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  12.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Microsoft's AI tool can turn photos into realistic videos of people talking and singing]]></title>
  13.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Microsoft Research Asia has <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Microsoft store;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2056b88c-29ec-4b6a-8252-c765ce3c4422&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Microsoft+store&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNyb3NvZnQuY29tL2VuLXVzL3Jlc2VhcmNoL3Byb2plY3QvdmFzYS0xLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiY2YxZGQ1ZmEtNzkwZS00NDQ0LTg5ZWQtZjRjNmI1NDgwNDcwIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAVo5_HFotsZNDhWZFXqM5slhYuYNNAaAhBoXQfGzaycx&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.microsoft.com%2Fen-us%2Fresearch%2Fproject%2Fvasa-1%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/vasa-1/">unveiled</a> a new experimental <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-hires-deepmind-cofounder-to-lead-its-new-consumer-ai-division-190255898.html">AI tool</a> called VASA-1 that can take a still image of a person — or the drawing of one — and an existing audio file to create a lifelike talking face out of them in real time. It has the ability to generate facial expressions and head motions for an existing still image and the appropriate lip movements to match a speech or a song. The researchers uploaded a ton of examples on the project page, and the results look good enough that they could fool people into thinking that they're real.&nbsp;</p>
  14. <p>While the lip and head motions in the examples could still look a bit robotic and out of sync upon closer inspection, it's still clear that the technology could be misused to easily and quickly create deepfake videos of real people. The researchers themselves are aware of that potential and have decided not to release "an online demo, API, product, additional implementation details, or any related offerings" until they're sure that their technology "will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations." They didn't, however, say whether they're planning to implement certain safeguards to prevent bad actors from using them for nefarious purposes, such as to create deepfake porn or misinformation campaigns.&nbsp;</p>
  15. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The researchers believe their technology has a ton of benefits despite its potential for misuse. They said it can be used to enhance educational equity, as well as to improve accessibility for those with communication challenges, perhaps by giving them access to an avatar that can communicate for them. It can also provide companionship and therapeutic support for those who need it, they said, insinuating the VASA-1 could be used in programs that offer access to AI characters people can talk to.&nbsp;</p>
  16. <p>According to the <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.10667">paper</a> published with the announcement, VASA-1 was trained on the VoxCeleb2 Dataset, which contains "over 1 million utterances for 6,112 celebrities" that were extracted from YouTube videos. Even though the tool was trained on real faces, it also works on artistic photos like the Mona Lisa, which the researchers amusingly combined with an audio file of Anne Hathaway's viral rendition of Lil Wayne's <em>Paparazzi</em>. It's so delightful, it's worth a watch, even if you're doubting what good a technology like this can do.&nbsp;</p>
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  18. <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-ai-tool-can-turn-photos-into-realistic-videos-of-people-talking-and-singing-070052240.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  63.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Photos of people's faces with various expressions.]]></media:description>
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  69.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Finally, someone used Pareto’s economic theories to find the best Mario Kart 8 racer]]></title>
  70.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Who hasn’t spent sleepless nights pondering what would happen if we applied Vilfredo Pareto's (the early 20th-century Italian economist) theories to Mario, the Mushroom Kingdom’s Italian high-jump champion and part-time <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/super-mario-bros-wonder-review-the-joy-of-pure-imagination-141108387.html">elephant cosplayer</a>? Data scientist <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.mayerowitz.io/">Antoine Mayerowitz, PhD</a>, tackled that age-old question, and the resulting work provides an objective way to tell us the best <em>Mario Kart 8</em> racer combinations. Hint: It sure as <em>hell</em> ain’t Koopa Troopa.</p>
  71. <p>When you break down the build options (including driver stats and various vehicle details) in <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2017-04-28-mario-kart-8-deluxe-switch.html"><em>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe</em></a>, there are over 700,000 possible combinations. Yikes. But once you eliminate duplicates that differ only in appearance, you can narrow it down to “only” 25,704 possibilities. How do you narrow it down to find the best racer from there? Enter Mr. Pareto.</p>
  72. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Pareto’s theories, most notably the <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://web.stanford.edu/group/sisl/k12/optimization/MO-unit5-pdfs/5.8Pareto.pdf" data-original-link="https://web.stanford.edu/group/sisl/k12/optimization/MO-unit5-pdfs/5.8Pareto.pdf">Pareto front</a>, help us navigate the complexities of choice. They can pinpoint the solutions with the most balanced strengths and the fewest trade-offs. Pareto’s work is about efficiency and effectiveness. Now we’re talking.</p>
  73. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/d7dc31c0-fe8d-11ee-afef-76986bcdc762" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/d7dc31c0-fe8d-11ee-afef-76986bcdc762" style="height:484px;width:860px;" alt="Mario in his Tanooki (racoon-like) suit, jumping in the air and sticking his ass out above his striped off-roader." data-uuid="72e9dcb5-2925-394c-af0b-8c2d962783ab"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nintendo</div></figure>
  74. <p>When choosing a Mario Kart racer, you have to consider their stats for speed, acceleration, handling, weight, offroad and mini turbo. That’s a lot to weigh.</p>
  75. <p>Even if you decide that speed and acceleration are the most important, you’re still left with imbalances. For example, it’s tempting to go all in on speed (like Bowser or Wario), but they have weak acceleration. However, if you prioritize acceleration instead (such as Baby Mario or Dry Bones), you may be left with quick surges that plateau at a lousy top speed.</p>
  76. <p>Meanwhile, some racers are always dominated in the most important stats — meaning their balance of speed and acceleration consistently comes out behind. Koopa is one example of that, so don’t pick him if you care about winning. (But you can absolutely choose him because he has cute bug eyes and a snazzy shell.)</p>
  77. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/fcc9c6f0-fe8d-11ee-b7ff-4158a43f22e6" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/fcc9c6f0-fe8d-11ee-b7ff-4158a43f22e6" style="height:515px;width:1500px;" alt="Mario racing on a neon track in Mario Kart." data-uuid="51adfac1-6f78-3aee-8378-dd8c10a9f654"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nintendo</div></figure>
  78. <p>Mayerowitz’s Pareto front analysis lets you narrow your possibilities down to the 14 most efficient. And it turns out the game’s top players were onto something: One of the combinations with the most ideal balance of speed, acceleration and mini-turbo is <strong>Cat Peach driving the Teddy Buggy, roller tires and cloud glider</strong> — one already favored among <em>Mario Kart 8</em> competitors.</p>
  79. <p>Of course, if that combination isn’t your cup of tea, there are others that allow you to stay within the Pareto front’s optimal range. As <em>Eurogamer</em> <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-has-703560-customisation-possibilities-but-which-racer-is-statistically-best" data-original-link="https://www.eurogamer.net/mario-kart-8-has-703560-customisation-possibilities-but-which-racer-is-statistically-best">points out</a>, Donkey Kong, Wario (my old standby, mostly because he makes me laugh) and Princess Peach are often highlighted as drivers, and you can use Mayerowitz’s data fields to find the best matching vehicles. Keep in mind that others have identical stats, so racers like Villager (female), Inkling Girl and Diddy Kong are separated only by appearances.</p>
  80. <p>To find your ideal racer, you can <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.mayerowitz.io/blog/mario-meets-pareto" data-original-link="https://www.mayerowitz.io/blog/mario-meets-pareto">head over to Mayerowitz’s website</a>. There, you can enter your most prized stats and view the combos that give you the best balance (those highlighted in yellow), according to Pareto’s theories.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/finally-someone-used-paretos-economic-theories-to-find-the-best-mario-kart-8-racer-211046789.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  131.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Rebel Moon Part 2 review: A slow-mo sci-fi slog]]></title>
  132.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p><em>Rebel Moon: Part 2 - The Scargiver</em> is an empty feast. It&#39;s a relentless onslaught of explosions, sci-fi tropes and meaningless exposition that amounts to nothing. And yet somehow it&#39;s still better than the first film in Zack Snyder&#39;s wannabe sci-fi epic franchise for Netflix, <em>Rebel Moon: Part 1 - A Child of Fire</em>. (What do these titles really mean? Who cares.)&nbsp;</p>
  133. <p>With all of the dull table-setting complete, Snyder is able to let his true talents soar in <em>Rebel Moon: Part 2</em> by delivering endless battles filled with slow-motion action and heroic poses. It looks cool, I just wish it added up to something. <em>Anything</em>.</p>
  134. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p><strong><em>Spoilers ahead for Rebel Moon: Part 2.</em></strong></p>
  135. <div id="7cf069546e14414eacda940d0e70c3b3"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cf16jEmvJUY?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div>
  136. <p>If you somehow missed the first <em>Rebel Moon</em> film, the basic setup is that it&#39;s <em>Star Wars</em> meets <em>The Seven Samurai. </em>Sofia Boutella stars as Kora, a former elite soldier of an evil empire who is hiding out in an all-too idyllic farming village, just planting and harvesting her days away. When a group of military baddies kills the chief of the village and starts threatening a young girl, Kora goes on a murdering spree (in defense!), leaving the community open to a retaliatory attack.&nbsp;</p>
