Hopes are riding high for WWDC 2022. Rumors are Apple may deliver huge upgrades to its operating systems. Moreover, the company is nearing the end of a roughly two-year transition to ARM chips, and many anticipate there will be some long-awaited upgrades to the Mac. Throw in murmurs of a mixed reality headset and the June 6th keynote could prove to be one of the most memorable in recent years. Here’s what to expect when executives take to the virtual stage.

iOS 16 and iPadOS 16

David Imel for Engadget

Apple’s iPhone and iPad software updates are often the centerpieces of WWDC, but this year they may be more important than usual. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently claimed that iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will represent “fairly significant” upgrades that touch on many aspects of the interface.

Key apps, such as Health and Messages, as well as notifications should see improvements. We may also see Android-style car crash detection that automatically dials an emergency number. More importantly, iOS 16 could also deliver the first meaningful changes to the lock screen in years. Gurman hinted at “major enhancements” that could include wallpapers with widget-style functionality. However, rumored always-on display features might be limited to the future iPhone 14 Pro.

The OS updates may also refine multitasking, particularly for iPad users. Code sleuth Steve Troughton-Smith noticed that the WebKit team recently added hooks for an iOS “multitasking mode” that allows for freely resizable windows. While we wouldn’t count on a full Mac-like experience with iPadOS 16, Apple’s tablets may become more useful for heavy-duty computing.

The likely release schedule is predictable, at least. Apple has historically offered its first developer previews of iOS and iPadOS around WWDC, and public previews a few weeks later. The finished software tends to arrive in September alongside new iPhone and iPad hardware. We’d expect iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 to follow a similar pattern.

MacBook Air M2

Jon Prosser x Renders by Ian

Macs started moving to Apple’s in-house silicon a year and a half ago. While the processing power has held up, there’s no question that early M1-based systems like the MacBook Air are starting to feel outdated as x86-powered Windows PCs catch up or surge ahead. Thankfully, you might just see a refresh at WWDC. Gurman previously said Apple was testing nine or more Macs, and planned to launch a redesigned MacBook Air using the M2 at the conference.

The new Air could represent the first big rethink of the thin-and-light portable since the Retina Display model arrived in 2018. As Jon Prosser and others have claimed, it’ll supposedly have a more squared-off design reminiscent of last year’s 24-inch iMac, and come in multiple bright colors with a white keyboard. It’s not clear if the camera notch will carry over from the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, but there’s a chance you’ll see a MagSafe power connection and more Thunderbolt ports. Sorry, the SD card reader and HDMI port from the newer Pros might not make the cut.

As for the M2? Don’t expect a giant leap in performance. The new system-on-chip is still believed to use eight CPU cores, and would bump up the GPU from a maximum of eight cores to 10. Any other speed boosts are more likely to come from minor architectural changes. The new MacBook Air may be more competitive with its 2022-era rivals, but you probably won’t feel much regret if you bought the M1 model.

If a new MacBook Air does premiere at WWDC, there’s no guarantee it will ship in a timely fashion. Apple’s supply chain (like many others) has been affected by COVID-19 shutdowns in China.

MacOS 13, tvOS 16 and watchOS 9

Cherlynn Low/Engadget

As important as iOS and iPadOS may be, there are indications Apple’s other platforms are in line for overhauls.

Bloomberg’s Gurman has hinted that watchOS 9 may receive some of the largest changes. You could see a low power mode that extends battery life without limiting you to basic timekeeping (as with the existing power reserve mode). More recently, the reporter claimed the new Apple Watch software will have tangible navigation improvements You might also see more robust health tracking that brings more running stats, better sleep tracking and a “burden” feature that detects how long you’re in a state of atrial fibrillation.

Other platforms might not see equally sweeping changes. MacOS 13 will supposedly include a revamped System Preferences pane more in sync with iOS’ settings, not to mention some redesigned default apps. Apple TV owners, meanwhile, should anticipate more (if unspecified) smart home features.

Wildcards: Mixed reality headset and more Macs

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images

There’s a mounting volume of hype surrounding Apple’s long-rumored AR/VR headset, but we wouldn’t bet on a WWDC debut. Although the company appears to be registering trademarks and otherwise gearing up for an introduction, Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have both voiced doubts. The technology doesn’t appear ready for a public debut; late 2022 or 2023 appears more likely. We wouldn’t rule out a brief peek to help developers prepare apps, but that seems doubtful without more evidence.

