Posts with «author_name|jon fingas» label

‘My Netflix’ puts your downloads and in-progress shows first

Netflix's interface can sometimes make you wade through screens and tabs just to find the show you wanted to watch, but it's hopefully getting easier as of today. The streaming service is rolling out a My Netflix tab on iOS (Android in early August) that puts everything you're watching (or want to watch) in one place. That includes in-progress videos and downloads, of course, but you'll also see My List items, notifications, shows with viewed trailers and other earmarked content. In theory, you can quickly start a series without remembering how you learned about it.

The tab is available worldwide, and will replace the Downloads section when it reaches the app. Netflix notes the tab will grow the more you interact with the platform, so there's a strong incentive to leave likes or add to your viewing queue. The Home tab will remain if you're more interested in discovering new material.

To some extent, this is an admission that the Netflix front-end can sometimes be overwhelming when you're just trying to find that show you were eager to watch. However, it's also a way to keep viewers coming back. In theory, you're more likely to stay subscribed if you have an easier time finding the titles you want to watch next. This also helps Netflix boost interaction and identify popular shows using more than viewing counts.

The company isn't hurting for demand. Netflix's password crackdown appears to be paying off with a surge in subscriptions from customers that previously borrowed friends' accounts. The feature isn't likely to sustain that momentum by itself. With that said, this may give new customers an incentive to continue paying instead of switching to rivals like Amazon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/my-netflix-puts-your-downloads-and-in-progress-shows-first-171313509.html?src=rss

Microsoft's latest Xbox marketing stunt is a pizza-scented controller

Microsoft is no stranger to novelty Xbox collaborations, but its latest is certainly its smelliest. The company is helping Paramount pitch the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem movie by giving away a limited batch of pizza-scented Xbox controllers. Yes, you can smell whiffs of cheese and pepperoni while you play, even if last night's pie is still sitting in the fridge.

The design comes in four variants that reflect the style of the four turtles (Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael). Apart from the built-in scent diffuser, though, these are otherwise stock Xbox controllers that just happen to exude TMNT style. You won't claim an edge over your friends in Shredder's Revenge, aside from looking and smelling the part.

There's no way to buy one of these gamepads, even if you've been a TMNT fan since Eastman and Laird made the first comics. Instead, you'll have to follow Xbox Game Pass on Twitter X and retweet a post no later than August 13th. If you absolutely must operate a pizza-scented controller, these will be out and about at Microsoft's Experience Center on New York's Fifth Avenue for an August 2nd promo event — but you're probably better off just ordering a pie and grabbing bites between levels.

Yes, it's a marketing ploy on par with the TMNT-themed Xbox Series X Microsoft gave away two years ago. You're ultimately doing more for Paramount than yourself. Look at it this way, though: unlike the Krispy Kreme Xbox donut, you'll still have something to show your friends after a few weeks.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-latest-xbox-marketing-stunt-is-a-pizza-scented-controller-153724328.html?src=rss

The AirPods Pro drop back to a record low of $199

This is a good moment to get wireless earbuds for beach listening. Amazon is once again selling Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro for a record low price of $199, or $50 off. That's as good a discount as on Prime Day, and makes these buds an easy pick if you're invested in Apple's ecosystem.

Other Apple earphones are also on sale. The third-generation AirPods have dipped to $159, while the second-gen model is down to $99. And if you're looking for high-end wireless headphones, the AirPods Max are available for $470 in Space Gray (normally $549).

The AirPods Pro are our pick for the best iOS earbuds for two simple reasons: they sound great, and they integrate tightly with Apple devices. They're clearer, richer and more consistently high-quality than their predecessors, and the transparency mode is excellent if you need to keep an ear open for a colleague or a gym friend. These are certainly your go-to buds if you routinely switch between Apple devices — you can listen to music on your Mac knowing you can seamlessly take a call from your iPhone.

