also have considerable security benefits if you use them on your smartphone or PC. Purchasing a single subscription means you can use your VPN on any supported device, so we recommend you shop for a flexible one that supports multiple concurrent logins.

Google TV doesn’t have as many VPN apps to install compared to other smart TV systems like Amazon’s Fire TV OS. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, it’s actually a blessing in disguise.

With VPNs, you want to ensure you invest in a quality and trustworthy product. There are many untested or free VPNs available that sell your data or falsify their encryption claims. Although this might not be a huge issue for streaming purposes alone, it generally poses massive security and privacy risks.

When installing a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we recommend the following VPN services:

We also have a guide to the best VPNs where we explain why we recommend them.

It’s easy to use a VPN on your Google TV (and perhaps even easier on a Chromecast). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install one:

  1. Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Google TV.

  2. Search for the VPN you want to install (alternatively, search for the keyword “VPN” to view your options).

  3. Install the VPN.

  4. Sign up (or login if you already have an account).

  5. Navigate the country server list and connect.

Note that you can use your VPN on as many devices as it supports. So, once you’ve purchased a subscription, it’s wise to download it on as many platforms and devices you can to maximize your investment.

If you have a Chromecast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN — you just need to use your smartphone or laptop in tandem with the streaming device. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Install a VPN on your smartphone or laptop.

  2. Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.

  3. Turn on the VPN on your smartphone/laptop.

  4. Connect your smartphone or laptop to your TV via Chromecast.

  5. Begin streaming your content.

Additional tip: VPNs also work with screencasting. As long as your smart TV is under the same Wi-Fi as the device you’re screencasting from, you can use the VPN securely.

Don't have Google TV? Good news: Robust VPN options (or alternatives) exist for the other major streaming platforms, too.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-stream-via-a-vpn-on-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-140619569.html?src=rss

Microsoft is testing a new on-screen keyboard layout that works better with game controllers

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Microsoft has been working on improving small-screen and touchscreen input, focusing on making it more accessible to Windows handheld console users (think the ASUS ROG Ally). Typing with a controller isn’t convenient, but Microsoft's latest small update introduced a new onscreen keyboard layout that’s a lot easier to use with an Xbox controller, or the controls on a portable gaming PC.

Windows New On-Screen Keyboard
Windows

The new layout isn’t confined to moving cursors and selecting specific keys anymore. For example, the X button can be used to backspace, while the Y button is a space bar. The left trigger opens the symbols and numbers page as well. It’s almost like a mobile keyboard but optimized for Xbox controller usage. Most importantly, all keys are vertically aligned, making navigating the keyboard easier.

The target users for this change include Windows-powered handheld users and PC gamers who prefer to stick to an Xbox controller while playing games. This latest update follows another change Microsoft made a few weeks ago that makes the Windows Game Bar easier to use on handhelds.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/microsoft-is-testing-a-new-on-screen-keyboard-layout-that-works-better-with-game-controllers-135058122.html?src=rss

Our favorite smart plug drops to only $35 for a four-pack

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My nighttime, dim lamp is just out of reach from my bed, forcing me to get up every night just as I've gotten cozy and turn it off. I finally need to pull the trigger and get smart plugs. Thankfully, our favorite smart plug, the Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP25, is currently on sale with a four-pack costing $35, down from $50 — a solid $15 savings. The deal comes courtesy of a 22 percent discount and a $4 coupon you can tack on (just remember to click it). It's only $2 more than the four-pack's all-time low price on Prime Day. 

The Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP25 is our top choice thanks to its reliability and fuss-free setup. The plug connects to Wi-Fi and works with iOS and Android devices, letting you access assistant support from Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa and Samsung SmartThings. The assistants can do tasks like turning your plug on and off. The EP25 also lets you track your device's power consumption and see your real-time energy usage.

The setup is straightforward for the Kasa Smart Plug Mini EP25. You can choose a name for each plug and designate which room it lives in (so you don't accidentally turn the kitchen lights off on someone). Then, program it to switch on at certain times and enjoy getting to stay in bed while turning the light off down the hall. 

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/our-favorite-smart-plug-drops-to-only-35-for-a-four-pack-131535200.html?src=rss