NVIDIA had more news up its sleeve at CES 2024 beyond a slew of new GPUs. The company also announced a bunch of updates for its GeForce Now cloud gaming service, including the addition of G-Sync tech and streaming day passes for paid subscribers.
Cloud G-Sync support, which is coming soon, will work on displays with variable refresh rates as well as monitors that are compatible with G-Sync. GeForce Now will adjust the display’s refresh rate to match the streaming rate, in the aim of minimizing latency and stutter to deliver smoother gameplay.
If you're an Ultimate subscriber, you'll also have access to increased NVIDIA Reflex support on certain titles. Alongside a 240fps mode, Reflex (another feature designed to reduce latency) will soon support streams up to 4K resolution and at 60fps or 120fps to give players more options. In addition, Android users will soon be able to stream GeForce Now to their devices at 1440p resolution.
Starting in early February, you'll be able to check out the GeForce Now Ultimate and Priority tiers without having to sign up for one or six months out of the gate thanks to day passes. These provide 24 hours of access to the respective tier with all of Ultimate or Priority features enabled. Both tiers offer ray-tracing with Ultimate offering access to DLSS 3.5 and Reflex as well. An Ultimate day pass costs $8, while a Priority day pass will run you $4. The monthly price for each tier is $20 and $10, respectively.
Elsewhere, NVIDIA has revealed a bunch of high-profile games that are coming to GeForce Now soon. Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV are the next Activision Blizzard titles to hit the service following NVIDIA's pact with the publisher's new owner Microsoft. Three Call of Duty titles hit the service in November. The Steam versions of both Blizzard games will be available at first, though NVIDIA notes that support for the Battle.net launcher is on the way. Capcom's dinosaur shoot-'em-up Exoprimal (arriving January 18), Honkai: Star Rail from Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse and Mainframe Industries’ Pax Dei are on the way too.
Last but not least, NVIDIA is bringing GeForce Now to Japan this spring. It's doing so with the help of Japanese telecom company KDDI.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nvidia-is-bringing-day-passes-and-g-sync-to-geforce-now-182518914.html?src=rss
Team Engadget is on the ground at CES 2024 to bring you all the biggest (and strangest) tech news from Las Vegas this week. To help make that happen, our editors and reporters need to keep their phone and laptop batteries topped up, and that's where power banks come in. While you might not be running around the showfloor at a convention center, you may need to juice up your devices while you're on the go too. As such, there's some good news for you, since many of Anker's power banks and charging accessories are on sale for up to 43 percent off.
Those with an iPhone may be interested in picking up the Anker 622 Magnetic Battery, which can charge MagSafe-compatible devices by attaching it to the rear. The device also supports USB-C charging. This charger has dropped to $40, which is $30 off the regular price and a record low.
This gizmo has a handy PopSockets grip, which should make it easier for many folks to hold their iPhone while it's charging. It can also act as a stand, so you can prop up your phone to watch videos or play games while topping up the battery. The 622 has a capacity of 5,000mAh, which Anker claims will provide your phone with up to 17 hours of extra use.
This is a very handy piece of travel gear as it will let you charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time. The top of the cube tilts open so you can comfortably watch videos on your iPhone while it's charging via MagSafe. The Cube will charge your phone at up to 15W (it comes with a 30W USB-C charger). Anker also notes that the Cube can fully charge an Apple Watch Series 8 in around 70 minutes.
Meanwhile, those looking for a USB-C cable with a high power throughput (likely for laptop use) may be interested in picking up a two-pack for $15. The dual six-foot USB-C to USB-C cables usually cost $23, and this marks another record low.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/anker-power-banks-and-charging-gear-are-up-to-43-percent-off-right-now-171544198.html?src=rss
Those who've been yearning for a chance to try the Apple Vision Pro headset and have the cash to spare won't need to wait much longer to snap one up. The company says the hotly anticipated device will arrive in the US on February 2. Pre-orders for the mixed reality headset, which starts at $3,499 for 256GB of storage, will open on January 19. The device will be available at all US Apple Store locations as well as through the company's web store.