  137. <p>She spends the first movie recruiting potential warriors to defend the village, including a fallen gladiator (Djimoun Hounsou) and a bad-ass swordswoman (Doona Bae). (Their names are Titus and Nemesis, respectively, but those don&#39;t really matter because the characters are paper thin.)</p>
  138. <p>Full disclosure: I tried writing a review for the first <em>Rebel Moon</em> and just gave up in disgust. It was a shockingly boring epic, so much so that it took me several days to watch without falling asleep. By the end, I was only left with a feeling of dread, knowing that there was still another two hours of <em>Rebel Moon</em> ahead of me.</p>
  139. <p>It&#39;s somewhat empty praise, but at least I didn&#39;t fall asleep during <em>The Scargiver</em>. Mostly, that&#39;s due to the film actually having a sense of momentum and a lot more action. You can turn off your brain and enjoy the pretty pictures, much like you could for Snyder&#39;s <em>Sucker Punch, Justice League </em>and <em>Watchmen</em> adaptation. He&#39;s more a stylist than a natural storyteller, but occasionally Snyder&#39;s visuals, such as a baffling montage of our heroes harvesting wheat, can be almost poetic.</p>
  140. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/16b0e020-fe85-11ee-9fdd-effa2032190e" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/16b0e020-fe85-11ee-9fdd-effa2032190e" style="height:499px;width:1200px;" alt="Rebel Moon Part 2" data-uuid="7d961ed6-66dc-3760-be30-6d03db176bc2"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Netflix</div></figure>
  141. <p>It&#39;s just a shame that I didn&#39;t care much about the film&#39;s characters or any aspect of its story. James Gunn&#39;s <em>Guardian&#39;s of the Galaxy</em> trilogy made us fall in love with a band of misfits and screwups, with storylines that directly led to their personal and emotional growth. The crew in <em>Rebel Moon</em>, instead, feel like cardboard cutouts from better movies, and the overall plot feels forced (there&#39;s even setup for another film by the end).&nbsp;</p>
  142. <p>Hounsou tries to sell the pathos of Titus with his eyes, but he can only do so much. And while Bae&#39;s warrior woman exudes cool (and has a very compelling flashback), she&#39;s mostly wasted when the action really heats up. Then there&#39;s Jimmy, a robot voiced by Anthony Hopkins, who is briefly introduced in the first film and pops up for a few minutes here to kick butt. Why? It doesn&#39;t matter. Somehow that character is also important enough to serve as the narrator for both <em>Rebel Moon</em> films (but really it seems Snyder just wanted Hopkins&#39; voice adding gravitas).</p>
  143. <p>Perhaps the only real saving grace for <em>Rebel Moon: Part 2</em>, much like the first film,<em>&nbsp;</em>is Ed Skrein as the villainous Atticus Noble. As a sadistic baddie, he&#39;s really nothing new, but Skrein&#39;s heightened scenery chomping  makes the character interesting to watch. Where Darth Vader exudes a calm sense of dread, Skrein&#39;s Noble is entertainingly chaotic, like the Joker crossed with Christoph Waltz&#39;s Hans Landa from <em>Inglorious Basterds</em>. He just has a lot of fun being bad — that&#39;s something!</p>
  144. <p>Given how popular the first film was (according to <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/ZackSnyder/status/1739692549466386728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1739692549466386728%7Ctwgr%5Eb2cfd1ba4df81ccb90097a66279a20a979a8b5de%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenbeasts.com%2Fnews%2Fmovie-news%2Fzack-snyders-rebel-moon-major-success-netflix-despite-poor-reviews%2F">Snyder and Netflix</a>, anyway), we&#39;ll likely see more <em>Rebel Moon</em> down the line. Snyder previously said he&#39;d like to do a six-hour director&#39;s cut of both films, and he recently told <em>Radio Times</em> that he&#39;d like to stretch the <em>Rebel Moon</em> series out to four or six films. Somehow, that just feels like a threat.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rebel-moon-part-2-review-a-slow-mo-sci-fi-slog-195505911.html?src=rss]]></description>
  145.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/rebel-moon-part-2-review-a-slow-mo-sci-fi-slog-195505911.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  148.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Devindra Hardawar]]></dc:creator>
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  201.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Prison Architect 2 is denied release until September 3]]></title>
  202.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>It hasn't been a great week for Paradox Interactive, and things just got a little worse for the publisher. It has <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/developer-diary/prison-architect-2-parole-session-delayed.1667339/" data-original-link="https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/developer-diary/prison-architect-2-parole-session-delayed.1667339/">announced</a> another delay for <em>Prison Architect 2</em>, the sequel to a cult hit from 2015. The game had been set to drop on May 7 (which was already <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/prison-architect-2-is-a-3d-sequel-to-a-beloved-indie-game-and-its-arriving-march-26-193848301.html"><ins>a delay from March 26</ins></a>) but now it won't arrive until September 3.</p>
  203. <p>Though builds of <em>Prison Architect 2 </em>had been certified for all platforms, the developers at Double Eleven ran into some technical problems that will take some time to resolve. Some issues concerning memory usage and minimum spec configuration failures emerged. Although the team says its work on fixing those have been successful so far, some other technical challenges started popping up, leading to significantly more crashes.</p>
  204. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Double Eleven will use the extra development time to improve the prison management sim's stability and to refine some of its features. Paradox says it will also take the opportunity to let players get a look inside the development process via additional developer diaries and streams. A stream is set for April 25.</p>
  205. <p>Paradox notes that console players who pre-ordered will automatically be refunded due to platform policies — they'll need to buy <em>Prison Architect 2</em> again to get a pre-order bonus. Steam players can request a refund if they wish.</p>
  206. <p>The <em>Prison Architect 2</em> delay comes one day after studio Colossal Order said it would refund all players who bought the first asset pack for <em>Cities Skylines 2</em>, another game Paradox is publishing. While the asset pack (which will be <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cities-skylines-2s-embarrassed-developers-are-giving-away-beachfront-property-for-free-170042260.html"><ins>added to the base game for everyone</ins></a>) worked, there appeared to be a consensus among fans that there wasn't enough in there to justify the $10 price. There are bigger issues at play though, as Colossal Order has more work ahead to optimize <em>Cities Skylines 2 </em><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/whats-up-with-the-toxicity-around-cities-skylines-ii-213034938.html"><ins>after a rocky debut</ins></a>. The studio has also delayed the console release and other DLC as it focuses on fixing the core concerns.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prison-architect-2-is-denied-release-until-september-3-181517857.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  247.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Double Eleven/Paradox Interactive]]></media:credit>
  248.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Prison Architect 2]]></media:description>
  249.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Prison Architect 2 ]]></media:title>
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  253.                                                                                                                            <item>
  254.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Ryan Gosling and Miller/Lord’s Project Hail Mary could be the sci-fi event of 2026]]></title>
  255.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Do you like rip-roaring science fiction books? Do you like movies? Then you are in for a treat in, well, two years. Amazon MGM Studios just set a release date of March 20, 2026 for <em>Project Hail Mary</em>, <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://deadline.com/2024/04/ryan-gosling-project-hail-mary-release-date-1235889844/#recipient_hashed=dee2a375632204cded71d0b1ed48049bb7f217b759103a546c4b8311c0e0ea14&amp;recipient_salt=9eb1c463eb9e94ecfd4a4d559f435e24ec9319f54eec84843f295228f997a178"><ins>according to </ins><em><ins>Deadline</ins></em></a>. It’s based on the Andy Weir novel of the same name, which was one of our <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-best-books-we-read-in-2023-163028702.html">favorite books of the past few years</a>, so color us excited.</p>
  256. <p>The film stars <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PdffUfoF0"><ins>honorary </ins><em><ins>SNL</ins></em><ins> cast member</ins></a> Ryan Gosling and will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the duo behind <em>The Lego Movie</em> and, allegedly, <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2015-07-07-the-next-star-wars-anthology-flick-is-a-han-solo-prequel.html"><ins>most of the good parts</ins></a> of <em>Solo: A Star Wars Story</em>. Lord also wrote a little-known movie called <em>Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse</em>.</p>
  257. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The script was penned by Drew Goddard, who cut his teeth on TV shows like <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em> and <em>Lost</em> before moving onto features. He directed <em>Cabin in the Woods</em>, which is somehow both iconic and underrated at the same time. If the name Andy Weir sounds familiar, it’s because he wrote a book called <em>The Martian</em>, <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2015-10-09-the-martian-is-a-reminder-were-all-in-this-together.html"><ins>which inspired the Matt Damon film</ins></a>. Incidentally, Goddard also wrote that script.</p>
  258. <div id="502fd05f679d45e6b3d07345e30863a5"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This summary of Project Hail Mary, clearly written by an AI, just gets more and more wild as you continue reading: <a href="https://t.co/XeuITzFVBG">https://t.co/XeuITzFVBG</a></p>— Andy Weir (@andyweirauthor) <a href="https://twitter.com/andyweirauthor/status/1766942844558688524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
  260.  