The caveats are familiar. You're better off with Beats or a third-party brand if you use Android, and the battery life is merely average. On sale, though, it's hard to top the AirPods Pro for value. They're poised to get better, too. When iOS 17 arrives, Adaptive Audio will automatically blend noise cancellation and transparency modes based on your environment, while Personalized Volume and Conversation Awareness will make sure your can hear both your music and other people.

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/the-airpods-pro-drop-back-to-a-record-low-of-199-140327059.html?src=rss

Google rolls out Android app streaming to Chromebooks following beta

You no longer need to try a beta to stream Android apps on your Chromebook. Google has released a Chrome OS M115 update that makes Android app streaming available to many more people. If you have Phone Hub enabled, you can run an Android app directly from your mobile device rather than installing it on the computer. The update allows you to reply to a message or check your lunch delivery without the distraction of reaching for your handset.

The feature is still limited to a handful of Android 13-capable phones from Google and Xiaomi. From Google, you'll need a Pixel 4a or later. Xiaomi fans, meanwhile, need at least a 12T. Both your Chromebook and phone must be on the same WiFi network and physically close by. Some networks might not support the feature, but you can use Chrome OS' Instant Tethering to establish a link if need be.

As during the beta, you won't want to use app streaming for games or other intensive Android apps. This is more for responding to notifications than any serious commitment — you'll still want to install apps for that. It gives Chromebooks some of the phone integration you find in macOS and Windows, though, and may help you stay focused while you work.

The M115 upgrade also lets you sign PDF documents and save signatures to use later. Google has also redesigned the keyboard-oriented Shortcut app with a new interface and easier in-app search.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-rolls-out-android-app-streaming-to-chromebooks-following-beta-203014704.html?src=rss

Apple supplier TSMC delays Arizona chip production to 2025

TSMC won't be making chips in Arizona on schedule. The Taiwan firm has delayed the start of 4-nanometer chip production at its first Phoenix, Arizona factory from 2024 to 2025. There aren't enough skilled workers available to complete construction on time, according to Chairman Mark Liu. The company is considering loaning technicians from its home country to help complete the project.

The Arizona facility is a highlight of the CHIPS and Science Act President Biden signed into law last year. The measure is meant to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and includes $52.7 billion in funding and tax credits for companies building factories stateside. TSMC seeks $15 billion in tax credits for its two Arizona plants, although it anticipates investing a total $40 billion in the state.

The federal government isn't immediately concerned about the worker shortfall. In a statement, White House representative Olivia Dalton says provisions in the CHIPS and Science Act will get the "workforce we need."

The delay still poses problems for tech companies dependent on TSMC's manufacturing, most notably Apple. Future iPhones and Macs will use 4nm and 3nm chips made at the Phoenix plants. If the delay holds, Apple may have to either stall product launches or lean on alternative manufacturers. Intel is pouring $20 billion into two Arizona facilities due to start chip production in 2024, but those won't necessarily be available for Apple's needs.

The delay illustrates one of the key challenges of bringing more tech manufacturing to the US. While there's no shortage of money or desire, fewer workers are trained for the jobs as there are in Taiwan and other major production hubs. Apple contractor Foxconn may have an easy time finding factory workers in China, for example but they're not nearly as common in the US. Plants like the Mac Pro factory in Austin tend to focus on niche products that don't require large numbers of employees.

There's nonetheless pressure to get the TSMC factories up and running. Moves like this are not only expected to boost the US economy, but to diversify manufacturing away from China. The effort could address issues with labor conditions and limit problems if US-China relations deteriorate. They won't solve every issue (many components and raw materials also come from China), but they may reduce the fallout from political drama.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-supplier-tsmc-delays-arizona-chip-production-to-2025-153028238.html?src=rss

Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max is nearly half off right now

Now might be the time to upgrade your living room streaming setup. Amazon has the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for just $30, or nearly half off. You can also get the regular 4K model for $27 (normally $50) if the Max is out of stock. And if you're in the market for a full-fledged television, the company is running a sale on Fire TV sets that includes its own 2-Series and Omni models as well as offerings from Hisense, Insignia, Pioneer and Toshiba.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max may be small, but it could cover all you need from a media player. It supports a wide range of services, including Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+ and Disney+, and can handle multiple HDR formats (including Dolby Vision and HDR10+) wth Dolby Atmos audio. It's faster than Amazon's other streaming dongles, and offers robust Alexa smart home support that includes live picture-in-picture for your video doorbell.