Those who require vision correction will need to snap up Zeiss optical inserts and attach them to the headset magnetically (Vision Pro doesn't work with glasses). Readers will cost $99, while prescription lenses will set you back $149. The inserts will only be available for purchase online, so don't expect to be able to wander into an Apple Store to pick them up. Naturally, you'll need a prescription for the prescription lenses. However, Apple says that "not all prescriptions are supported."
The era of spatial computing has arrived! Apple Vision Pro is available in the US on February 2. pic.twitter.com/5BK1jyEnZN
This is Apple's first new major product line since it introduced the Apple Watch back in 2014. Apple revealed the Vision Pro release date just as CES 2024 is kicking off, likely to steal some thunder away from the show's exhibitors without needing to actually show up in Las Vegas itself.
The Vision Pro, which Apple announced at WWDC last year, marks the company's initial foray into spatial computing. You'll primarily control it with your hands, eyes and voice, though you can pair a Magic Keyboard and Trackpad for productivity needs or a controller when it's time to kick back and play games.
Apple says a brand new App Store will support more than a million apps from the iOS and iPadOS ecosystems. Of course, there will be apps that are unique to the headset's visionOS. You'll interact with apps by just looking at them, tapping your fingers (à la Apple Watch's new Double Tap feature), flicking your wrist to scroll and using dictation or a virtual keyboard for typing. Siri will enable to you control media playback, open and close apps and much more, Apple says.
Users can place apps anywhere in a 3D virtual environment, which could be a boon for multitasking. You'll be able to access your Mac through your Vision Pro as well, so you'll have access to a giant 4K canvas for your desktop or laptop to help you get things done.
On the entertainment front, you'll be able to stream shows and movies from the likes of Apple TV+, Disney+ and Max on a virtual screen that appears to be 100 feet wide. There's HDR support and, through the Apple TV app, you'll me able to check out more than 150 titles in 3D. Vision Pro also supports Apple's new Immersive Video format, through which you can check out 180-degree, 3D experiences in high resolution.
As for games, Vision Pro will support more than 250 Apple Arcade titles as well as others from the App Store. Players will be able to check out "spatial games," such as Game Room, What the Golf? and Super Fruit Ninja. In those cases, Apple says the headset will transform the space around you, likely leading to more immersive gaming experiences. It's possible that you'll be able to use PlayStation and Xbox remote play features using Vision Pro too.
Speaking of immersion, you'll be able to virtually relocate to more peaceful environments, such as a national park or the surface of the Moon, if you don't feel like looking at your office or home in mixed reality. By turning the Digital Crown, you can adjust the level of immersion in these environments.
The iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max can now capture spatial photos and videos, and you'll be able to view those in "life-size scale" through Vision Pro. Panoramas, for instance, will wrap around you.
FaceTime and other types of calls are getting an intriguing upgrade through Vision Pro. Headset users will appear as a Persona, a virtual representation of them that shows their hand movements and facial expressions (Personas are also supported on the likes of Zoom, Webex and Microsoft Teams). Those taking part in a call on a Mac, iPad or iPhone will appear in a tile, while spatial audio will make it seem as though each person's voice comes from the location of their tile in the space.
Oftentimes, wearers of virtual reality or mixed reality headsets seem disconnected from others in the same physical space as they can't make eye contact with those around them. To mitigate that, Apple has developed technology called EyeSight. This makes it appear as though the Vision Pro is transparent, allowing others to see a wearer's eyes.
Elsewhere, Apple has developed a new authentication system called Optic ID to unlock the device, as well as for password autofill and Apple Pay payment approval. The company says that eye-tracking information remains private — neither Apple nor the makers of third-party apps or websites can access that data. It also notes that Vision Pro has a number of accessibility-minded features, such as the ability to enable eye tracking for one dominant eye (which may be helpful for those who have severe vision loss in one eye or a misalignment).
