ASUS is often best when it's weird, and this year at CES 2026 the company decided to resurrect one of its weirdest laptops ever: the ROG Zephyrus Duo. Unlike the last model from 2023 that had a smallish, tilting second screen, the 2026 model rocks massive dual 16-inch OLED displays that should make it an ideal content creation and gaming machine. ASUS has now opened up pre-orders for the Zephyrus Duo and revealed that pricing will start at a breathtaking $4,500.
The Zephyrus Duo is the "world's first 16-inch dual-screen gaming laptop," according to ASUS. It boasts a pair of 3K HDR OLED touchscreens that offer a combined 21 inches of diagonal screen space. They're DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certified, and can each hit 1,100 nits of peak HDR brightness. Both offer a 120Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time, though only the main screen supports NVIDIA G-Sync.
ASUS
Another important piece is the detachable magnetic Bluetooth keyboard. Despite the thin 5.1mm profile, it offers a generous 1.7mm of key travel and ultra-large touchpad. With the two hinging touch displays and the keyboard, it offers five dedicated operation modes. Dual Screen mode removes the keyboard altogether, Laptop mode provides a standard 16-inch screen and keyboard setup, Sharing mode sets the Duo flat at 180 degrees, Book mode sets both screens in a portrait orientation, and Tent mode has the hinge forming an A-frame.
There's a lot of power under the hood, with a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or RTX 5090 laptop GPU with a max TGP of 135 watts. The latter is NVIDIA's flagship mobile GPU with the latest AI and gaming features including DLSS 4, frame generation and fourth-gen ray-tracing cores. It also comes with a redesigned motherboard and larger vapor chamber, along with dual fans to keep things cool.
All of that is housed in a CNC-milled aluminum chassis with a new "Stellar Grey" colorway and "Slash" lighting array with 35 discrete zones. The Zyphyrus Duo is now available for pre-order from ASUS or partners including Newegg starting at $4,500 for the RTX 5070Ti version or (brace for it) $5,500 for the RTX 5090 version. Both models come with 32GB of memory and 1TB of PCIe 5.0 storage.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/asus-dual-screen-rog-zephyrus-duo-is-now-on-pre-order-starting-at-4500-130041463.html?src=rss
Not long ago, high-quality wireless mic systems cost over $500 and required a bulky transmitter and lav mic wire tucked under the subject’s shirt. DJI’s Mic Mini showed how unnecessary all of that was, combining mic and transmitter into a 0.35-ounce device that delivered high quality sound for under $100.
Now, DJI has released the Mic Mini 2 (around $100) as a mild update to the original at a much lower price. It’s more fashion forward thanks to the colorful new magnetic covers and offers an audio upgrade via new voice tone presets. Those changes make it the best budget wireless mic for new buyers, but it’s not worth the upgrade if you already have a Mic Mini — and DJI’s flagship Mic 3 is better if you can afford it. However, beware that the Mic Mini 2 isn’t currently on sale in the US as it hasn’t yet been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Design and features
The Mic Mini 2 now comes in two packages for smartphone and camera users. One includes a receiver with a 3.5mm mic output for mirrorless cameras, while the other offers a mobile receiver with a USB-C port for smartphones. Both kits include a charging case, one or two transmitters (mics) and a receiver. You also get a magnetic mount, clip mount, black and white magnetic front covers and a windscreen for each mic. The camera kit includes a smartphone adapter as well.
The camera kit contains 10 mic covers in a rainbow of hues that look like they were borrowed from ‘90s iMacs, letting you match a subject’s clothing or add a pop of color. They all have a huge, distracting DJI logo, though, so many creators may want to cover it with a piece of tape. DJI also has optional designer front covers with four very ‘90s looking abstract patterns in several pastel shades, available for around $45.