Likewise, we wouldn’t anticipate computers beyond the MacBook Air. Despite those rumors of Apple testing nine M2-based Macs, there haven’t been signs of imminent releases for most of them. An ARM-based Mac Pro still looks distant, and Gurman doesn’t expect any other M2-based refreshes until later in 2022. With that said, be prepared for surprises — Apple launched the M1 with three Macs.

You likely won’t see other consumer hardware. WWDC is still a developer-first gathering, and Apple typically reserves new iPhones, Watches and most other mainstream devices for the fall. The hardware that does surface is either aimed at professional content creators (such as the Mac Pro previewed in 2019) or meant to familiarize developers with new technologies (like 2020’s M1-based testbeds). If the MacBook Air M2 arrives on June 6th, it will represent an exception to a normally firm rule.

A lot of us have been on post-pandemic health kicks or just relishing a return to the sports and fitness regimens we enjoyed before COVID-19 derailed everything. Subsequently, many of us (raises hand) might have overexerted ourselves.

Unfortunately, a few minutes of post-workout stretching isn’t always enough to relieve the aches and pains of a Couch to 5K excursion. While several popular massage gadgets have hit the market over the last few years, the pandemic has led to many seeking out recovery methods that don’t require coming face to face with a massage therapist. These gadgets might not measure up to a professional’s hands, but they may help. We’ve researched and tested all of the following picks, including percussive therapy guns, compression therapy tech, and even some analog accessories that don’t require charging.

About me

I’m not an athlete, but I’ve had several chapters in my fitness journey over the years. I have a black belt in Judo, and am currently trying to perfect a backflip. I sweat my way through HIIT and weight training classes five times a week. And because of all these things, I have my own particular aches and pains, especially with my knee, neck and shoulders.

When testing some of these devices, I used them daily for over a week. Depending on what kind of recovery gadget it was, I would spend at least 15 minutes targeting stiff areas, alongside stretches. I’ve intermittently been using some of these accessories, like a foam roamer, for years.

The basics

Foam roller

Trigger Point

There’s no vibrating function here, just a cylinder-shaped piece of foam (sometimes plastic or rubber) for you to gingerly roll yourself across. I’ve personally enjoyed some relief from knee issues (combined with recovery exercises and guidance from my physio) and found that it helped loosen up tight quads.

The great thing about a foam roller is its versatility. There are exercises for the shoulders, back muscles, the iliotibial (IT) band and every other part of your leg. Many rollers come with basic diagrams to try out, but you can also follow along with many YouTube videos; just search for a specific tight area.

If you’re new to foam rolling, I’d suggest this one from Trigger Point, which is gentler on your tender muscles than some of the plastic-molded options.

Trigger point massage balls

These rigid massage balls, usually the size of a tennis ball, offer a trigger point massage that helps tackle knots in your shoulder blade, or that tight corner of your glutes. Place the ball on a yoga mat (or carpet) and position your problem area over the ball, using your body weight to apply force. Relief isn’t just limited to the floor either. Try positioning the ball between your back – or shoulder – and a wall. There are several guides online, but this set of balls, with differing levels of stiffness, should ensure you feel the pressure at just the right level.

Bolster

This recommendation comes from my colleague Valentina Palladino, who loves this bolster for improving her yoga habit. Bolsters are firm pillows that come in several shapes and sizes which help many yoga practitioners maintain proper posture in certain movements, due to lack of flexibility or minor injuries.

According to Valentina: “While I definitely don’t stretch as much as I should, this bolster that I originally bought solely for yoga practice has come in handy when I do sit on the mat for a 10-minute, post-run stretch. I mostly use it for back extensions, placing the bolster underneath my lower back so I can get a gentle spinal decompression.

She adds: “There are dedicated back stretchers you can buy that do something similar, but I have come to prefer the bolster for its supportive comfort and its versatility. I still use it during yoga sessions as a tool to get deeper into certain movements, and it provides extra support in sitting poses.”

Percussive therapy and massage guns

Mat Smith/Engadget

Should you splurge on something a little more powerful and expensive, though? There is established evidence that manual hand massage helps to reduce pain, but there’s less supporting data for many of the benefits claimed by percussive therapy devices.

Depending on the company and the device, some claims (like improved performance or range of motion) are backed up by small studies, but others (including reduced cellulite and sped-up muscle recovery) are not.

Dr. Kelly Starrett, Athlete Performance Advisor for Hyperice (and founding mobility expert for CrossFit) told Engadget: “When we are trying to change how the brain interprets information from the body’s tissue systems as threatening or unsafe; vibration, percussion, and even heat can help us feel better.”