Given the price of Apple's headset, it's highly unlikely that it will see wide adoption, at least in its first iteration. This is one for developers, early adopters and Apple enthusiasts. It may be the case that Apple eventually becomes the company to make mixed reality mainstream. In the meantime, at least we now know when eager beavers will be able to buy a Vision Pro if they have a spare few thousand dollars burning a hole in their pockets.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-vision-pro-goes-on-sale-in-the-us-on-february-2-for-3499-142006153.html?src=rss
Kia is returning to CES for the first time in five years and the company is set to take center stage for a spell by hosting a press conference. You'll be able to watch all the Kia CES 2024 announcements on January 8 at 6PM ET by checking out the livestream below.
What to expect
The company says it will offer interested parties a closer peek at several of its concept models including the EV3 and EV4, as well as the EV9 and EV6 GT. Kia is also promising a look at its first so-called "platform beyond vehicle" (PBV) that's scheduled for mass production in 2025.
Kia describes PBV as a mobility solution that blends "fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions that will open the door to new businesses and lifestyles." To that end, the automaker will talk through some PBV tech, "its software-defined vehicle strategy" and partnership plans.
The brand has been teasing out some of its EV ambitions over the last year or so. For instance, we test drove the EV9 concept, which has seven seats and a large cargo space. In October, Kia offered more details on the EV3, EV4 and EV5 before providing a closer look at the first two of those the following month. It seems like it won't be too long before the public can get behind the wheel of at least one of these vehicles.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-kia-show-off-five-new-evs-at-ces-2024-230047828.html?src=rss
Automaker Hyundai is one of the many companies that are holding a press conference at CES 2024. You'll be able to find out more about some of the brand's intentions starting at 4PM ET on January 8. You can watch the livestream below.
What to expect
Hyundai has already shed some light on what it will be focusing on at CES 2024. The automaker says it will share a blueprint for its vision of a hydrogen-powered energy ecosystem. Among other things, Hyundai will reveal a modular hydrogen toolbox that it says will help forge a clean hydrogen value chain.
It's also looking beyond mobility to make people's everyday lives more comfortable with the help of "human-centered innovations." The company has pledged to share plans regarding software and artificial intelligence related to its theme of "Ease every way."
In addition, Hyundai Mobis (the parts and service supplier for Hyundai, Genesis and Kia) says it will unveil 20 new pieces of mobility tech that are ready to go into mass production. Those include what it claims are the world's first in-vehicle rollable display and swivel display. In addition, it plans to show off a transparent display for cars that uses "holographic optical elements" tech.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-the-hyundai-ces-2024-press-conference-210053396.html?src=rss
It's Panasonic's turn to hold a CES 2024 press conference. The Japanese company, which dabbles in a wide range of products, is set to hold its showcase at 1PM ET on January 8. You'll be able to watch all of the Panasonic CES announcements live on the company's website or YouTube.
What we expect
Sustainable energy will be a main concern of Panasonic's showcase, according to a statement the company put out ahead of the show. The brand also plans to discuss its "circular economy initiatives designed to optimize the use of natural resources." Helping people to live healthier and more comfortable lives is a focus for Panasonic, which pledges to help people "discover a world of holistic wellbeing." In addition, it plans to highlight its Green Impact initiative, which involves reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
There's always a chance that Panasonic may have some consumer-focused wares to reveal as well. We could see some of the company's latest cameras during its press conference, as was the case last year. Panasonic may also divulge more about its efforts to make batteries for electric vehicles, including Tesla models.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-the-panasonic-ces-2024-press-conference-180058304.html?src=rss
It's almost time for CES, which means that, among many other things, there'll soon be a heap of new monitors vying for your attention. Dell is hoping that its new UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor will stand out from the pack. Announced days before CES 2024 is set to kick off, this model is the "first 40-inch 5K monitor certified for five-star eye comfort," Dell claims.
Five-star eye comfort is a new industry standard stemming from TUV Rheinland. The aim is to highlight displays that help reduce signs of eye fatigue. Dell says it did three things to achieve this certification with the latest UltraSharp monitors. First, it doubled the refresh rate to 120Hz for smoother visuals. It incorporated an ambient light sensor, which allows the monitors to automatically adjust screen brightness and color temperature to match the light conditions. Dell cites studies suggesting this can help reduce the frequency of eye fatigue signs by up to 17 percent.