Steve Dent for Engadget
DJI has changed the transmitter design slightly from the previous model's faceted shape to a flatter design to better accommodate the new magnetic covers. The mic portion also weighs slightly more at 0.39 ounces. Though tiny, each mic is rated to run up to 11.5 hours on a charge, and the receiver is supposed to go for about 10.5 hours with noise cancellation disabled. In my own testing (recording continuously with a looped video as an audio source), I was even able to slightly exceed these times, so you could easily use it for a full shooting day. This is better than nearly all rivals including the Rode Wireless Go III, which is rated for seven hours on a charge. Another wireless mic in this price range, the Hollyland Lark M2, has a stated runtime of 10 hours between charges.
As before, the transmitters and receiver snap into the charging case magnetically. The mobile charging case is small enough to slide into a pants pocket, while the larger camera version fits into a jacket pocket or a bag. On top of being a convenient way to store the transmitters and receiver, they can charge the mics and receiver 3.6 times, giving you 48 hours of use even without a wall plug in sight. It took me about two hours to charge all three devices in the camera case and about an hour to charge the smaller receiver and single transmitter with the mobile case.
The Mic Mini 2 transmitters can be paired directly with smartphones via Bluetooth or you can connect them to DJI cameras like the Osmo Action 6, Osmo 360 and Osmo Pocket 4 via DJI’s OsmoAudio system.
Audio quality
To use the Mic Mini 2, just affix the mics (transmitters) to your subject, either via the clip or magnetic attachment, and turn them on. Then, power up the receiver and connect it to your camera via a 3.5mm cable or plug it into your smartphone’s USB-C port. Everything pairs automatically, and the final step is to adjust the level between -12 db and +12 db using the dial on the side (camera receiver only). Noise reduction is set via a switch on the mobile receiver, or the Mimo app for the camera receiver.
There are a few major differences between DJI’s Mic Mini 2 and the more expensive flagship Mic 3 when it comes to audio specs. The biggest is that the Mic 3 supports 32-bit float internal recording (with 32GB of storage) that eliminates clipping in most situations, even if your levels are too high. It also comes with dynamic gain control to balance volume if your subject tends to lower or raise their voice a lot.
Steve Dent for Engadget
In comparison, the Mic Mini 2 only offers automatic limiting, which does prevent clipping but can reduce audio quality. It also offers no internal recording so you won’t have a backup if your camera or smartphone recording fails. The Mic Mini 2 also lacks an audio level display like the Mic 3.
Despite those limitations, the 48Khz, 24-bit audio quality on the Mic Mini 2 is excellent. I recorded my voice using all three voice tone presets, and found that I could use the “rich” mode (which emphasizes low tones) without the need to do equalization in post. The “regular” setting offers neutral and balanced sound, while the “bright” mode adds clarity in noisy situations. If you prefer doing EQ yourself, the regular mode is best.
A good test of a microphone is to record your voice and then max out EQ levels in a narrow band across a range of frequencies. A mediocre mic will distort audio in more than one range, reducing sound quality. DJI’s Mic Mini 2 performed well here, showing minor distortion for my voice only at one frequency. When I reduced the gain at that range, my voiceovers sounded clear and full.
Another key feature is noise cancellation. DJI’s Mic Mini 2 offers two levels of AI-powered cancellation depending on the amount of background noise. At the low setting, it reduced background noise but produced some distortion. However, the high level noise cancellation distorts audio considerably, so you should only use it in a pinch when noise is excessive. I also tested the Mic Mini 2’s wireless range and was able to record audio at 450 yards away from the receiver as DJI claims, though the device disconnected once at that distance.
The Mic Mini 2 retains other functions from the original Mini like automatic limiting to prevent clipping. It supports two mics at once, and when used in Stereo mode, lets you capture each mic to a separate channel so you can mix them later on. To set those functions, you need to use DJI’s Mimo smartphone app.
Wrap-up
Steve Dent for Engadget
The Mic Mini 2 is now available in Europe and elsewhere but not yet the US due to lack of certification. It costs almost half as much as the Mic Mini did at launch, just €89/£89 for the camera kit with two transmitters and a receiver, or €49/£54 for the mobile kit with one transmitter and a receiver.
