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As smartphone capabilities continue to close in on standalone cameras, I’ve been using my phone a lot more for shooting video. However, the best shots demand a tripod, and carrying one of those defeats the point of using my phone instead of dragging a camera around.

Peak Design’s stealthy little phone tripod fixes that. I’ve already praised it in our updated guide to the best iPhone cases, but I like it even more a few weeks later. If you’re a fan of their camera bags (or their floaty light carbon-fiber tripod, like me), you know what to expect from Peak Design: stylish, considerate design, careful material choice and a spendy price tag.

This aluminum tripod folds down to a credit-card-sized profile, a little thicker than Apple’s MagSafe wallets. With a solid micro-ball head, you can adjust the angle of your phone while it’s in tripod mode. Better still, it can firmly attach magnetically to the phone in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

The tripod works best (that is, attaches most solidly) with Peak Design’s smartphone cases, which have launched in a new array of colors for the iPhone 15 series. However, if you have a MagSafe-capable iPhone (from the iPhone 12 onwards) or case, you can still attach this tripod, whether folded away, but it seems a little weaker.

Peak Design also has cases for the latest Pixel 8 phones, meaning, gasp, an accessory I could use for my favorite phones this year. (It also has a Samsung case series and a universal adapter that adheres to the back of any phone.)

There are many things to like, but the main draw is that I can keep it attached to my phone and in my pocket, which means I’ve ditched my GorillaPod tripod. Unlike other foldable phone stands, the micro-ball head means I can adjust the angle and positioning. Peak Design’s attention to detail is… something. The company included a tiny hex key built into the tripod legs for tightening the ball head. The key magnetically locks in place, so there’s no fear of losing it.

Photo by Mat Smith/Engadget

It can also magnetically attach to your phone in vertical and horizontal orientations, making it an excellent stand even when you’re not trying to shoot video or photos propped up on your desk. If you’re desperate, you can use the tripod legs as a short selfie grip.

The only drawback is the price, especially if you compare this to MagSafe phone stands from Moft and Anker. However, these only prop up your iPhone – I wouldn’t call them tripods. Also, if you want to ensure this tripod is securely attached, I’d recommend spending more on a Peak Design case, too. But compared to other smartphone cases and peripheral kits, I appreciate that you don’t have to buy the companion case – and the tripod seems solid enough to last until your next smartphone purchase in a few years.

There's something so satisfying about waiting to buy a newly released product and then seeing it go on sale. Take the Apple Watch Series 9, which debuted in September at $399 before dropping to $329 for Black Friday. If you still waited, there's good news: the Apple Watch Series 9 in (Product) Red and Storm Blue is even cheaper now, at a new all-time low of $310. The great deal comes courtesy of an eight percent discount and a $59 coupon that will activate at checkout. 

The Apple Watch Series 9 is an excellent addition to the lineup and (potentially) to your wrist. We gave it a 92 in our review thanks to new and improved features like Double Tap and Raise To Speak. Double Tap rolled out to devices in October and works by tapping your index finger and thumb together on the same hand as your watch. This motion can complete actions like answering or ending a call and replying to a message with dictation.

Raise To Speak involves elevating your wrist to activate Siri, though, in our experience, this only works about half the time. Speaking of Siri, requests to the digital assistant now go directly through the watch instead of another one of your devices. This update means you can still ask Siri something offline or disconnected from your iPhone. 

Another nice feature comes courtesy of the Apple Watch Series 9's second-generation UWB chip. Now, you can find out how many feet you are from your paired device and which direction it's in. Once you get closer than five feet, the missing device will buzz. The Series 9 is also one of Apple's first two carbon neutral products (the other is the Ultra 2). 

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Logitech has introduced the Astro A50 X gaming headset that does more (and costs more) than most rival products we've ever seen. It not only offers audiophile sound features, but comes with a dock that can switch your entire setup, including sound and video, between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and PC at the touch of a button. 

The headphones themselves come with 40mm graphene audio drivers (the same we saw in the Logitech G Pro X 2), a 16-bit 48 kHz "broadcast quality" microphone, Dolby Atmos support and Logitech's Lightspeed wireless system. You can tune the EQ and levels through the Logitech G Hub, so it's the company's first Astro headset to support that function. Bluetooth is on tap for mixing in phone audio or connecting a Nintendo Switch, and it runs for up to 24 hours between charges. They can be wirelessly charged on the hub or via a USB-C port.