There are other good streaming devices to consider. You may want a Roku Streaming Stick 4K or Google Chromecast if you can find them on sale, particularly if you aren't wedded to the Alexa ecosystem. And if you're looking for a powerful do-it-all box that can handle gaming, you're better off paying extra for an Apple TV 4K or NVIDIA Shield TV Pro. At $30, though, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is difficult to top — you're getting strong all-round functionality at the price of a budget device.

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/amazons-fire-tv-stick-4k-max-is-nearly-half-off-right-now-133449251.html?src=rss

Apple's MacBook Air M1 is back on sale for $750

This is a great moment to get a Mac laptop on a budget, particularly if you're heading back to school. Amazon has the MacBook Air M1 with 256GB of storage on sale for a record low of $750, or $249 off. That's the same price we saw on Prime Day, and applies regardless of color.

The MacBook Air M1 remains our top pick for a budget Mac laptop, and not just because it's the lowest-priced option. It's a capable machine even two and a half years after launch. It's still quick, boasts a vibrant display and lasts a long while on battery. The keyboard and trackpad are among the best we've tried on any portable. It's easy to carry at 2.8lbs. And since it's fanless, you'll never be distracted by system noise while you're on a video call or finishing classwork.

This is no longer the fastest MacBook Air now that there are M2 variants, and the 15-inch M2 model is worth considering if you want more screen area. M3 versions could arrive in October. There are also viable Windows and Chrome alternatives if you're not sold on the Apple ecosystem. At this price, though, the M1 Air is a safe choice if you're happy with the performance and storage.

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/apples-macbook-air-m1-is-back-on-sale-for-750-160059819.html?src=rss

Summer Samsung Unpacked 2023: What to expect on July 26th

Samsung is holding its summer Unpacked event a little early this year, on July 26th, but it promises to be special beyond just the timing. Galaxy Z foldable phones are certain, but the company has also teased new smartwatches and tablets. This could be an especially crowded presentation. Will you see complete overhauls, though, or just modest refreshes? Here’s what we think Samsung is likely to show off in Seoul.

How to watch Samsung Unpacked July 2023

You’ll have an easy time watching Unpacked, provided you’re an early riser. Samsung is streaming the event on its website and YouTube channel starting at 7AM ET on the 26th. Don’t worry if you’d rather sleep in — we’ll have all the biggest announcements and hopefully some hands-ons with the new devices.

If you’re already set on buying a Galaxy Z Flip 5 or Galaxy Z Fold 5, you can reserve either through Samsung’s site before the event and receive a $50 credit. There’s no commitment, so you can back out if you change your mind later.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5

OnLeaks x MediaPeanut

Samsung hasn’t been shy about the stars of Unpacked. While it hasn’t named the new hardware, the company is expected to reveal the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5. This year, though, the priorities are inverted. Where the book-style Fold is usually the main attraction, this year the Flip clamshell is the centerpiece of the pre-show buzz.

There’s a good reason for that. If leaked renders from MySmartPrice and OnLeaks (via MediaPeanut) are authentic, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have a much larger (3.4-inch) external display than its predecessor. As with Motorola’s Razr+ handset, you could handle many more tasks while the phone is closed. You might send a quick reply text using an onscreen keyboard, for example. SamMobileclaims Google is optimizing key apps for the cover screen, including Maps, Messages and YouTube.

Both phones would borrow some visual cues from the Galaxy S23 line, but the biggest change may be a sleeker profile. Both the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 (shown in an OnLeaks/SmartPrix leak below) are reportedly adopting a “waterdrop” hinge that narrows the gap while closed, slims the profile, minimizes display creasing and introduces dust resistance to Samsung foldables for the first time. Either phone should more easily fit into your pocket than last year’s models, not to mention withstand more daily abuse.