Given the features and price, the Mic Mini 2 doesn’t have a lot of competition. One of its main rivals is the Rode Wireless Go III, but that model is double the price and lacks noise cancellation. It does have slightly better audio quality, though. Other options in the same price range from Hollyland, Boya and others either can’t connect to both a camera and smartphone or don’t stack up in terms of sound quality and features.
Overall the Mic Mini 2 offers a great combination of range, audio quality and noise cancellation. It’s not worth an upgrade from the Mic Mini, but if you’re buying your first wireless mic and don’t want to spend a bundle, it’s a great option.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/dji-mic-mini-2-review-the-tiny-wireless-mic-is-colorful-and-much-cheaper-120046171.html?src=rss
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers at Hasbro subsidiary Wizards of the Coast are set to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the union announced. The CWA says it has secured a "supermajority" among workers in favor of unionization for the chapter, called United Wizards of the Coast (UWOTC-CWA). The CWA has filed for a formal election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), but that will be withdrawn if Hasbro voluntarily recognizes the union by May 1st.
"At Wizards, we’re organizing for a say in layoffs, accountability that runs up and down the chain, and a living wage that actually lets people build a life," said UWOTC-CWA member and senior software engineer Damien Wilson. "I’m hopeful about what we can build here and being clear-eyed about why it’s necessary."
Workers have outlined several areas of concern including protections over layoffs and remote work, generative AI guardrails and mandatory crunch time, along with "increased transparency and equity" in the workplace. "This isn’t just something that affects Wizards of the Coast; it’s how most American workplaces are set up," Wilson added. "Unions are the missing counterweight to protect our craft."
The push to unionize was triggered back in 2023 following mass Hasbro layoffs that affected nearly 2,000 workers, software engineers told Kotaku. Developers were also concerned about issues like remote work, saying that Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast decisions "have not aligned with the values of their employees."
The CWA has been involved in recent unionization drives across the games industry, with workers from Blizzard and ID Software, along with indie devs from publishers including Heart Machine recently joining. Over 4,000 workers have organized across the industry as part of CWA's CODE (Campaign to Organize Digital Employees), according to the union. "Every worker deserves job security, fair compensation, and a seat at the table," said CWA District 7 VP Susie McAllister.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/magic-the-gathering-arena-developers-intend-to-form-a-union-with-the-cwa-104438341.html?src=rss
Google is determined to impose AI search onto as many of its products as possible, and the latest, er, victim is YouTube. A new feature called "Ask YouTube" will let you pose complex questions and receive "comprehensive results that include video and text, then ask follow ups to dive deeper," Google explained on its YouTube Labs page. The experimental feature is available starting today until June 8 for Premium US subscribers 18 and older.
To use it, first, enable the feature in your account. Then, click on the new "Ask YouTube" button in the search bar and you'll see prompt suggestions, or you can enter your own, like "plan a 3-day road trip between San Francisco and Santa Barbara." After getting the results, you can try follow-up questions or choose from suggested prompts to explore in more detail.
As shown in The Verge's quick test, the prompt "short history of Apollo 11 moon landing" brought up a summary of the mission, along with videos and time stamps for relevant information. Follow-up questions yielded similar results, but some queries just showed a list of videos like you'd see in a classic YouTube search. As happens with AI, one of the searches (around a Steam Controller) yielded factually inaccurate information, according to The Verge's Jay Peters.
Tech companies love AI a lot more than the public, and YouTube users are particularly passionate about hating AI-generated slop. YouTube's AI search function may fare better with subscribers, but only if it helps them find quality content more quickly.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/youtube-is-testing-an-ai-search-mode-that-feels-more-like-a-conversation-075057461.html?src=rss
Ford Racing's Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 just ran a quarter mile in 6.87 seconds at 221 mph at an NHRA event in Charlotte, setting a new world record for an EV. The run smashed Ford's own previous EV record of 7.62 seconds, set by the Cobra Jet 1800 last September, by an impressive 0.75 seconds.