  261. </div>
  262. <p>I’ve read the book and loved it. It’s more fantastical than <em>The Martian</em>, but still filled with the same science-based solutions to massive life-or-death problems. This time, the entire Earth is on the chopping block, instead of one lone astronaut. It’s also pretty dang funny, just like <em>The Martian</em>, so Lord and Miller are a good match to direct. The pair also signed on to direct an adaptation of another Weir novel, <em>Artemis</em>, but that project <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/phil-lord-chris-miller-ryan-gosling-astronaut-andy-weir-1202231676/"><ins>looks to have stalled</ins></a>.</p>
  263. <p>Or course, a lot can happen in two years. Here’s to hoping our humble little society keeps clunking along so we can chomp down some popcorn in 2026. Speaking of, that year will also see the release of <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-mandalorian-and-grogu-are-coming-to-theaters-with-series-creator-jon-favreau-directing-174732996.html"><em>The Mandalorian &amp; Grogu</em></a>, the Rey Skywalker film, <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/were-officially-getting-a-second-super-mario-bros-movie-in-2026-152430999.html">the sequel to <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie</em></a>, <em>Toy Story 5</em>, <em>The Batman Part II</em> and, reportedly, <em>Avengers: The Kang Dynasty</em>.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ryan-gosling-and-millerlords-project-hail-mary-could-be-the-sci-fi-event-of-2026-174440164.html?src=rss]]></description>
  264.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/ryan-gosling-and-millerlords-project-hail-mary-could-be-the-sci-fi-event-of-2026-174440164.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  318.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Ryan Gosling in The First Man]]></media:title>
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  322.                                                                                                                            <item>
  323.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Some of our favorite Anker power banks are up to 30 percent off, plus the rest of this week's best tech deals]]></title>
  324.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Before you head into the weekend to hike, pull weeds, play <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/it-took-20-years-for-children-of-the-sun-to-become-an-overnight-success-194511363.html">games</a> or go to work, you may feel a hankering to snap up a few tech gadgets. If that's the case, here's a roundup of all the deals we found this week on gear we've tested, reviewed and just generally recommend. To get cleaner floors without much work, check out the discount codes below from Wellbots on three different iRobot robot vacs. We found discounts on streaming dongles including <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Target;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=827d7835-78d6-4491-ae04-c042cab1d6e7&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Target&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL3AvZ29vZ2xlLWNocm9tZWNhc3Qtd2l0aC1nb29nbGUtdHYtaGQtc25vdy8tL0EtODYyMTc4NTQjbG5rPXNhbWV0YWIiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJhZjQ4MDFlLTI2NGEtNGJjMy05MzFmLTBhYzdmZjEzZDRmOSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAZ8JD9mIr57RcgIiGSFwMk7oH9gLGqUwj649P4koY4dF&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgoogle-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-snow%2F-%2FA-86217854%23lnk%3Dsametab" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.target.com/p/google-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-snow/-/A-86217854#lnk=sametab">Google's Chromecast HD</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQlA5U05WSDk_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZmEtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJhZjQ4MDFlLTI2NGEtNGJjMy05MzFmLTBhYzdmZjEzZDRmOSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAedz3gw3gP8GfIZfgh-7VEu1041bMETqjTe3-RBfJn9v&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BP9SNVH9" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9SNVH9">Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max</a>, as well as new sales on security cameras from the same companies (<a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0dvb2dsZS1OZXN0LVNlY3VyaXR5LUNhbS1XaXJlZC9kcC9CMDlSVFJWRFJKP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWZhLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIyYWY0ODAxZS0yNjRhLTRiYzMtOTMxZi0wYWM3ZmYxM2Q0ZjkifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAaFxTfO4s56eNvCrMGzGAXfy0jVexrIeVFzS3d5SBrJg&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Nest-Security-Cam-Wired%2Fdp%2FB09RTRVDRJ" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Nest-Security-Cam-Wired/dp/B09RTRVDRJ?th=1">Google Nest</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0JsaW5rLU1pbmktMi1DYW1lcmEtV2hpdGUvZHAvQjBCV1daWFdQTC8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZmEtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJhZjQ4MDFlLTI2NGEtNGJjMy05MzFmLTBhYzdmZjEzZDRmOSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAWCr46uwggRa-FKNHU9ELDYVy6eqdJDM5JqWTq18NyYg&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBlink-Mini-2-Camera-White%2Fdp%2FB0BWWZXWPL%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Mini-2-Camera-White/dp/B0BWWZXWPL/">Blink</a>). There are also savings to be had from <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3N0b3Jlcy9wYWdlLzJBMjVCN0ExLTNFRkUtNDE5RS1CM0E2LTNCRDhGRjExOURBRD90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1mYS0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMmFmNDgwMWUtMjY0YS00YmMzLTkzMWYtMGFjN2ZmMTNkNGY5In0&amp;signature=AQAAAXB_76_eP_o7Wl4CbbeeMypM6MSHQea6-3bLleDUOnni&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2F2A25B7A1-3EFE-419E-B3A6-3BD8FF119DAD" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/2A25B7A1-3EFE-419E-B3A6-3BD8FF119DAD">Anker</a>, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1VsdGltYXRlLUJsdWV0b290aC1Db250cm9sbGVyLUNoYXJnaW5nLUdhbWluZy1Db25zb2xlL2RwL0IwQjlCR0pWTEw_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZmEtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJhZjQ4MDFlLTI2NGEtNGJjMy05MzFmLTBhYzdmZjEzZDRmOSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAQlWKjSpKXc_E_cNkdO5UExYfWq9-KFkxRb8po9KATam&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUltimate-Bluetooth-Controller-Charging-Gaming-Console%2Fdp%2FB0B9BGJVLL" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Bluetooth-Controller-Charging-Gaming-Console/dp/B0B9BGJVLL">8BitDo</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9wcm9tb3Rpb25hbC1vZmZlcnMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJhZjQ4MDFlLTI2NGEtNGJjMy05MzFmLTBhYzdmZjEzZDRmOSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAeEwMrTsEhDsBriekxVjZ5hdt_zCJ6qevhgrzNndU3El&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fpromotional-offers" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/promotional-offers">Sonos</a>. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.&nbsp;</p>
  325. <p><core-commerce id="370eb4d3a259476ea4cff7f0c93c58af" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  326. <p><core-commerce id="32f72593d16b4f348b8027c8f1e06739" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  327. <p><core-commerce id="3aa5a9106a704d8db059729fbf15987a" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  328. <p><core-commerce id="30a9ec6b64044fda8e49b3728ad25087" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  329. <p><core-commerce id="42ad1470b8204bd583b1264b9245fe54" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  330. <p><core-commerce id="1bca3c1951c147c6ac07850a77cc0834" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  331. <p><core-commerce id="841f8f47012a49debbad0d9382b66ccd" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  332. <p><core-commerce id="a62b430387394145b37b8bf180bd812d" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  333. <p><core-commerce id="3adbeda608a9495e9938bcea55b66a5e" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  334. <p><core-commerce id="d5b311b2048b404b9647c0367d3e3020" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  335. <p><core-commerce id="2b74b66347ba4004b0abdc922a849f2a" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  336. <p><core-commerce id="b521fc3dd80c44939fd2dec7105ef52a" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  337. <p><core-commerce id="182727b3dcd44916898dfa33e29ad1bc" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  338. <p><core-commerce id="3560e09ccd0249db98d36708d125c4d0" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  339. <p><core-commerce id="98a105250a0e44a9be63a1b1cb98e45b" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  340. <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on Twitter and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src"><em>subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</em></a><em> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>
  341. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/some-of-our-favorite-anker-power-banks-are-up-to-30-percent-off-plus-the-rest-of-this-weeks-best-tech-deals-161051637.html?src=rss]]></description>
  342.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/some-of-our-favorite-anker-power-banks-are-up-to-30-percent-off-plus-the-rest-of-this-weeks-best-tech-deals-161051637.html?src=rss]]></link>
  343.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
  344.                                                                    <guid isPermalink="false">2af4801e-264a-4bc3-931f-0ac7ff13d4f9</guid>
  345.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amy Skorheim]]></dc:creator>
  346.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  347.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  348.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  349.                                                                <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2024 16:10:53 +0000</pubDate>
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  351.                    <modified>2024-04-19T17:10:50+00:00</modified>
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  383.                                <media:description><![CDATA[The Anker Prime power bank sits on its charging dock atop a wooden table. There are books and plants in the background.]]></media:description>
  384.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Anker Prime Battery]]></media:title>