OnLeaks/SmartPrix

Don’t expect major revamps otherwise. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are both believed to be using the same customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip as in the S23 family, delivering improved performance and efficiency compared to last year’s foldables. The Flip would have a 6.7-inch 120Hz internal display, while the Fold would have a 6.2-inch 120Hz outer display as well as a similarly quick 7.6-inch internal panel.

Well-known leaker Yogesh Brar hears both phones will have very similar rear camera arrays. The Z Flip 5 would have 12-megapixel main and ultra-wide cameras, while the Z Fold 5 would have 50MP primary, 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP telephoto shooters. The two phones might have upgraded sensors, however, potentially boosting their performance in low light and other challenging situations.

There aren’t solid rumors surrounding the price or release date for either the Galaxy Z Flip 5 or Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, last year’s Flip and Fold models respectively started at $999 and $1,799, and we’d expect similar pricing this time around. Given that Samsung tends to ship newly announced hardware within a few weeks, we’d expect these phones to arrive in mid-August.

Galaxy Watch 6

OnLeaks/MySmartPrice

If last year’s Galaxy Watch 5 felt like a tepid update, don’t worry — Samsung might soon have smartwatches worth the upgrade. The company has not-so-subtly hinted that the Galaxy Watch 6 will appear at Unpacked, and rumors from OnLeaks and MySmartPrice suggest a Classic or Pro version will bring back the physical rotating bezel. If so, you could scroll through the interface with a more satisfying motion than the touch-sensitive edges of current models. The control scheme would also give the higher-end watch a more traditional look.

Other updates might be more iterative, if still appreciated. SamMobileclaims the Galaxy Watch 6 will use a newer Exynos W980 chip that provides a slight speed boost and potentially longer battery life. Galaxy Club also recently spotted certifications of future watches with larger batteries.

In some respects, software will play an equally important role. There’s no doubt software will play an important role. Samsung previously confirmed that the next Galaxy Watch series will use One UI 5 Watch, a fitness-oriented upgrade to the company’s Wear OS variant. It will offer better sleep insights and coaching, and runners can use personal heart rate zones to optimize their sessions. An improved SOS feature will directly contact an emergency number to share your whereabouts.

While there’s no word on prices or release windows for the Galaxy Watch 6, it won’t be surprising if the lineup starts close to the Watch 4’s $279 for the base model, scaling up to $450 for the Classic or Pro.

Galaxy Tab S9

OnLeaks/WolfOfTablet

The Galaxy Tab S8 series is almost a year and a half old, so it’s not surprising Samsung is hinting at a replacement — though it may be evolutionary. OnLeaks and WolfOfTablet have shared renders and specs suggesting the upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 range will look much like its predecessor, complete with 11-inch base, 12.4-inch S9+ and 14.6-inch S9 Ultra variants.

There should be some functional improvements, though. The standard Galaxy Tab S9 will reportedly switch from an LCD to an AMOLED screen, so you won’t need to buy the S9+ to get the best possible picture quality. A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will aid performance, and Wolf of Tablet believes a mystery secondary front sensor might be a camera intended for video calls in landscape orientation. SamMobile also believes the new tablets will offer IP67 dust and water resistance that helps them survive camping trips and the beach.

It won’t be surprising if the Galaxy Tab S9 family ships around the same time as the foldables, or maybe sometime mid-August. We’d also expect pricing roughly in line with the Tab S8. That would put the regular S9 at $700, the S9+ at $900 and S9 Ultra at $1,100. With that in mind, the S8 series cost $50 more than its S7 equivalents. We can’t rule out another price hike.

Wildcards: Mixed reality hardware and the Galaxy Tab S8 FE

REUTERS/Peter DaSilva

Samsung is known for occasionally throwing surprises into Unpacked presentations, and there are a couple of candidates this summer. Most notably, Samsung said in February that it was working on mixed reality wearable devices with the help of Google (for an optimized Android release) and Qualcomm (for the chipset). There haven’t been any signs of an impending introduction, but we wouldn’t be shocked if Samsung said more about the project.