As the name suggests, Ford's Cobra Jet 2200 puts a massive 2,200 horsepower to the wheels thanks to a newly designed electric motor and inverter combo. Ford elected to use two motors and inverters instead of four of each as before to reduce complexity and boost efficiency to 98 percent. Overall power is up by 600 horsepower, but the motors and inverters weigh half as much as before. Everything runs on a 900-volt architecture and 32 kWh battery that charges in 20 minutes, easily enough for the NHRA's 45-minute turnaround rule.
It's official: The Ford Racing Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 has clocked a new record time of 6.87 at 221 mph - now the quickest electric car on the planet.#FordRacingpic.twitter.com/drmvH2XRp6
The car has some unusual features for an EV like a clutch that lets the driver dump all the power to the road instantly for maximum acceleration. It also uses a multi-speed transmission that allows the car to run in its ideal power band through the duration of the run — reducing the quarter-mile time by up to a second, according to Ford. The battery design also allowed the team to tune weight distribution for optimal traction. Another racing touch is a pyrotechnic circuit breaker that can instantly break the high-voltage connection via a small explosive charge to align with NHRA safety rules.
Some of this tech, like the high-efficiency motors and 900 volt system, could conceivably trickle down to consumer vehicles. Unfortunately, Ford and other US automakers have significantly reduced their investment in BEV technology of late. Ford recently announced that it would reboot the F-150 Lightning as an EREV with a gas generator, while last week GM delayed its next-gen full-size EV pickups and SUVs — all in the face of rapidly rising gasoline prices.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/fords-mustang-cobra-jet-sets-a-new-ev-quarter-mile-record-at-687-seconds-112259793.html?src=rss
Porsche has announced an electric version of its popular Cayenne Coupé and it could be the company's most powerful vehicle ever — either ICE or electric. Mechanically, the Cayenne Coupé Electric is nearly identical to the Cayenne Electric but the body is substantially sleeker for improved range and performance.
While the front end of the Coupé looks much the same as the Cayenne Electric, the back is giving off BMW X-series vibes in a big way. Porsche says that bulbous rear makes the new model more aerodynamic and thus efficient, with a drag coefficient of just 0.23. It also sits nearly an inch lower than the standard SUV for a more race-ready look. It can haul four adults and comes with a 3.2 cubic foot frunk.
Porsche
There are three versions: the Cayenne Coupé Electric, Cayenne S Coupé Electric and Cayenne Turbo Coupé Electric. All use the same 800-volt architecture that allows charging speeds up to 400 kW, for a 10-80 percent recharge in 16 minutes under ideal conditions. With a 113 kWh battery, range is estimated at 415 miles in the WLTP cycle, which equates to about 350 miles under EPA conditions.
The main difference between the models is power. The base Cayenne Electric model produces a mere 408 hp (442 hp with overboost), while the Cayenne S takes that up to 544 hp (666 hp with overboost). However, the Cayenne Turbo Electric cranks things up to deranged with 857 hp (1,156 hp overboosted), letting you bring three guests and their cargo from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 162 mph.
Porsche
The interior is bound to have a bit less room than the regular Cayenne Electric due to the sloping roofline, but Porsche made things comfortable and high-tech. It comes with an optional electrochromic panoramic roof with adjustable tint and power operated doors, along with a choice of trims including leather upholstery. Physical controls are married with digital interfaces and a screen that stretches from the left edge of the middle console to the passenger side vent. As with other recent lux vehicles, it offers customizable graphics, an AR heads-up display and personalized app integration.
Debuting at this year's Beijing Auto Show, the Cayenne Coupé Electric starts at $113,800 (minus the $2,350 delivery fee), while the base Cayenne S Coupe Electric is $131,200 and the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric costs $168,000. For a luxury sport electric SUV with 350 miles of range and 1,156 hp, that's actually... not bad? After all, you can easily pay six figures for a kitted-out Ford F-150 these days.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/porsches-new-cayenne-turbo-coupe-electric-can-do-0-60-mph-in-25-seconds-091925467.html?src=rss
With countries banning social media for kids left and right, Meta is trying different things to convince parents that its platforms are safe for teens. In its latest effort, the company will start showing parents the topics their teens have discussed with Meta AI over the previous seven days.