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  389.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Automate your vacuuming and mopping with $400 off the Roomba Combo J9+]]></title>
  390.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>If you’re looking to automate more of your home cleaning setup, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Wellbots;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f14f6b23-c078-4e53-8011-5b872f886d6b&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Wellbots&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53ZWxsYm90cy5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvaXJvYm90LXJvb21iYS1jb21iby1qOS1yb2JvdC12YWN1dW0tYW5kLW1vcCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTE0ZWJlYTQtMmNlYS00YWQwLWFiNmItMWFlYTYxOWZiMmJhIn0&amp;signature=AQAAASFICRfBo_QHmM24WAiSFH3Dt8qkKqUPL7dpcBRkxBBC&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellbots.com%2Fproducts%2Firobot-roomba-combo-j9-robot-vacuum-and-mop" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.wellbots.com/products/irobot-roomba-combo-j9-robot-vacuum-and-mop">iRobot’s flagship Roomba Combo J9+</a> is on sale for $400 off. The vacuum-mop hybrid robot, which only <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/irobots-new-flagship-roombas-ship-with-an-updated-os-to-make-cleaning-simpler-040142701.html">arrived last fall</a>, has a redesigned dock that automatically empties debris and refills the device’s mopping liquid. Usually $1,399, Wellbots has the Roomba Combo J9+ for $999 with coupon code <strong>ENGA400</strong>.</p>
  391. <p><core-commerce id="ad84eca60e6945ed9a3a6855000269fc" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  392. <p>The <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/roomba-combo-j9-review-the-ideal-robot-vacuum-and-mop-130017400.html">Combo J9+</a>, Engadget’s pick for the <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-robot-vacuums-130010426.html">best vacuuming-mopping robot</a>, has an upgraded motor and four-stage cleaning system that takes multiple pass-throughs across your carpets and floors. This version also adds dual rubber brushes for better suction and pressurized scrubbing. Its motor automatically lifts the mop pads when it reaches carpets and rugs to help keep them dry.</p>
  393. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The robot requires minimal setup, and its new Clean Base can automatically refill the water tank, leaving you with fewer things to worry about. The base doubles as a storage unit and appearing less like a gadget’s charging station and more like living room furniture. Setup is as simple as adding water and cleaning solution to a reservoir and attaching a mop pad. Upkeep is limited to swapping mop pads and leaning the vacuum’s bristles and dust bin.</p>
  394. <p>The Combo J9+ ships with Roomba’s OS 7, a new software update that streamlines more of the cleaning process. Its Dirt Detective feature remembers your home’s dirtiest areas and tackles those first on subsequent cleanings.</p>
  395. <p>The software has an automated setting that saves bathrooms for last, so you don’t have to worry about tracking grime and bacteria to other parts of your home. (You can manually override that if you want it to get to the bathroom earlier.) Speaking of bathrooms, the machine includes iRobot’s Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P.), which guarantees a replacement unit if your device accidentally sweeps up pet waste.</p>
  396. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/b8fb99f0-fc1a-11ee-bbc3-3195cdf8bc8b" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/b8fb99f0-fc1a-11ee-bbc3-3195cdf8bc8b" style="height:415px;width:692px;" alt="Product marketing image for the iRobot Roomba J9+. The robot vacuum sits in its cleaning station against a white background." data-uuid="e8cffcee-c2c7-37cc-bc59-a8e0532f4d25"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">iRobot</div></figure>
  397. <p>For those who don’t mop much, Wellbots also has the standard <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Wellbots;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f14f6b23-c078-4e53-8011-5b872f886d6b&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Wellbots&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53ZWxsYm90cy5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvaXJvYm90LXJvb21iYS1qOS1yb2JvdC12YWN1dW0iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImExNGViZWE0LTJjZWEtNGFkMC1hYjZiLTFhZWE2MTlmYjJiYSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAXZvsmelzkHCBlisFwmXOnPNDl66Z2sq2zp-8MKoRxkH&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellbots.com%2Fproducts%2Firobot-roomba-j9-robot-vacuum" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.wellbots.com/products/irobot-roomba-j9-robot-vacuum">Roomba J9+</a> for $300 off ($599) when you use code <strong>ENGA300</strong>. It includes all the vacuum-related features from the more expensive Combo variant, including a three-stage cleaning system, multi-surface rubber brushes and stronger suction.</p>
  398. <p>Finally, the previous-generation <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Wellbots;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f14f6b23-c078-4e53-8011-5b872f886d6b&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Wellbots&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53ZWxsYm90cy5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvaXJvYm90LXJvb21iYS1jb21iby1qNy1yb2JvdC12YWN1dW0tYW5kLW1vcCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTE0ZWJlYTQtMmNlYS00YWQwLWFiNmItMWFlYTYxOWZiMmJhIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAUY0ws5fopy2MrWMP4vA-vM5eyK7mA8IQN5n-i9Lk-ED&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellbots.com%2Fproducts%2Firobot-roomba-combo-j7-robot-vacuum-and-mop" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.wellbots.com/products/irobot-roomba-combo-j7-robot-vacuum-and-mop">Roomba Combo j7+</a> offers an older (but still high-end) vacuum-mop cleaning robot for $200 off with coupon code <strong>ENGA200</strong>. Although you lose some of the features of the newer model, it still has a 96.4 percent debris removal rate, obstacle avoidance, and a four-stage cleaning system. Its cleaning toolbox includes an edge-sweeping brush, dual multi-surface rubber brushes, power-lifting suction and the mop. The device can even return to its base when it’s full and continue emptying itself for up to 60 days, leaving you to focus on things that aren’t cleaning.</p>
  399. <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on Twitter and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src"><em>subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</em></a><em> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/automate-your-vacuuming-and-mopping-with-400-off-the-roomba-combo-j9-130021267.html?src=rss]]></description>
  400.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/automate-your-vacuuming-and-mopping-with-400-off-the-roomba-combo-j9-130021267.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  444.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Marketing lifestyle image of the iRobot Roomba Combo J9+. The vacuum moves across a kitchen / dining room floor onto a yellow area rug with dirt and crumbs. A kitchen table and chairs sit next to it with a counter and cabinets behind.]]></media:description>
  445.                                <media:title><![CDATA[iRobot Roomba Combo J9+]]></media:title>
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  450.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Tesla is recalling Cybertrucks because their accelerator pedals could get stuck]]></title>
  451.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Tesla has <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tesla-recalls-cybertruck-faulty-accelerator-103100091.html">issued a recall</a> for around 3,878 Cybertruck vehicles, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/TESLA/CYBERTRUCK#recalls">notice</a> has revealed. Apparently, the cover of the truck&#39;s accelerator pedal could get dislodged and trapped by the interior rim. Based on videos going around showing the problem, a faulty accelerator cover could slide up due to excessive lubricant, jamming one end into a crevice while it&#39;s still also attached to the pedal itself. That means the vehicle could get stuck accelerating in full power even after the driver lifts their foot.&nbsp;</p>
  452. <p>Tesla said in the notice that it will replace and repair the pedals as needed free of charge. The automaker will send notices to owners of recalled Cybertrucks in June, but affected drivers who want their vehicles to be fixed as soon as possible can also call the company&#39;s customer service number at +1-877-798-3752. If asked for reference, they can say that the recall service number for their issue is SB-24-33-003.</p>
  453. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><div id="92b7f903c5f741348bb32ca61e6658ce"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WOppJ92RgGU" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div>
  454. <p>Cybertruck buyers were recently informed that their <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tesla-halts-cybertruck-deliveries-due-to-unexpected-delay-123007030.html">deliveries had been delayed</a> and were reportedly told that Tesla was going to issue a recall over a problem with the vehicle&#39;s accelerator. It followed an earnings call earlier this month, wherein the company <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tesla-sees-ev-deliveries-drop-year-over-year-for-the-first-time-since-2020-153020454.html">revealed</a> that it experienced its first year-over-year drop in deliveries since 2020. Tesla didn&#39;t share how many Cybertrucks it shipped exactly, but its shipments were down 20 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 and eight percent compared to the same period a year ago.  A couple of weeks later, reports came out that the company is <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tesla-is-reportedly-laying-off-more-than-10-percent-of-its-workforce-121724301.html">laying off more than 10 percent</a> of its workforce to reduce costs and increase productivity. While all that information only came out over the past month, Tesla has been  expecting a leaner year from the start, with Elon Musk previously warning shareholders that they will likely see &quot;notably lower&quot; sales growth for 2024.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-is-recalling-cybertrucks-because-their-accelerator-pedals-could-get-stuck-123057430.html?src=rss]]></description>
  455.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/tesla-is-recalling-cybertrucks-because-their-accelerator-pedals-could-get-stuck-123057430.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  500.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Tesla Cybertruck]]></media:title>