Logitech

The hub adds a very nerdy element that will test your cable management skills. It offers what Logitech calls PlaySync tech that uses HDMI passthrough, allowing it to be used as a switch for your game and home AV setup. It comes with two HDMI 2.1 input ports that support 4K at 120Hz (for Xbox and PS), a USB-C DisplayPort for PC and one HDMI 2.1 output. With all that, it can switch between devices and pass through a single HDMI output to your TV or monitor, without interfering with variable refresh rate (VRR) or auto low latency mode (ALLM) gaming features.

To hook it up, you connect the HDMI output from your console(s) to the HDMI input on the Astro A50 X's hub. You also need to make a USB-C connection between each device. Your PC, meanwhile, will connect to the hub via a USB-C DisplayPort connection, rather than HDMI. Then, the hub connects to your TV or monitor via HDMI 2.1. 

Logitech

To use it, you don the headset and hit the PlaySync button to select the sources (PS5, Xbox or PC) to display on the screen. The corresponding sound is wirelessly sent from each source to the headset, of course. Once set up, you can be anywhere in the room with your headset and controller in hand, and quickly switch between devices. You can also output sound to external speakers by placing the headset in the dock, which stops audio to the headset but still allows switching via the PlaySync button. 

Logitech didn't say so, but I can't see any reason why you couldn't connect, say, a Blu-ray player to one of the HDMI inputs if you only have one console (I've asked the company to confirm that). Also bear in mind the length limitations on HDMI 2.1 cables. 

If all of that sounds insanely complicated, then you're probably not the target market for this product. Once set up, though, it looks like a way for serious gamers to quickly switch between devices from any location. Yes, $379 is high for a gaming headset, but if you consider that it's also a 3-in-1 HDMI 2.1 switcher with wireless audio output and Bluetooth input, it's a relatively good deal. 

A day earlier than teased, Rockstar has released the first official trailer of Grand Theft Auto VI, the next installment in arguably the biggest AAA game series. As indicated by a recent teaser image, GTA VI will be set in Leonida, Rockstar’s take on Florida, and largely centered on Vice City, the series’ stand in for Miami. Unlike GTA: Vice City’s ’80s flavor, it’s a contemporary world.

The game will have a playable female character for the first time in the modern incarnation of the franchise, and we get swampy areas, inspired by Florida’s National Park, and almost as swampy strip clubs. It is GTA, after all. The game will launch in 2025. Take a look right here.

— Mat Smith

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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review

Maybe the only vlogging camera you need.

Engadget

It’s a bit niche: a standalone gimbal camera from a company you’ve heard of. DJI’s Osmo Pocket line isn’t for everyone, but the company continues to evolve and hone these portable cameras. Three years after the Pocket 2, the Osmo Pocket 3 has some big improvements, including a large 1-inch sensor that improves image quality significantly, especially in low light. There’s also a bigger screen that flips sideways, plus advanced subject tracking. However, in true 2023 style, it’s more expensive than its predecessor.

Continue reading.

ChatGPT says asking it to repeat words forever violates its terms

The chatbot could reveal personal information when asked to repeat words.

Last week, a team of researchers published a paper showing it could get ChatGPT to inadvertently reveal bits of data, including people’s phone numbers, email addresses and dates of birth it was trained on by asking it to repeat words “forever.” Doing this now is a violation of ChatGPT’s terms of service, according to a report in 404 Media and Engadget’s own testing. There’s no language in OpenAI’s content policy, however, that prohibits users from asking the service to repeat words forever. Under Terms of Use, OpenAI states users may not “use any automated or programmatic method to extract data or output from the Services” — but simply prompting the ChatGPT to repeat word forever is not automation or programmatic.

Continue reading.

The cheapest Tesla car won’t qualify for full federal tax credit from January 1

The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 will only receive half the credit.

Tesla has now announced that two of its models won’t qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit as of January 1, 2024. As our sister site TechCrunch pointed out, Tesla’s website currently has a top banner claiming tax credit “reductions likely for certain vehicles in 2024,” urging customers to “take delivery by 12/31” to qualify for the full claim.

According to the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) rules, vehicles using battery components 50 percent made or assembled in the US qualify for the first half of the tax credit, i.e., $3,750. The cars can only get the remaining half of the credit if their manufacturer sources at least 40 percent of their critical minerals in the US or its free trade partners. China isn’t one of those partners.

Continue reading.

Car manufacturers continue pushing out EVs, and the government keeps offering incentives, but accessing charging stations is still a barrier for many people considering purchasing an EV. To that end, last year, General Motors partnered with Pilot Travel Centers and EVgo to install up to 500 charging stations at Pilot Flying J rest stops, and the first ones are now open. 