"Parents will be able to see the topics their teen has been asking Meta AI about in [Facebook, Messenger or Instagram] over the past week," Meta explained in a blog post. "Topics can range from School, Entertainment, and Lifestyle to Travel, Writing, and Health and Wellbeing, among others."
For parents overseeing Meta's teen accounts, the feature will appear in a new Insights tab within supervision, both in-app and on web. Parents can tap on a topic to see the different categories within each: for instance, sub-categories within Lifestyle include fashion, food and holidays, while fitness, physical health and mental health are part of the Health and Wellbeing topic.
Meta
Meta also worked with the Cyberbullying Research Center to develop what it calls "conversation starters," or open-ended conversations about their experience with AI. It provides detail about what the questions are designed to address, and can be found on the Family Center website or through a link in the new Insights tab.
Finally, Meta revealed more detail about its AI Wellbeing Expert Council, who will provide "ongoing input on our AI experience for teens." It will be made up of three existing advisory groups as well as new members with special expertise in responsible and ethical AI, who are affiliated with the National Council of Suicide Prevention and multiple universities. It's worth noting that Meta has a separate oversight board that deals with subjects ranging from AI to moderation.
Offboarding moderation chores to busy parents appears to be par for the course for Meta these days. The company has recently cut back on the use of third-party vendors that help with content moderation, shifting responsibility instead to advanced AI systems, according to recent reports.
The dangers of AI for teens have been one of multiple reasons countries like Spain have banned social media platforms for kids. One of the most recent and tragic cases was in Canada, where a teen was provided specific details by OpenAI's ChatGPT about how to carry out a school shooting. Another such case is under investigation in Florida, and AI's have been implicated in multiple teen suicides as well.
In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 or you can simply dial 988. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK). Wikipedia maintains a list of crisis lines for people outside of those countries.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-will-show-parents-the-topics-of-their-teens-ai-conversations-123119624.html?src=rss
After seeing the runaway success of its Neo lineup, DJI is taking another stab at the budget drone market with the new Lito series. The Lito 1 and Lito X1 are both under $400 and weigh less than 249 grams — they’re ideal for beginners. Both are designed to replace DJI’s Mini series, but they offer things that those models lacked like LiDAR and 360-degree obstacle avoidance.
In terms of video quality, they’re similar to DJI’s Neo 2 and Flip drones. Unlike those models, which are safe to use indoors and around people, the open-prop Lito drones are designed to fly outside at high speeds and high altitudes. This makes them well-suited for filming activities like surfing or dirt bike riding. After testing both models, I believe they offer unbeatable value and performance at these prices, by a long shot. Of course, the drawback for American buyers is that neither is expected to launch in the US.
Design and features
The Lito models are now the entry level open-prop models in DJI’s lineup (the Mini series will no longer be updated). Both have identical folding designs, with optional, removable propeller shrouds that offer some additional obstacle protection. Given the light weight, novice pilots can fly them without a permit.
Steve Dent for Engadget
Both have omni sensors on the top and bottom that protect them from obstacles on all sides. The Lito X1 adds a forward-facing LiDAR sensor for extra tracking precision. That kind of additional accuracy is nice to have and it’s unusual on drones in this price range. Built-in storage is also rare on cheap drones, but the Lito X1 has that going for it as well. There’s 42GB on tap, along with microSD card support for additional capacity. The Lito 1 only offers a microSD slot and no internal storage.
They come with an Intelligent Flight Battery that offers up to 36 minutes of flying time. That can be extended to about 52 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, though that model isn’t available in the EU or UK. As with every other DJI drone I’ve tested, real-world flight times are about 30 percent less than the company promises. I got about 25 minutes of use on a charge — still not bad for a sub-$400 drone.