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  505.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Engadget Podcast: PlayStation 5 Pro rumors and a look back at the Playdate]]></title>
  506.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The latest batch of rumors make it pretty clear that a PlayStation 5 Pro is coming this year, but will anyone really care about slightly better 4K graphics? This week, Engadget Senior Editor Jessica Conditt joins Cherlynn and Devindra to chat about the PS5 Pro, as well as her piece on the PlayDate two years after its release. You could say the Playdate is pretty much the opposite of another expensive high-end console.&nbsp;</p>
  507. <p>In other news, we discuss the death of Boston Dynamic's hydraulic Atlas robot, and the birth of an all-new digital model. We also chat about the abrupt closure of Possibility Space, an ambitious indie game studio.</p>
  508. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><hr>
  509. <p>Listen below 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 <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="mailto:podcast@engadget.com?subject=Engadget%20Podcast%20Feedback"><strong>email us</strong></a> or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-08-01-engadget-podcasts.html">Engadget News</a>!</p>
  510. <div id="undefined"><div style="left:0;width:100%;height:200px;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://iframely.publishing.yahoo.net/09BkCbQ" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="art19.com"></iframe></div></div>
  511. <h2></h2>
  512. <h2>Topics</h2>
  513. <ul>
  514. <li><p>Jess Conditt on Playstation 5 Pro rumors – 0:48</p></li>
  515. <li><p>Jess’ thoughts on Panic’s innovative handheld, the Playdate, 2 years later – 14:24</p></li>
  516. <li><p>Indie game studio Possibility Space announces closure, CEO blames media leaks – 27:29</p></li>
  517. <li><p>Other News: Boston Dynamics unveils new, all electric Atlas robot – 35:39</p></li>
  518. <li><p>Menteebot is a human-sized, GPT-powered robot you can command with natural language – 39:52</p></li>
  519. <li><p>NASA confirms Florida man’s house was hit by space junk – 44:06</p></li>
  520. <li><p>Sony (finally) changes its confusing product names – 46:05</p></li>
  521. <li><p>Working on – 50:35</p></li>
  522. <li><p>Pop culture picks – 56:35</p></li>
  523. </ul>
  524. <h2>Subscribe!</h2>
  525. <ul>
  526. <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:iTunes;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=9b2a3988-c5c9-4640-8e2b-1de7b2717343&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=iTunes&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL2l0dW5lcy5hcHBsZS5jb20vdXMvcG9kY2FzdC90aGUtZW5nYWRnZXQtcG9kY2FzdC9pZDExNDI3OTA1MzA_bXQ9MiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNzA3MjVjNWMtOWVhNi00MTBhLWE1ZmYtMzYxNWYyZDA4MGUyIn0&amp;signature=AQAAARJ3V6fiNWmPGtcAxg3KWBgn9nCpOkmnXg8isjYdknRs&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-engadget-podcast%2Fid1142790530%3Fmt%3D2" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-engadget-podcast/id1142790530?mt=2">iTunes</a></p></li>
  527. <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL29wZW4uc3BvdGlmeS5jb20vc2hvdy8zRUMzZE1JUkI5OWRrdm9TQmVTTzdHP3NpPWY3VUFMR0ttUkRXdE9yVThaNC11aVEiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjcwNzI1YzVjLTllYTYtNDEwYS1hNWZmLTM2MTVmMmQwODBlMiJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAVedg9VTEGb_uA2RrQNLzyZANg-9cEjhu-EZgjCuclka&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F3EC3dMIRB99dkvoSBeSO7G%3Fsi%3Df7UALGKmRDWtOrU8Z4-uiQ" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://open.spotify.com/show/3EC3dMIRB99dkvoSBeSO7G?si=f7UALGKmRDWtOrU8Z4-uiQ">Spotify</a></p></li>
  528. <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="http://pca.st/mlY3">Pocket Casts</a></p></li>
  529. <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/engadget/the-engadget-podcast">Stitcher</a></p></li>
  530. <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLnNvdW5kY2xvdWQuY29tL3VzZXJzL3NvdW5kY2xvdWQ6dXNlcnM6MjQ1MjIwOTU4L3NvdW5kcy5yc3M&amp;ep=14">Google Podcasts</a></p></li>
  531. </ul>
  532. <h2><strong><em>Credits</em></strong>&nbsp;</h2>
  533. <p><strong><em>Hosts:</em></strong><em> Cherlynn Low and Devindra Hardawar</em> <br><strong><em>Guests: </em></strong><em>Jessica Conditt</em><br><strong><em>Producer:</em></strong><em> Ben Ellman</em> <br><strong><em>Music:</em></strong><em> Dale North and Terrence O'Brien</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-podcast-ps5-pro-rumors-playdate-113009190.html?src=rss]]></description>
  534.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/engadget-podcast-ps5-pro-rumors-playdate-113009190.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  537.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Devindra Hardawar]]></dc:creator>
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  580.                                                                                                                            <item>
  581.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The Morning After: The bill to ban TikTok is barreling ahead.]]></title>
  582.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The bill that could ban TikTok in the United States inches closer to becoming law. The legislation passed the House of Representatives last month, then had to face the Senate — and opposition from a few prominent lawmakers. <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-is-barreling-ahead-230518984.html">The House is to vote on a package of bills this weekend, which includes a slightly revised version of the TikTok bill</a>. In the latest version, ByteDance would have up to 12 months to divest TikTok, instead of the six months initially pitched.</p>
  583. <p>That change alone was apparently key to winning support from some skeptical members of the Senate, including Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. What will happen if the bill passes into law? TikTok (and potentially other apps “controlled by a foreign adversary”) would face a ban in US app stores if it declined to sell to a new owner.</p>
  584. <p>— Mat Smith</p>
  585. <h3>The biggest stories you might have missed</h3>
  586. <h3></h3>
  587. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/nothings-ear-and-ear-a-earbuds-with-active-noise-cancellation-are-now-available-for-pre-order-104546636.html"><ins>Nothing’s Ear and Ear (a) earbuds with active noise cancellation are now available for pre-order</ins></a></p>
  588. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-mechanical-keyboard-120050723.html"><ins>The 5 best mechanical keyboards</ins></a></p>
  589. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/razers-kishi-ultra-gaming-controller-works-with-damn-near-everything-including-some-foldables-173017166.html"><ins>Razer’s Kishi Ultra gaming controller works with damn near everything, including some foldables</ins></a></p>
  590. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cities-skylines-2s-embarrassed-developers-are-giving-away-beachfront-property-for-free-170042260.html"><ins>Cities: Skylines 2’s embarrassed developers are giving away beachfront property for free</ins></a></p>
  591. <p>​​<em>You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. </em><a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/about/newsletter/"><em>Subscribe right here!</em></a></p>
  592. <h2><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-says-it-was-ordered-it-to-remove-whatsapp-and-threads-from-china-app-store-061441223.html"><ins>Apple says it was ordered to remove WhatsApp and Threads from China App Store</ins></a></h2>
  593. <h3>Chinese regulators cited national security concerns.</h3>
  594. <p></p>
  595. <p>… and in what you might believe is something of a tit-for-tat move for blocking TikTok, Apple has pulled<a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-says-it-was-ordered-it-to-remove-whatsapp-and-threads-from-china-app-store-061441223.html"> <ins>WhatsApp and Threads from the Chinese App Store</ins></a>. The country’s internet regulator says the removal was required and justified on national security grounds. Apple is always willing to comply, lest it harm relations with one of its largest markets.</p>
  596. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-says-it-was-ordered-it-to-remove-whatsapp-and-threads-from-china-app-store-061441223.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading.</ins></strong></a></p>
  597. <h2><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/surprise-taylor-swift-is-joining-threads-on-the-day-her-new-album-drops-040026147.html"><ins>Taylor Swift is joining Threads</ins></a></h2>
  598. <h3>At the exact same time as her new album drops.</h3>
  599. <p></p>
  600. <p>Taylor Swift has a new album out.<a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.threads.net/intent/follow?username=taylorswift"> <ins>Taylor Swift has a new album out. </ins></a></p>
  601. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C57qcCPucLV/"><ins>Taylor Swift has a new album out</ins></a>.<a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.adweek.com/social-marketing/instagram-how-to-use-the-taylor-swift-chat-theme/"> <ins>Taylor Swift has a new album out</ins></a>.</p>
  602. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/surprise-taylor-swift-is-joining-threads-on-the-day-her-new-album-drops-040026147.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading</ins></strong></a></p>
  603. <h2><a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/analogue-duo-review-a-second-chance-for-an-underappreciated-console-130056763.html"><ins>Analogue Duo review</ins></a></h2>
  604. <h3>A second chance for an underappreciated console.</h3>
  605. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/analogue-duo-review-a-second-chance-for-an-underappreciated-console-130056763.html"><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/5119a220-fe2a-11ee-9dff-fcd0f77d7045" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/5119a220-fe2a-11ee-9dff-fcd0f77d7045" style="height:349px;width:620px;" alt="Image of an Analogue Duo console on an unfinished pine tabletop." data-uuid="02dc7317-df77-3d75-a156-5525f553253d"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Tim Stevens for Engadget</div></figure></a>