My own experience tracks with this: using one with a targeted approach to tight areas feels good and can help you prime your body ahead of a workout without overexerting yourself.

If you’ve seen the Instagram ads, you already know there are many massage guns to choose from, but our picks come from two of the most prominent players in the field, Therabody’s Theragun and Hyperice’ HyperVolt series.

Theragun Prime

Mat Smith/Engadget

We’ve touched on the benefits of the Theragun Prime before, but it’s the company’s unique triangle design that helps its devices stand out. It offers multiple ways to grip the Theragun and help target trickier parts of the body. As one of the more premium massage devices, you get 16mm amplitude (typically only beaten by devices several hundred dollars more) and speeds of up to 2,400 percussions per minute.

The Prime comes with three extra attachments in addition to the standard ball: a cone, a dampener with a flattened head, and a thumb attachment, which can help dig deeper.

Therabody’s latest family of percussive therapy devices is also quieter than older Theraguns – and most of the competition – but it certainly isn’t silent.

HyperVolt 2 Pro

The HyperVolt 2 Pro has a more conventional design, but I prefer its dial for switching between different speeds. It, too, comes with extra head attachments, including a fork attachment, a flat wedge and a cushioned head.

This is the premium flagship Hypervolt, so it offers the fastest speeds (faster than even the Theragun Prime). However, while it's also quieter than the Prime, it is a little trickier to maneuver into difficult tight spots without assistance from someone else.

These devices are generally safe in most use cases, but check out each company’s safety guideline pages. It’s sensible to talk to your doctor before use if you’re pregnant, have had recent surgery or have any existing skin or nerve system conditions.

Hyperice Hypersphere

Mat Smith/Engadget

Hyperice has also combined its vibration tech with the targeted relief of a massage ball. The Hypersphere (and HyperSphere mini) include three levels of vibration and an easy-to-understand LED read-out to gauge battery life and intensity levels. In addition, the shape adds a different degree of versatility, as you don’t need to reach with your arm to where you might need relief.

It’s also got a rubber coating that helps it stay in place if you’re not stretching or massaging on a yoga mat. Notably, the smaller Mini has a more powerful motor and is more comparable in size to a lacrosse ball. Despite a more powerful motor and roughly identical battery life, it's more affordable than the bigger model. Most will find the Mini the better option, but the larger Hypersphere, I found, worked well on my lower back and chest, as it raised my body further off the ground, increasing the targeted pressure.

Therabody RecoveryAir

Therabody, the company behind Theragun, has branched out into several additional recovery products. The company also offers a vibrating foam roller and ball, but its RecoveryAir series is entirely different, using controlled compression to massage your legs or arms gently.

The RecoveryAir system is split into a lower (for your legs, from foot to hip) and upper body system, but the “trousers” seem like the best device for most, massaging some of the biggest muscle groups in your body. They feel particularly good after a heavy session of squats or a lengthy run.

While Therabody might be new to compression therapy, science and research into it has continued for decades, with medical compression garments as far back as the 1950s used for treating conditions following the end of World War II.

The AirRecover squeezes at your legs, stimulating your body’s circulation like – and this is a quote from a Therabody’s spokesperson – “squeezing a toothpaste tube.” It’s a relaxing sensation: the AirRecover cycles through squeezing at your feet, calves, knees, hamstrings and thighs. You can adjust both the strength of the compression and the length of the massage up to an hour. Compared with massage guns and static tissue massage, you get to be a little lazier and let the AirRecover do the work.

You can just chill on your sofa or favorite chair, watching Netflix, while it squeezes away. That ease of use comes at a high price, though: $1,299. It’s rather expensive compared to the other devices we’ve included here, but it’s also a very different experience and one that steers itself.

Did you think there couldn't possibly be space for another gaming event in the next couple of weeks? Guess again. Devolver Digital has added its summer showcase to the calendar. You'll be able to catch the Devolver Direct on Twitch on June 9th at 6PM ET. If the slightly NSFW trailer is anything to judge by, expect a typically off-the-wall stream from Devolver.

This time around, the gist is that the publisher's event takes place during a 30-minute countdown before one of the big summer showcases, when the audience is at its most hyped. As it happens, the Devolver Direct will take place in the hours after one of the larger events happening this month, the Summer Game Fest showcase.

Devolver Direct will be hosted by a "mecha" version of Japanese developer Goichi Suda (aka Suda51), who is best known for the No More Heroes series. Expect at least four announcements of new games. Here's hoping for a look at Return to Monkey Island too.