The Lito line has all the FocusTrack features you’d expect in a DJI drone, like 360 degree ActiveTrack subject tracking with full manual control and obstacle detection. It also supports DJI’s Quickshots including Dronie, Rocket and others, all of which make it easy to capture aerial clips for social media. However, you won’t find certain Neo 2 features on the Lito series, like gestures, smartphone control and palm takeoffs.
The Lito drones work with multiple controllers, including the RC-N3 that requires a smartphone or the RC 2 with a built-in screen. Both Lito models transmit 1080p 60 fps video to a range of up to 10 miles via DJI’s Occusync 4 system. That’s a scary distance for a beginner drone. Luckily, both models also offer DJI’s return to home (RTH) with battery warning and other safety features that should prevent lost drones or accidents.
Performance
Steve Dent for Engadget
Both Lito drones are relatively fast at about 26 mph in normal mode with obstacle detection, or 40 mph in sport mode. That kind of speed allows creators to track bikers, skiers or vehicles. Each can also fly in relatively strong winds up to about 21 mph. They lack the maneuverability and acrobatics available on the Neo 2 though, and don't offer an FPV mode with DJI’s Goggles.
With open propellers that can catch on a twig and cause a crash, the Lito drones depend heavily on obstacle detection for protection. That’s particularly important since the ActiveTrack follow feature is a key selling point for novice creators. With all that in mind, I wanted to put them through their paces tracking me on a bicycle and even while driving a car, forcing the drones to navigate around trees and bamboo with fine branches.
To start, I used ActiveTrack and the Trace “steering wheel” mode to follow me from the front, sides and back. Both Lito models can avoid obstacles using either the “braking” mode that stops the drone or “bypass” that simply maneuvers around them. I mostly used bypass mode to see if the drone could continue to track me if something got in the way.
When flying forward, the Lito X1 avoided all obstacles using its LiDAR, while swooping smoothly around trees and branches. Only once did it fail to detect a small twig, which caused a slight bobble, but fortunately, no crash. Thanks to that built-in LiDAR, the Lito X1 model is a bit more adept than the Lito 1 at dodging fine obstacles when flying forward. Overall, the X1’s avoidance in all directions was shockingly good for a drone under $400.
DJI's Lito models offer excellent tracking and obstacle detection for the price.
Steve Dent for Engadget
The Lito X1’s LiDAR is also very helpful when flying in low-light conditions, and even at night. If you go on a long flight and miscalculate the sunset, you’ll still be able to get the drone back safely in RTH mode without much fear of crashing, as long as you fly forward. It also helps keep the Lito X1 more stable in dim light than the Lito 1.
The Lito 1 isn’t as adept at following and obstacle detection at night due to the lack of LiDAR, but again, it avoided danger surprisingly well considering the price. Buyers can still be confident that it will stay out of trouble when tracking subjects in most conditions — just be careful when flying in forested areas with fine branches.
If you’re planning on flying far from your location to capture remote aerial views, DJI’s Occusync 4 system is highly reliable. I only saw video dropouts when flying the drone behind buildings and out of my line of sight, something that I wouldn’t advise anyway. As long as there’s nothing between you and the drone, you’ll maintain a clear video view and full control.
As with other drones in the Mini and Mini Pro series, the Lito models are whisper quiet in flight, with noise levels well under 70 db. The pitch is also low and not shrieking like the Neo models, so it shouldn’t disturb people or animals.
Video and photo quality
Video quality is where the Lito 1 and Lito X1 differ the most. The latter is equipped with a 40-megapixel 1/1.3-inch sensor with f/1.7 aperture (same as the Mini 4 Pro) and offers up 4K 60 fps video with 4K 100 fps slow-mo along with D-LogM and HDR recording. The Lito 1, meanwhile, has a 48MP 1/2-inch sensor (12MP for video) like the one on the Neo 2, with an f/1.8 aperture, 4K 60 fps video (4K 100 fps slow-mo) and no D-LogM or HDR capabilities.
That’s a pretty big gap in specs considering the relatively meager price difference of around $80. As such, the Lito X1 offers significantly better video quality, particularly in low light and high-contrast conditions.