The Galaxy Tab S9 might not be the only tablet, for that matter. Rumors have long persisted of a Galaxy Tab S8 FE that, like the S7 FE, will bridge the gap between Samsung’s budget A-series tablets and the S9.There aren’t many details, but WinFuture’s Roland Quandt hears the S8 FE may use an LCD with a Wacom digitizer for pen input. A lower-end chip and other compromises wouldn’t be surprising, either.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/summer-samsung-unpacked-2023-what-to-expect-on-july-26th-150001571.html?src=rss

Amazon is bringing its palm-based payments to all Whole Foods Market stores

You won't have much trouble paying with your palm at the grocery store in the near future. Amazon now says it's bringing its One palm recognition technology to all Whole Foods Market stores in the US by the end of the year. As before, you can hover your palm over a reader to pay for your shopping or make use of your Prime perks. You won't have to pull out your phone or wallet if you've already signed up online.

Amazon One is already available in 200-plus stores in states like California, New York and Texas. The expansion will bring it to over 500 shops. The tech is also available in some third-party locations. You can buy beer at the Colorado Rockies' stadium, or get breakfast at a Panera cafe.

The palm recognition system is billed as an advantage over tap-to-pay and other contactless systems that still require some kind of physical item, including Amazon's computer vision-based Just Walk Out tech.It's also potentially helpful for businesses. It makes sure that alcohol buyers are of legal age, and the deeper nature of the scans (which look at both the palm and veins) create a distinctive vector "signature" that supposedly can't be copied.

The approach has its critics, however. Activists have called on music venues and other locations to drop Amazon One over privacy and human rights concerns. While Amazon touts secure cloud storage for palm signatures as well as anti-tampering protections, opponents are concerned governments could use the data to track protesters and marginalized people. Objectors are also worried hackers could still take and abuse data.

The company is already facing legal trouble over its practices. A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges Amazon broke New York City law by failing to clearly notify Go store shoppers that it was collecting biometric data, including palms. Amazon maintains that One users are explicitly consenting to data collection, but it's not clear that's enough to honor the legislation.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-is-bringing-its-palm-based-payments-to-all-whole-foods-market-stores-132413042.html?src=rss

Microsoft will deliver improved HoloLens combat goggles to Army testers this month

Microsoft is taking another turn at testing its HoloLens-based combat goggles with the US military. The company has confirmed to Engadget that it's delivering improved IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) 1.2 devices to the Army before the end of July. These updated augmented reality models are "slimmer, lighter and more balanced" than before, Microsoft says. That, in turn, should make them more comfortable and improve soldiers' performance.

The Army tellsBloomberg two squads will test 20 prototype IVAS goggles in late August. They'll gauge low-light functionality, reliability and whether or not they make soldiers feel ill. Some testers complained last year of nausea, headaches and eye strain, while others weren't happy with the bulk, narrow field of view and a display glow that could give away a soldier's presence at night. Key features also failed relatively frequently.

The HoloLens tech is meant to improve battlefield awareness. Infantry can see each other's positions, get vital health stats and use night vision that's less conspicuous. They can better coordinate assaults and warn if there are signs of injury or fatigue. The technology might reach the field within a few years if the August test is successful. The Army would award a contract between July and September 2024 for a second field study, and could move to an operational combat test as soon as April 2025. The Army could deploy IVAS months afterward.

Much is riding on this test, however. While the Army could spend as much as $21.9 billion in ten years for up to 121,000 IVAS units, Congress blocked further orders of the earlier goggles in January following reports of problems. Politicians instead gave Microsoft $40 million to rework the hardware. If there are still issues, the Army could cancel the program. It would not only cost Microsoft a lucrative contract, but would cast further doubt on HoloLens itself. The team lost lead developer Alex Kipman last year following misconduct allegations, and layoffs early this year dealt a serious blow to the mixed reality division.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-will-deliver-improved-hololens-combat-goggles-to-army-testers-this-month-211521914.html?src=rss