Currently, there are 17 charging stations open across 13 states, with GM estimating that number will jump to at least 25 before the end of 2023 — with 100 chargers between them. GM states that "many" stations will include multiple chargers with 350kW (which can be reduced depending on a car's charging needs), around-the-clock access with onsite staff, pull-through charging stations, Plug and Charge compatibility and protective canopies. They will also have typical rest stop amenities, such as restrooms and food, along with free Wi-Fi. 

EV drivers can locate charging stations in a few ways, including the GM vehicle brand, Pilot myRewards Plus and EVgo apps. The myRewards Plus app will have food, drink and merchandise deals for all EV owners. But, starting in Spring 2024, GM customers will also get discounts on charging fees and be able to reserve charging stations ahead of time. 

The 500 total stations should have up to 2,000 charging stalls and connect both urban and rural areas across the United States. While there's no end date for the project's completion, the trio plans to open 200 charging stations by the end of 2024. 

AI development and concerns about its safety continue to grow at a rapid pace with little regulation in place. The latest industry-based solution to this comes courtesy of IBM and Meta, which have announced the creation of the AI Alliance. Its mission centers on "fostering an open community and enabling developers and researchers to accelerate responsible innovation in AI while ensuring scientific rigor, trust, safety, security, diversity and economic competitiveness." Part of this work will involve efforts to expand the number of open-source AI models — ones with public source code — which runs counter to the private models of companies like OpenAI and Google.

Open-sourcing is a key pillar of the AI Alliance. "We believe it's better when AI is developed openly — more people can access the benefits, build innovative products and work on safety," Nick Clegg, president of Global Affairs at Meta, said in a statement. "The AI Alliance brings together researchers, developers and companies to share tools and knowledge that can help us all make progress whether models are shared openly or not. We're looking forward to working with partners to advance the state-of-the-art in AI and help everyone build responsibly."

In its announcement, the AI Alliance stated that it will "start or enhance" any projects with specific goals, such as developing benchmarks to ensure the responsible creation of AI systems. This step should involve building a catalog of vetted tools and advocating for developers to utilize them. 

Among other initiatives, it also plans to focus on safety and transparency, including creating educational resources that inform the public and policymakers about the many facets of AI or launching initiatives and events that highlight ways to develop AI safely.

IBM and Meta are joined by over 50 organizations and educational bodies worldwide, such as Intel, NASA, Cleveland Clinic and Yale University. Notably, OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, is not one of the founding members.

Can a super tiny electric car still work in the US? We'll soon find out! Fiat will soon start selling the 500e hatchback EV stateside in 2024 for $32,500 ($34,095 including the destination fee), the company announced. It hasn't been available in the US since 2019, but the latest model is a big update with more range, a nicer interior, better tech and more. 

The 500e is tiny by EV standards, particularly in the weight department. It puts just 3,000 pounds onto the pavement, making it what Stellantis calls "the lightest passenger BEV in the segment." It's a refreshing change from larger electric SUVs and pickups that can weigh double that, though potential buyers may find its tiny size a detriment, safety-wise. 

Fiat

A big reason for that lack of heft is the relatively small 42 kWh battery pack that allows for a maximum 149 mile range. Considering the relatively slow maximum DC charging rate of 85 kW (giving you 80 percent range in 35 minutes), that means it's likely to be used mainly as a city runabout. On the plus side, the price of the Fiat 500e includes a Level 2 home charger from Fiat's Free2Move subsidiary (Fiat is part of Stellantis group which also owns Jeep, Chrysler, Citroen, etc.). 

With 117 horsepower and 162 pound feet of torque on tap, it goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.5 seconds — leisurely, but fine for a city runner. Users will no doubt focus more on preserving charge, so it offers three increasingly aggressive modes: Normal, Range and Sherpa. 

Fiat

The interior is nicer than the plasticky one from the 500e sold back in 2019. So far, Fiat has only shown some concept interiors with crossover designs from Armani, Bulgari and Kartell, though it's not clear if those will actually be sold in the US. In any case, it does come with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad, 7-inch digital gauge display and more. One fun touch is that the low-speed exterior audio alert (required on all EVs), is custom classical music created by Italian composers. 

My first thought when I saw the $34,095 price tag was "hey that's the same price as the Volvo EX30!" which has 275 miles of range and a lot more room. It's also a lot more than Tesla's Model 3, which is $28,490 after US federal tax credits (it's not clear if the 500e will qualify for those credits, but it doesn't seem likely). 