  606. <p>Analogue’s <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/analogue-duo-review-a-second-chance-for-an-underappreciated-console-130056763.html">latest retro console takes us to the multimedia era with the Duo: a love letter to one of Japan’s most beloved (but niche) consoles, the TurboGrafx-16</a>. It’s a deep cut from a brand that has made its name reviving the most obscure hardware from gaming history. But, as much as you can emulate all of these titles on pretty much any device you have laying around, there’s something different about running it from the original media.</p>
  607. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/analogue-duo-review-a-second-chance-for-an-underappreciated-console-130056763.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading.</ins></strong></a></p>
  608. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><h2><a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-done-telling-us-how-many-people-use-netflix-215149971.html"><ins>Netflix is done telling us how many people use Netflix</ins></a></h2>
  609. <h3>There’s no penalty for secrecy if you’re a streaming company.</h3>
  610. <p></p>
  611. <p>Netflix has always been secretive about how much of its near-limitless library of content is being watched at any given time. Now,<a data-i13n="cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-done-telling-us-how-many-people-use-netflix-215149971.html"> <ins>the company has said it will even stop disclosing how many subscribers it has</ins></a> to prevent giving Wall Street another stick with which to beat it. Instead, it’ll only drop data when it’s good PR, like crossing the 300-million subscriber threshold, and stick telling everyone how much money it’s making.</p>
  612. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-done-telling-us-how-many-people-use-netflix-215149971.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading.</ins></strong></a></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-the-bill-to-ban-tiktok-is-barreling-ahead-111531373.html?src=rss]]></description>
  613.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-the-bill-to-ban-tiktok-is-barreling-ahead-111531373.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  616.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mat Smith,Daniel Cooper]]></dc:creator>
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  666.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Fallout has already scored a green light for a second season]]></title>
  667.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Amazon&#39;s live adaptation of <em>Fallout</em> was so well-received, the fourth main game in the franchise had a <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.eurogamer.net/fallout-4-currently-europes-best-selling-game-almost-a-decade-after-release">resurgence in sales</a> almost a decade after it was released. If you were ever worried about its fate despite the success it enjoyed, you can rest easy, for now: Amazon has already <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://press.amazonstudios.com/us/en/press-release/ifallouti-has-a-blast-of-a-debut-amazon-mgm-studio">renewed</a> the show for a second season, mere days after the first one debuted. The Fallout universe is set in a post-apocalyptic world, decades after a nuclear war decimated the planet. Ella Purnell plays Lucy in the series, a vault dweller who was forced to go to the surface to rescue her father.</p>
  668. <p>Walton Goggins seems to be a hit with audiences as the Ghoul, a radioactive noseless bounty-hunting corpse. We called him an &quot;enlightened choice&quot; for the role <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-fallout-tv-series-is-a-very-awesome-tv-show-130039789.html">in our review</a> and found this to be his most engaging performance yet. As a whole, we liked Fallout <em>almost</em> as much as we liked the TV adaptation of the <em>The Last of Us</em>. It features fantastic visuals with detailed sets and costumes that stay true to the source materials, and it has a story that flows well and doesn&#39;t feel like it&#39;s struggling to juggle several different plotlines. The game is also violent and gory, though, and it&#39;s not really for the faint of heart.&nbsp;</p>
  669. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The show is <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/fallout-amazon-video-series-announced-172346835.html">one of Amazon&#39;s projects</a> under executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the creators of <em>Westworld</em>, who Prime Video <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-04-05-amazon-signs-nine-figure-deal-with-westworld-creators.html">signed</a> back in 2019. &quot;We can’t wait to blow up the world all over again,&quot; Nolan and Joy said, indicating that they&#39;ll be back for the next season, though Amazon has yet to announce when it will begin production or if it has a timeline for the project.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fallout-has-already-scored-a-green-light-for-a-second-season-103013664.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  720.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Baldur's Gate 3 developer confirms it won't make the sequel]]></title>
  721.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The developer behind the popular, <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/baldurs-gate-3-and-alan-wake-2-lead-the-2023-game-awards-nominees-185729344.html">award-winning</a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://screenrant.com/baldurs-gate-3-hotfix-9-nudity-fix/">slightly bawdy</a> <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/why-baldurs-gate-iii-is-an-accidental-ps5-console-exclusive-200521291.html"><em>Baldur&#39;s Gate 3</em></a> confirmed that it won&#39;t be doing <em>Baldur&#39;s Gate 4</em> — but it does have other irons in the fire.&nbsp;</p>
  722. <p>&nbsp;&quot;We won&#39;t be introducing any major new narrative content to the story of <em>Baldur&#39;s Gate 3</em> (BG3) or its origin characters and companions, nor will we be making expansions or <em>Baldur’s Gate 4</em>,&quot; Larian Studio wrote in a <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1086940/view/4172097464031362567">community update on Steam</a>. &quot;We’re currently working on two new projects and we couldn’t be more excited about what the future has in store.&quot;</p>
  723. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Larian promised more news about the new games &quot;later down the line,&quot; but did give a hint about the style. &quot;Know that even as our focus turns to these new games, the sensibilities that brought you Baldur’s Gate 3 are alive and well here at the Larian castle. I don’t know if we’re going to pull it off, but looking at our narrative, visual and gameplay plans, I think what we’re working on now will be our best work ever.&quot;</p>
  724. <p><em>Baldur&#39;s Gate 3</em> has been <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.metacritic.com/game/baldurs-gate-3/">praised</a> for its breadth, character development, puzzles, combat, D&amp;D fidelity and, of course, <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.gamesradar.com/baldurs-gate-3-romances-relationships/">intimate relationships</a>. It  sold around 15 million copies, far exceeding the expectations of the studio, while pretty much sweeping game accolades over the last year. Namely, it took game of the year prizes at The Game Awards, The Steam Awards, D.I.C.E. awards, Streamer Awards, Hugo Awards, GLAAD Media Awards and others.</p>
  725. <p>Director Swen Vincke <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/larian-started-work-on-baldurs-gate-3-dlc-then-canceled-it-the-studio-was-elated">previously revealed</a> that the studio dropped plans for BG3 DLC and a sequel, partly due to constraints imposed by the Dungeons &amp; Dragons 5th Edition mechanics. Still, there&#39;s no question of a sequel for the Hasbro-owned property. &quot;We&#39;ve done our job. It&#39;s a story with a beginning, a middle and an end. So let&#39;s pass the torch to another studio to pick up this incredible legacy,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/baldurs-gate-3-developer-confirms-it-wont-make-the-sequel-091930642.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  767.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Baldur's Gate 3 developer drops some details on its future plans]]></media:description>
  768.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Baldur's Gate 3 developer drops some details on its future plans]]></media:title>
  769.                                                        </media:content>
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  773.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The best PS5 games for 2024: Top PlayStation titles to play right now]]></title>
  774.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Regardless of if you just got your hands on a <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-console-140057674.html">PS5</a> or you’ve had the console for a while, chances are you had a good idea which few games you wanted to start out with. After playing those to death, maybe you’re on the hunt for the next title that will suck you into an immersive world. We can confidently say that all of the video games on our best PS5 games list do this in their own way, be they action-adventure titles, racing sims, puzzles and everything in between. As always, in building a list like this, we looked for must-play games that offer meaningful improvements over their last-gen counterparts when played on a PlayStation 5 console, or are exclusive to the system. We&#39;ll be updating this periodically, so, if a video game&#39;s just been released and you don&#39;t see it, chances are that the reason for its absence is that we haven&#39;t played through it for the first time yet. Either that or we hate it.<br><br><strong>Read more:</strong> <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-ps5-ssd-expansion-upgrade-150052315.html?mrfhud=true">The best SSDs for PS5</a></p>
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  794. <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-ps5-games-for-2024-top-playstation-titles-to-play-right-now-144653417.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  840.                                <media:title><![CDATA[The best PS5 games]]></media:title>
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  844.                                                                                                                            <item>
  845.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The 6 best Mint alternatives to replace the budgeting app that shut down]]></title>