The smaller sensor means the Lito 1 has mediocre low-light capability, with pronounced grain at the maximum ISO 12,800 rating. The drop in quality is even noticeable at ISO 3,200. Unlike the $400 Flip, the lack of 10-bit D-LogM capability also means that over- or underexposed video is hard to correct.
With those issues, video and photos from the Lito 1 aren't good enough for professional work. However, it’s excellent for social media users, hobbyists and content creators, delivering smartphone-quality aerial shots and more detail than any other drone at this price (except the Neo 2, of course).
The Lito X1, on the other hand, does offer video that’s good enough for some professional use. While not as noise-free as the 1-inch sensor-equipped Mini 5 Pro or Micro Four Thirds Mavic 4 Pro, video quality for nighttime cityscapes and other dim scenes is decently clean. In daylight, video is surprisingly sharp and color accurate. The 10-bit D-LogM setting also lets you capture sufficient dynamic range for tricky scenarios like a forest path dappled with sunlight and shadows
Stabilization on both models is excellent, so you’re sure to capture smooth, cinematic video, even with relatively slow shutter speeds down to 1/30th of a second. Photos are more detailed on the Lito X1 due to the higher resolution, even though both models can capture RAW DNG files to maximize dynamic range. That makes the drones ideal for taking aerial pictures of your property, for instance, or checking a hornet’s nest or hole on your roof.
Wrap-up
Steve Dent for Engadget
The Lito series shows that DJI is intent on dominating every drone price range and category, including the bottom end. Despite their low prices, the new drones don’t skimp on features, offering full obstacle protection, ActiveTrack subject tracking, relatively high speeds and sharp 4K video quality — just like models that cost a lot more.
At these prices, the Lito drones don’t have any real rivals other than themselves and other DJI drones, particularly the Neo 2 and Flip. Choose the Lito 1 only if you can’t swing the extra money for the Lito X1, as video quality on the latter is significantly higher. Both drones are best for outdoor adventures, including high-altitude aerial shooting, while Neo 2 and Flip excel inside or around people.
The Lito 1 and Lito X1 are now available in the UK and EU for £299/€309 and £369/€379 respectively with one battery and the RC-N3 controller that requires a smartphone. You can also get them in Fly More combos, with the Lito 1 priced at £429/€439 with an RC-N3 controller, three batteries, a charger and a shoulder bag. The Lito X1 Fly More Combo with an RC 2 screen controller, three batteries, a charger and a shoulder bag is £599/€619. The drones aren’t on sale yet in the US, but may arrive later on.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/dji-lito-1-and-lito-x1-drone-review-high-quality-aerial-video-at-its-most-affordable-120024032.html?src=rss
BMW just announced its 7-series lineup for 2027 promising "the most extensive model update ever undertaken" by the Bavarian automaker. The series includes a pair of i7 EVs, a plug-in hybrid, two ICE models and a V8-powered M model — all running on BMW's "Neue Klasse" technology and flaunting all-new design language.
BMW describes its updated luxury segment design language as "monolithic," touting the minimalist crystal headlights and (divisive) light-up kidney Iconic Glow grille. The body form includes a new "character line" that lends an almost "boat-tail-like" aesthetic to the three-quarter view, according to the company. BMW also hyped its new "Individual Dual-Finish" paint that pairs a matte finish in the lower area of the vehicle with a manually-applied metallic finish in the upper section for a "discrete but supremely elegant look."
The 7-series offers some shiny new interior tech as well, with an extensive upgrade for its 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theater Screen that gives back seat passengers 8K streaming, gaming and Zoom calls. If you get BMW's Digital Premium package (which includes 5G data), you'll also gain access to a TiVo powered video app, select games and the BMW Drive Recorder that gathers exterior footage in case of an accident. Naturally, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard.
The new lineup also offers special welcome and goodbye animations for when you approach and walk away from the vehicles, in Relaxed, Balanced and Excited modes. Part of that animation is the "Ceremonial Light Carpet" that projects a dynamic graphic light pattern onto the ground near the door.