However, Fiat is no doubt hoping to attract young or urban buyers with the adorable design and high-tech features. And instead of mass-marketing the car, it's using a strategy of "dropping" special versions at regular intervals and making them available for a limited time, according to Car and Driver. It's set to hit dealerships starting early next year. 

With the Biden administration's continued attempt to limit Chinese battery components in US electric vehicles, Tesla has now announced that two of its models won't qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit as of January 1, 2024. As pointed out by our sister site TechCrunch, Tesla's website currently has a top banner claiming that tax credit "reductions likely for certain vehicles in 2024," urging customers to "take delivery by 12/31" in order to qualify for the full claim. A link in the banner toggles a message that specifies which two models are likely to be affected:

"Customers who take delivery of a qualified new Tesla and meet all federal requirements are eligible for a tax credit up to $7,500. Tax credit will reduce to $3,750 for Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Model 3 Long Range on Jan 1, 2024. Take delivery by Dec 31 to qualify for full tax credit."

According to the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) rules, vehicles using battery components that are 50 percent made or assembled in the US qualify for the first half of the tax credit, i.e. $3,750. The cars can only get the remaining half of the credit if their manufacturer sources at least 40 percent of their critical minerals from the US or its free trade partners, which don't include China. If a company meets one or the other standard, the vehicle gets a half credit.

However, with the latest proposal on IRA credit rules issued on December 1, the Biden administration wants to further tighten the clean vehicle tax credit requirements by targeting FEOCs (Foreign Entity of Concern), which include China, Russia, North Korea and Iran:

"Beginning in 2024, an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any battery components that are manufactured or assembled by a FEOC, and, beginning in 2025, an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any critical minerals that were extracted, processed, or recycled by a FEOC."

Back in June, the cheapest Tesla car, the rear-wheel drive Model 3, was able to switch from half the tax credit to full credit, likely due to a change in supplier or materials to meet the guidelines. While the latest reversal still offers half the credit, this may eventually be zeroed next year, unless Tesla is willing to source batteries from other countries — which are likely more expensive.

Rockstar has released the trailer of Grand Theft Auto VI, the next game in the blockbuster video game franchise a day earlier than expected. You can watch it here:

It's been a decade since Rockstar Games released Grand Theft Auto V. While fans have been more than able to keep themselves busy with GTA Online and a few re-releases, they've been waiting patiently (or impatiently) for more single-player action. The wait's now much shorter as Rockstar has revealed the first official look at the game's debut trailer.

As indicated by a recent teaser image and various rumors, GTA VI will be set in Vice City, Rockstar's take on Miami. Given the weapons and other tech on display, it seems to be a contemporary game, rather than one set in the '80s like 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It also appears that, as rumored, the game will have a playable female character for the first time in the franchise.

A major leak last year saw 90 videos of a GTA VI test build emerge online. The clips indicated that the game would mark a return to Vice City and that there'd be two playable characters.

GTA VI will be released in 2025, 12 years after its predecessor, which is the second-best selling video game of all time.

This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.

Audio device leader Rode just acquired rival company Mackie, creating something of a pro audio and streaming powerhouse. Rode used to exclusively deal with pro-level audio devices, like condenser microphones, but has since turned its eye to the growing streaming market. To that end, products like Rode’s PSA1+ boom arm have become fixtures with popular live streamers.

Mackie has taken a similar route. The company made a name for itself during the home recording boom of the 1990s and early 2000s by offering affordable, yet highly functional, mixers, PA systems and related devices. Nowadays, the company has leaned into the streamer/creator space with consumer-grade streaming mixers and monitor controllers, though it still manufactures pro audio gear.

It’s no secret that the streaming space is more lucrative than pro audio. It’s just simple math, as there are more content creators than serious audio engineers. The acquisition puts this new Rode/Mackie behemoth in a great place to compete with companies like Corsair’s Elgato. The Elgato Stream Deck controller has been a massive success, quickly becoming a ubiquitous fixture for podcasters and live streamers alike.

Rode has already made its own inroads in the space, thanks to products like the Rodecaster Pro series of mixing consoles and the Streamer X audio interface. Mackie has similar products, like the M-Caster line of podcast-adjacent mixers. The combined force of both companies could put a major dent in Elgato’s armor and offer more competition to burgeoning rivals like Razer.

As for pro audio, Rode/Mackie aren’t giving up that space anytime soon. If anything, the merger makes them a bigger threat to companies like Shure and Tascam. Rode’s parent company, Freedman Group, says that the merged entity will service “up-and-coming content creators to professionals working in live production and everyone in-between.”