  846.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>We're now living in a post-Mint world. <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/intuit-is-closing-down-mint-its-popular-free-budget-tracking-app-054145229.html">Intuit shuttered the popular budgeting app on March 24, 2024</a>, and suggested its millions of users switch to its other finance app, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Credit Karma;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5bdc3e3e-e02c-4b63-90d8-efcfab9d703c&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Credit+Karma&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jcmVkaXRrYXJtYS5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJkZDEyODJjMy05OWVkLTRkZGMtYjhhYi1jMTBjNjBkNGU3MGMifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAVpjPP_H09LvIBKR1-ty59U8Y-n767pvLq6sBaflXg4C&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.creditkarma.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.creditkarma.com/">Credit Karma</a>. I, along with 3.6 million others (as of 2021, according to <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-01/intuit-winds-down-personal-finance-app-mint-shifts-users-to-credit-karma?sref=10lNAhZ9#xj4y7vzkg"><em>Bloomberg</em></a>), had been Mint users for a long time. Many of us liked the Mint app for how it easily allowed us to track all accounts in one place and monitor credit scores. It was also a great tool for sticking to a monthly spending plan and setting goals like building a rainy-day fund or paying down my mortgage faster.<br><br>I gave Credit Karma a shot in the months leading up to Mint shutting down. I was left unimpressed; it’s not a true Mint alternative, so I set out to find an app that could be. The following guide lays out my experience testing some of the most popular Mint replacement apps available today. If you’re also on the hunt for a <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-budgeting-apps-120036303.html">budgeting app</a> to replace Mint, we hope these details can help you decide which of the best budgeting apps out there could meet your needs in this post-Mint world.</p>
  847. <h2>How to import your financial data from Mint</h2>
  848. <p>Mint users should consider getting their data ready to migrate to their new budgeting app of choice soon. Unfortunately, importing data from Mint is not as easy as entering your credentials from inside your new app and hitting “import.” In fact, any app that advertises the ability to port over your stats from Mint is just going to have you upload a CSV file of transactions and other data.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span>
  849. <p>To download a CSV file from Mint, do the following:</p>
  850. <ol>
  851. <li><p>Sign into Mint.com and hit <strong>Transactions</strong> in the menu on the left side of the screen.</p></li>
  852. <li><p>Select an account, or <strong>all accounts</strong>.</p></li>
  853. <li><p>Scroll down and look for “<strong>export [number] transactions</strong>” in smaller print.</p></li>
  854. <li><p>Your CSV file should begin downloading.</p></li>
  855. </ol>
  856. <p>Note: Downloading on a per-account basis might seem more annoying, but could help you get set up on the other side, if the app you’re using has you importing transactions one-for-one into their corresponding accounts.</p>
  857. <h2>How we tested</h2>
  858. <p>Before I dove into the world of budgeting apps, I had to do some research. To find a list of apps to test, I consulted trusty ol’ Google (and even trustier Reddit); read reviews of popular apps on the App Store; and also asked friends and colleagues what budget tracking apps they might be using. Some of the apps I found were free, just like Mint. These, of course, show loads of ads (excuse me, “offers”) to stay in business. But most of the available apps require paid subscriptions, with prices typically topping out around $100 a year, or $15 a month. (Spoiler: My top pick is cheaper than that.)</p>
  859. <p>Since this guide is meant to help Mint users find a permanent replacement, any services I chose to test needed to do several things: import all of your account data into one place; offer budgeting tools; and track your spending, net worth and credit score. Except where noted, all of these apps are available for iOS, Android and on the web.</p>
  860. <p>Once I had my shortlist of six apps, I got to work setting them up. For the sake of thoroughly testing these apps (and remember, I really was looking for a <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-best-budgeting-apps-to-replace-mint-143047346.html">Mint alternative</a> myself), I made a point of adding every account to every budgeting app, no matter how small or immaterial the balance. What ensued was a veritable <em>Groundhog Day</em> of two-factor authentication. Just hours of entering passwords and one-time passcodes, for the same banks half a dozen times over. Hopefully, you only have to do this once.</p>
  861. <h2>The best Mint alternative: Quicken Simplifi</h2>
  862. <p>
  863. <core-commerce id="bb20dc45b8324009aa9cd29e1a2a1e55" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  864. <p></p>
  865. <p>No pun intended, but what I like about <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Quicken;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=36291888-36d6-4b83-80bb-f82004bcfdb1&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Quicken&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3F1aWNrZW4uY29tL2xwL3BwYy9zaW1wbGlmaS12cy1taW50LyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZGQxMjgyYzMtOTllZC00ZGRjLWI4YWItYzEwYzYwZDRlNzBjIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAbYljRbO5NVb33zUsuSohHCixqnbnxlR0XhRnNS2oHvI&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fquicken.com%2Flp%2Fppc%2Fsimplifi-vs-mint%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://quicken.com/lp/ppc/simplifi-vs-mint/">Quicken Simplifi</a> is its simplicity. Whereas other budgeting apps try to distinguish themselves with dark themes and customizable emoji, Simplifi has a clean user interface, with a landing page that you just keep scrolling through to get a detailed overview of all your stats. These include your top-line balances; net worth; recent spending; upcoming recurring payments; a snapshot of your spending plan; top spending categories; achievements; and any watchlists you’ve set up. You can also set up savings goals elsewhere in the app. I also appreciate how it offers neat, almost playful visualizations without ever looking cluttered. I felt at home in the mobile and web dashboards after a day or so, which is faster than I adapted to some competing services (I’m looking at you, YNAB and Monarch).</p>
  866. <p>Getting set up with Simplifi was mostly painless. I was particularly impressed at how easily it connected to Fidelity; not all budget trackers do, for whatever reason. This is also one of the only services I tested that gives you the option of inviting a spouse or financial advisor to co-manage your account. One thing I would add to my initial assessment of the app, having used it for a few months now: I wish Simplifi offered Zillow integration for easily tracking your home value (or at least a rough estimate of it). Various competitors including Monarch Money and Copilot Money work with Zillow, so clearly there's a Zillow API available for use. As it stands, Simplifi users must add real estate manually like any other asset.</p>
  867. <figure>
  868. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/9003a9c0-9dd8-11ee-8bf5-613f22f37439" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/9003a9c0-9dd8-11ee-8bf5-613f22f37439" style="height:1482px;width:1512px;" alt="A screenshot of the " data-uuid="ab274afb-4089-34d7-8710-7a5bffec9201">
  869. <figcaption></figcaption>
  870. <div class="photo-credit">
  871.  Dana Wollman / Engadget
  872. </div>
  873. </figure>
  874. <p>In practice, Simplifi miscategorized some of my expenses, but nothing out of the ordinary compared to any of these budget trackers. As you’re reviewing transactions, you can also mark if you’re expecting a refund, which is a unique feature among the services I tested. Simplifi also estimated my regular income better than some other apps I tested. Most of all, I appreciated the option of being able to categorize some, but not all, purchases from a merchant as recurring. For instance, I can add my two Amazon subscribe-and-saves as recurring payments, without having to create a broad-strokes rule for every Amazon purchase.</p>
  875. <p>The budgeting feature is also self-explanatory. Just check that your regular income is accurate and be sure to set up recurring payments, making note of which are bills and which are subscriptions. This is important because Simplifi shows you your total take-home income as well as an “income after bills” figure. That number includes, well, bills but not discretionary subscriptions. From there, you can add spending targets by category in the “planned spending” bucket. Planned spending can also include one-time expenditures, not just monthly budgets. When you create a budget, Simplifi will suggest a number based on a six-month average.</p>
  876. <p>Not dealbreakers, but two things to keep in mind as you get started: Simplifi is notable in that you can’t set up an account through Apple or Google. There is also no option for a free trial, though Quicken promises a “30-day money back guarantee.”</p>
  877. <h2>The best Mint alternative (runner-up): Monarch Money</h2>
  878. <p>
  879. <core-commerce id="9f80c5fd1fd4460fae9fdf2cf5fbbe33" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  880. <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tb25hcmNobW9uZXkuY29tLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZGQxMjgyYzMtOTllZC00ZGRjLWI4YWItYzEwYzYwZDRlNzBjIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAcWs5pONCUeC031DwLIWoLY9cIulXQ--M-1DkcI1Uv2T&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monarchmoney.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.monarchmoney.com/">Monarch Money</a> grew on me. My first impression of the budgeting app, which was founded by a former Mint product manager, was that it's more difficult to use than others on this list, including Simplifi, NerdWallet and Copilot. And it is. Editing expense categories, adding recurring transactions and creating rules, for example, is a little more complicated than it needs to be, especially in the mobile app. (My advice: Use the web app for fine-tuning details.) Monarch also didn’t get my income right; I had to edit it.</p>
  881. <p>Once you’re set up, though, Monarch offers an impressive level of granularity. In the budgets section, you can see a bona fide balance sheet showing budgets and actuals for each category. You'll also find a forecast, for the year or by month. And recurring expenses can be set not just by merchant, but other parameters as well. For instance, while most Amazon purchases might be marked as “shopping,” those for the amounts of $54.18 or $34.18 are definitely baby supplies, and can be automatically marked as such each time, not to mention programmed as recurring payments. Weirdly, though, there’s no way to mark certain recurring payments as bills, specifically.</p>