Sony has finally revealed key details for PlayStation VR2's marquee title. The company, Guerilla Games and Firesprite have shared the first gameplay trailer for Horizon Call of the Mountain along with details of the story. You play Ryas, a disgraced Shadow Carja Warrior who seeks freedom and redemption by tackling a new threat to the tribe. As you might guess, the gameplay revolves around VR-friendly exploration and combat. You'll scale mountains using climbing picks, take down rogue machines with your bow and craft new gear.

While the trailer doesn't offer too many spoilers, the developers made clear that Call of the Mountain has tangential links to the main Horizon narrative. You'll run into Aloy and other familiar characters alongside new ones. This is also clearly a technological showcase for the PSVR2 headset. Besides the lush visuals, you can show off the experience in a "River Ride" segment practically tailor-made for spectators watching your TV.

There's still no release date for the game, although that's not surprising when Sony has yet to narrow down launch timing for the PSVR2 itself.

You won't have to wait to get some fresh Horizon content, at least. Guerilla has released a major update for Horizon Forbidden West that adds New Game+ and Ultra Hard modes for players who felt the existing difficulty levels weren't enough of a challenge. You'll also see better antialiasing for visuals in Performance mode on PS5 and PS4 Pro, and tinkerers will be happy to know they can both reassign their skill points and customize their outfits to look like anything they already own.

More technical upgrades are coming, too. Guerilla has teased a patch with variable refresh rate support for compatible TVs, not to mention a 40 frames per second mode that might split the difference between graphical beauty and smooth frame rates. The studio is still determined to keep Forbidden West relevant, then, even if its attention has shifted more toward VR.

Samsung fans looking for a new pair of wireless earbuds can get a couple of the company's latest models for less. Amazon has the Galaxy Buds 2 in graphite and olive at the lowest price we've seen — just $95, which is $55 off their usual rate. If you prefer earbuds with a more power and perks, the Galaxy Buds Pro in phantom violet are also down to a new low of $120, which is $80 off their normal price.

Both of these wireless earbuds came out last year, with the Galaxy Buds 2 being the newer of the two. Samsung brought a number of premium features down to these relatively affordable earbuds, including adjustable ambient sound mode and wireless charging. The Buds 2 are 15 percent smaller and 20 percent lighter than the Galaxy Buds+ that came before them, plus they have much improved sound and an IPX2-rated design. Just keep in mind that the Buds 2 don't have any iOS integration — while you could use them with an iPhone, you'd be stuck with thee default settings. Those with Samsung handsets will get the most out of these buds.

Same goes for the Galaxy Buds Pro, which we dubbed Samsung's best earbuds yet when they first came out. Normally $200, these are the company's direct competitor to the AirPods Pro and they hold their own against Apple's offering. Sound quality is excellent and ANC is strong enough to block out surrounding noises like those from a fan or running dishwasher. The Buds Pro also have an IPX7-rated design and support for 360 Audio and wireless charging. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend opting for the Galaxy Buds 2, but if you can spend a bit more, you'll appreciate the extra perks that come with the Galaxy Buds Pro. 

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Soon, sellers using Square's Point of Sale app can accept payments with only an iPhone. The mobile payment company has announced that it's working with Apple to enable the feature within its application and will launch the service to the public later this year. It will provide sellers with an easy-to-use payment solution, since they'll no longer need to use Square's add-on devices and terminals. All customers need to do is to tap their credit cards, debit cards or phones with digital wallets such as Apple Pay on the seller's iPhone. It does require sellers to have an iPhone XS or later device, but there'd be no extra expenses on hardware if they already have one.

When Apple introduced Tap to Pay in February, it was seen as a product that could disrupt the business of companies like Square. The tech giant promised back then, however, that it will "work closely with leading payment platforms and app developers across the payments and commerce industry," and it looks like Square is part of that list. Apple was testing the feature at its visitor center in Cupertino as recently as last month, allowing staff members to accept payment using the method.

While the general public won't have access to the feature for a while, Square has opened an Early Access Program to give select sellers the chance to try it out. The company has a sign up page on its website where sellers can submit their details to learn more about it. 

Outfitting your home with smart devices can get expensive quickly, but now you can grab some Google Nest devices for less. The Nest Learning Thermostat is $50 off at Wellbots when you use the code ENGDT50 at checkout, so you'll get it for $199. That's close to the device's record-low price and a decent discount on Google's most capable smart thermostat. You can also pick up the battery-powered Nest Doorbell for $130 using the same code to knock $50 off its usual price, or the wired version for $149 with the code ENGDT80 at checkout, which will discount it by $80.