Dell
Last but not least, Dell says it upgraded its ComfortView Plus tech with the help of an advanced LED backlight to reduce blue light exposure from 50 percent to under 35 percent. This, too, can help reduce signs of eye fatigue.
None of that should diminish the monitor's performance. Dell says the UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub has a 99 percent DCI-P3 / Display P3 color space and 1.07 billion colors. It's VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified and features IPS Black Panel tech and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio.
On the connectivity front, there's Thunderbolt 4 support with up to 140W power delivery. An Ethernet connection allows for speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, while there are HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 ports. Dell notes that pop-out front-facing USB-A and USB-C ports should make it easy to connect and charge your devices.
Dell
If the 40-inch model is perhaps too much real estate for your needs, you might want to consider Dell's 34-inch variant. The UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor also features TUV Rheinland five-star eye comfort certification, IPS Black technology and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. It's not a 5K monitor, however, as it has a WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440.
Both monitors will be available globally starting on February 27. The UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor starts at $2,400 in the US and $3,290 CAD in Canada. The 34-inch model will run you $1,020 in the US and $1,400 CAD north of the border.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dell-unveils-its-curved-40-inch-5k-monitor-at-ces-claiming-five-star-eye-comfort-050102378.html?src=rss
Tesla has issued a second recall in the US in as many weeks. This time around, it's recalling 120,423 Model S and X vehicles made between 2021 and 2023 due to an issue that may result in an unlocked door unlatching and opening during a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this increases the risk of injury and means that the EVs fail to comply with a federal safety regulation. The automaker has already issued a free over-the-air (OTA) update to resolve the problem and owner notification letters are expected to go out in February.
Earlier this month, Tesla recalled more than 2 million EVs over Autopilot safety concerns. The company issued a free OTA update with features that aim to make sure drivers are paying attention while using the system.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-is-recalling-120000-vehicles-in-the-us-over-a-door-safety-issue-114540716.html?src=rss
Tesla has issued a second recall in the US in as many weeks. This time around, it's recalling 120,423 Model S and X vehicles made between 2021 and 2023 due to an issue that may result in an unlocked door unlatching and opening during a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this increases the risk of injury and means that the EVs fail to comply with a federal safety regulation. The automaker has already issued a free over-the-air (OTA) update to resolve the problem and owner notification letters are expected to go out in February.
Earlier this month, Tesla recalled more than 2 million EVs over Autopilot safety concerns. The company issued a free OTA update with features that aim to make sure drivers are paying attention while using the system.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-is-recalling-120000-vehicles-in-the-us-over-a-door-safety-issue-114540716.html?src=rss
Motorsport fans who yearn for juicy behind-the-scenes insights might want to circle January 2 on their 2024 calendar. The third season of Formula E's unscripted reality show Unplugged will hit the Roku Channel on that date. It's the first time that the show will be available on Formula E's new streaming home, while fans around the world will be able to check it out on YouTube.
Unplugged will arrive on Roku just 11 days before the motorsport's tenth season starts with the Mexico E-Prix on January 13. That race will also stream on Roku as the platform ventures into live sports.
The latest season of Unplugged follows the events of the 2022-23 Formula E campaign, including a title race that was only decided on the final weekend. Along with the twists and turns and personal drama, the eight-episode season will also highlight some of the motorsport's tech advancements, such as the new Gen3 racecar that drivers had to get to grips with.
In case you need a refresher of what happened in Formula E's last campaign (or you just want to rewatch all the action), it's worth noting that every race from the motorsport's first nine seasons is available to stream on its website. Every Season 10 race will be available on that platform too, albeit one week after each event. Along with Roku, races will air live on Paramount+ and CBS this season.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/formula-es-version-of-drive-to-survive-will-hit-roku-in-january-102516767.html?src=rss