With two new i7 electric sedans — the i7 50 xDrive and i7 60 xDrive — BMW has far from given up on EVs. Both promise reduced sound levels thanks to their sound-isolated electric motors, along with "instantaneous" power delivery, passenger comfort and a luxurious ambience.
BMW's new 7 series (the gas powered version) at Grand Central. The electric version were not allowed inside the terminal,.
Sam Rutherford
Both come with all-new cylindrical battery packs with 20 percent higher energy density and capacities up to 112.5 kWh. Combined with increased drive system efficiency, they'll power the BMW i7 60 xDrive up to an EPA-estimated 350 miles on a charge. You'll also be able to charge them quicker thanks to the higher 250 kW charging rate. The company claims they'll go from 10 to 80 percent in just 28 minutes with a compatible charger.
The i7 50 xDrive's dual motors offer up to 449 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with a 130 mph top speed. The i7 60 xDrive, meanwhile, packs 536 hp and 549 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed (electronically limited) of 149 mph.
They'll also feature a new "adaptive recuperation" system that takes traffic lights into account and can automatically brake. Drivers can choose from high, medium or low brake energy recuperation, with the "high" setting offering a one-pedal feeling. BMW also introduced AI-powered "charging optimized route planning" to include charging stops if a destination is outside the vehicle's range. It can even precondition the battery to an ideal temperature to increase the charging rate as soon as the vehicle is plugged in.
The i7 50 xDrive and i7 60 xDrive are debuting today at Auto China 2026 in Beijing and at a special New York City event at Grand Central Terminal. Production begins in July 2026 and they'll be priced starting at $106,200 and $124,700 (plus $1,550 destination and handling) respectively.
BMW is also introducing the 750e xDrive PHEV arriving in 2027, which pairs a 308 hp six cylinder inline engine with a 194 hp electric motor for a combined peak 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. No electric-only range was specified, but the top speed on all-electric power will be limited to 87 mph. That model will start production in Q4 2026, with no price yet announced.
Finally, BMW's 740 and 740 xDrive ICE vehicles will offer up to 394 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, offering sub-five second 0 to 60 mph sprint times and 155 mph top speeds. They'll arrive later this year at $99,800 and $102,800 respectively. All of the new 7-series models and drivetrain variants, including EVs, will be built on a single production line at BMW's Group Plant in Dingolfing.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/bmws-new-i7-xdrive-evs-will-offer-longer-range-and-faster-charging-131059423.html?src=rss
Anthropic is investigating potential "unauthorized access" to its Claude Mythos model that has been touted for its ability to find cybersecurity flaws, the company told Bloomberg. A group gained access to the model through a third-party contractor portal and by using internet sleuthing tools, according to the report. However, the group is only interested in trying the models and not using them maliciously, according to a person familiar with the matter.
"We're investigating a report claiming unauthorized access to Claude Mythos Previous through one of our third-party vendor environments," Anthropic said in a statement.
The Claude Mythos Preview arrived earlier this month as part of "Project Glasswing" with significant fanfare. Anthropic limited the preview release to a small number of trusted test companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and Cisco. Another was Mozilla, which said the model helped it find and patch 271 Firefox vulnerabilities. A growing number of banks and government agencies have been seeking access as well in order to safeguard their own systems.
However, several unauthorized users (who reportedly have a private chat on Discord), supposedly gained access to Mythos through a developer portal and by making an educated guess as to where the model might be located. That same group may also have access to other unreleased Anthropic models, according to the report.
The new Mythos model has gained notoriety of late for its supposed ability to sniff out security flaws in operating systems and internet browsers. This has prompted some skepticism among security researchers but also fear that AI-generated cyber attacks could become a "real threat," CTO of cloud security firm Edera Alex Zenla recently told Wired. Anthropic was recently designated as a "supply chain risk" by the US Department of Defense, but has been in talks with the Trump administration of late to have that label removed.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropic-is-investigating-unauthorized-access-of-its-mythos-cybersecurity-tool-091017168.html?src=rss