A smart thermostat is a good way to keep track of how you use energy in your home and hopefully save money in the long run. Google's Energy Star-certified device learns your preferences over time and will build an energy schedule around your routines. It'll learn how warm or cool you like to keep your home so it can automatically adjust temperatures depending on the time of day or even when you're home or away. You could leave the Learning Thermostat to do its thing, or you can customize temperatures, schedules and more using the Nest mobile app.

The Nest Learning Thermostat also has a few extra perks that the standard thermostat does not have. It has a sleeker design with metal details and a high-res display, plus it works with Nest Temperature Sensors that let you adjust the climate in your home on a room-by-room basis.

Google's smart doorbells do exactly what you think: let you see who's at your front door before you answer it. The device can send you alerts when you have visitors and you can chat with them from the companion smartphone app and the device's built-in mic and speakers. These gadgets also have "intelligent alerts," which just means they'll be able to differentiate when you have a visitor, a delivered package or an animal sighting outside your home. You can either opt for the hardwired version or the battery-operated model, the latter of which runs on a rechargeable battery that should last up to six months before it need more juice.

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We’re prepping for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference! This week, Cherlynn and Devindra chat about the announcements they’re expecting at WWDC, including new computers with M2 chips (and potentially a revamped MacBook Air!). What’s next for iOS and MacOS – will lockscreen widgets really be useful? And they hold out hope to hear something about the company’s AR/VR glasses. Also, they discuss the surprising news about Sheryl Sandberg leaving Meta, as well as Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Go 2.

Listen above, or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News!

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Topics

• What to expect at WWDC 2022 – 1:29

• Could Apple AR Glasses make an appearance? Some rumors – 2:30

• Possible news on iPhone 14, iOS 16, iPadOS, and WatchOS – 14:10

• Youtube’s TV app now lets you use your phone as a second screen – 30:15

• Surface Laptop Go 2 announcement – 33:19

• Sheryl Sandberg leaves Facebook after 14 years – 36:23

• France bans English e-sports terminology – 42:33

• Working on – 44:22

• Pop culture picks – 52:38

Livestream

Credits
Hosts: Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar
Producer: Ben Ellman
Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien
Livestream producers: Julio Barrientos
Graphic artists: Luke Brooks and Brian Oh

TikTok is joining forces with Pearpop to launch a comedy docuseries hosted by creator Jericho Mencke, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It's cost $5 for all eight episodes, each 30 minutes long, with the first two running for free for all TikTok users. 

Called Finding Jericho, the series will feature Mencke doing comedic interviews with characters like a clown from Craigslist. It'll be executive produced by Pearpop executives Zack Bernstein and Austin Sokol, along with Mencke. 

Last month, TikTok unveiled the Live monthly subscription tool for creators on an invitation-only basis, after unveiling the service in January 2022. It allows creators to "increase their earnings while continuing to grow their communities" with perks like subscriber badges, custom emotes and a subscriber-only chat. 

In 2020, TikTok announced a $200 million fund to support creators, but the subscription service gives personalities a more direct stream of income. Pearpop, meanwhile, is a separate platform that allows creators to "monetize their influence" through challenges and brand sponsorships. The first episode of Finding Jericho premiered late yesterday at 9PM PST and following episodes will arrive Tuesday and Thursdays at the same time on the @Jercho1 and @pearpopofficial TikTok accounts.

You can now grab a 44mm Apple Watch SE for $229 from Amazon. The smartwatch has been on sale a few times for around that much before, but it has mostly been for the smaller 40mm variant. This deal is for the bigger GPS version of the Watch SE, specifically for the model with the silver case. It's the lowest price we've seen for the smartwatch, which typically goes for $309, and is a fantastic deal if you've been looking to buy the device.

We gave the Apple Watch SE a score of 88 in our review and praised it for being an excellent starter smartwatch. It's light and feels like a high-end machine on your wrist, and it has a crisp and bright OLED Retina display. The device also served as an introduction to Apple's Solo Loop continuous straps that don't come with buckles and clasps. We found it comfortable to use when we tested it out, but since the strap can't be adjusted, you'll have to make sure to get the perfect size for you. 

If you want a newer model and don't mind paying more for a smartwatch, however, you can also grab an Apple Watch Series 7 model at a discount. The 41mm version is currently on sale for $329, while its larger 45mm sibling is selling for $70 less at $359. That's a record—low price for the 41mm Watch Series 7, which typically sells for $399.

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