  882. <figure>
  883. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/87df1700-9dda-11ee-bbff-f06ef106aa46" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/87df1700-9dda-11ee-bbff-f06ef106aa46" style="height:1482px;width:1512px;" alt="A screenshot of the " data-uuid="e01b1f91-522e-3af0-90fa-b79dd5951a6e">
  884. <figcaption></figcaption>
  885. <div class="photo-credit">
  886.  Dana Wollman / Engadget
  887. </div>
  888. </figure>
  889. <p>Not long after I first published this story in December 2023, Monarch <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tb25hcmNobW9uZXkuY29tL3doYXRzLW5ldy9yZXBvcnRzLWNhbmFkYS1pbXByb3ZlZC1zeW5jaW5nIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJkZDEyODJjMy05OWVkLTRkZGMtYjhhYi1jMTBjNjBkNGU3MGMifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAfLytYpt0ASBsMQ4WC_G2DiCwVk_VpeUTW3alC1f6wgZ&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monarchmoney.com%2Fwhats-new%2Freports-canada-improved-syncing" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.monarchmoney.com/whats-new/reports-canada-improved-syncing">introduced</a> a detailed reporting section where you can create on-demand graphs based on things like accounts, categories and tags. That feature is available just on the web version of the app for now. As part of this same update, Monarch added support for an aggregator that makes it possible to automatically update the value of your car. This, combined with the existing Zillow integration for tracking your home value, makes it easy to quickly add a non-liquid asset like a vehicle or real estate, and have it show up in your net worth graph.</p>
  890. <p>The mobile app is mostly self-explanatory. The main dashboard shows your net worth; your four most recent transactions; a month-over-month spending comparison; income month-to-date; upcoming bills; an investments snapshot; a list of any goals you’ve set; and, finally, a link to your month-in-review. That month-in-review is more detailed than most, delving into cash flow; top income and expense categories; cash flow trends; changes to your net worth, assets and liabilities; plus asset and liability breakdowns. In February 2024, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tb25hcmNobW9uZXkuY29tL3doYXRzLW5ldy9uZXctbmV0LXdvcnRoLWNoYXJ0LWludmVzdG1lbnQtdHJhbnNhY3Rpb25zLWFuZC1tb3JlIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJkZDEyODJjMy05OWVkLTRkZGMtYjhhYi1jMTBjNjBkNGU3MGMifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAdOhVpEGTzOfeW0skCZ09zC0ilmH6mnwSfRVWUzse2S3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monarchmoney.com%2Fwhats-new%2Fnew-net-worth-chart-investment-transactions-and-more" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.monarchmoney.com/whats-new/new-net-worth-chart-investment-transactions-and-more">Monarch expanded on the net worth graph</a>, so that if you click on the Accounts tab you can see how your net worth changed over different periods of time, including one month, three months, six months, a year or all time.</p>
  891. <p>On the main screen, you’ll also find tabs for accounts, transactions, cash flow, budget and recurring. Like many of the other apps featured here, Monarch can auto-detect recurring expenses and income, even if it gets the category wrong. (They all do to an extent.) Expense categories are marked by emoji, which you can customize if you’re so inclined.</p>
  892. <p>Monarch Money uses a combination of networks to connect with banks, including Plaid, <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.mx.com/">MX</a> and Finicity, a competing network owned by Mastercard. (I have a quick explainer on Plaid, the industry standard in this space, toward the end of this guide.) As part of an update in late December, Monarch has also made it easier to connect through those other two networks, if for some reason Plaid fails. Similar to NerdWallet, I found myself completing two-factor authentication every time I wanted to get past the Plaid screen to add another account. Notably, Monarch is the only other app I tested that allows you to grant access to someone else in your family — likely a spouse or financial advisor. Monarch also <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://help.simplifimoney.com/en/articles/8545901-how-to-import-transactions-from-mint">has a Chrome extension</a> for importing from Mint, though really this is just a shortcut for downloading a CSV file, which you’ll have to do regardless of where you choose to take your Mint data.</p>
  893. <p>Additionally, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tb25hcmNobW9uZXkuY29tL3doYXRzLW5ldy9zeW5jLXlvdXItYXBwbGUtY2FyZC1hcHBsZS1jYXNoLWFuZC1zYXZpbmdzIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJkZDEyODJjMy05OWVkLTRkZGMtYjhhYi1jMTBjNjBkNGU3MGMifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAShQQWbVxxJEwW3yWMWix2BvpGUL6BqthuUCman70tzF&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monarchmoney.com%2Fwhats-new%2Fsync-your-apple-card-apple-cash-and-savings" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.monarchmoney.com/whats-new/sync-your-apple-card-apple-cash-and-savings">Monarch</a> just added the ability to track Apple Card, Apple Cash, and Savings accounts, thanks to new functionality brought with the iOS 17.4 update. It's not the only one either; currently, <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/copilotmoney/status/1765099126595764288">Copilot</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55bmFiLmNvbS9ibG9nL3luYWItYXBwbGUtd2FsbGV0PyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZGQxMjgyYzMtOTllZC00ZGRjLWI4YWItYzEwYzYwZDRlNzBjIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAURbSNN9M0U4Crsc1IjwwNhIht5DpeDuTBI7ORxTEbXN&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynab.com%2Fblog%2Fynab-apple-wallet%3F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.ynab.com/blog/ynab-apple-wallet?">YNAB</a> have also added similar functionality that will be available to anyone with the latest versions of their respective apps on a device running iOS 17.4. Instead of manually uploading statements, the new functionality allows apps like Monarch's to automatically pull in transactions and balance history. That should make it easier to account for spending on Apple cards and accounts throughout the month.</p>
  894. <p>Monarch also recently launched investment transactions in beta. It also says bill tracking and an overhauled goals system are coming soon. Monarch hasn't provided a timeline for that last one, except to say that the improved goals feature is coming in early 2024.</p>
  895. <h2>The best up-and-comer: Copilot Money</h2>
  896. <p>
  897. <core-commerce id="cb581f0fec1b41feafe2ea7de4181289" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  898. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://copilot.money/">Copilot Money</a> might be the best-looking budgeting app I tested. It also has the distinction of being exclusive to iOS and Macs — at least for now. Andres Ugarte, the company’s CEO, has publicly promised that Android and web apps are coming in 2024 (more likely the second half of the year, Ugarte tells me). But until it follows through, I can’t recommend Copilot for most people with so many good competitors out there.</p>
  899. <div id="d08e9e7205454c8597072884a431740e">
  900. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
  901.  <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Copilot Money for Web and Android!<br><br>Thanks to the support from our users, and the overwhelming positive reception we're seeing from folks migrating from Mint, we can now say that we'll be building <a href="https://twitter.com/copilotmoney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@copilotmoney</a> for Web and Android with a goal to launch in 2024.<br><br>We'll continue to…</p>— Andres Ugarte (@chuga) <a href="https://twitter.com/chuga/status/1724839927869755509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2023</a>
  902. </blockquote>
  903. </div>
  904. <p>There are other features that Copilot is missing, which I’ll get into. But it is promising, and one to keep an eye on. It’s just a fast, efficient, well designed app, and Android users will be in for a treat when they’ll finally be able to download it. It makes good use of colors, emoji and graphs to help you understand at a glance how you’re doing on everything from your budgets to your investment performance to your credit card debt over time. In particular, Copilot does a better job than almost any other app of visualizing your recurring monthly expenses.</p>
  905. <p>Behind those punchy colors and cutesy emoji, though, is some sophisticated performance. Copilot’s AI-powered “Intelligence” gets smarter as you go at categorizing your expenses. (You can also add your own categories, complete with your choice of emoji.) It’s not perfect. Copilot miscategorized some purchases (they all do), but it makes it easier to edit than most. On top of that, the internal search feature is very fast; it starts whittling down results in your transaction history as soon as you begin typing.</p>
  906. <figure>
  907. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/a1142f30-9dda-11ee-bfbf-0faa85876b37" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/a1142f30-9dda-11ee-bfbf-0faa85876b37" style="height:1482px;width:1512px;" alt="A screenshot of Copilot Money's iOS app." data-uuid="0cf492f7-3fda-39b7-ab09-01fa330659c1">
  908. <figcaption></figcaption>
  909. <div class="photo-credit">
  910.  Dana Wollman / Engadget
  911. </div>
  912. </figure>
  913. <p>Copilot is also unique in offering Amazon and Venmo integrations, allowing you to see transaction details. With Amazon, this requires just signing into your Amazon account via an in-app browser. For Venmo, you have to set up fwd@copilot.money as a forwarding address and then create a filter, wherein emails from <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="mailto:venmo@venmo.com">venmo@venmo.com</a> are automatically forwarded to fwd@copilot.money. Like Monarch Money, you can also add any property you own and track its value through Zillow, which is integrated with the app.</p>
  914. <p>While the app is heavily automated, I still appreciate that Copilot marks new transactions for review. It’s a good way to both weed out fraudulent charges, and also be somewhat intentional about your spending habits.</p>
  915. <p>Like Monarch Money, Copilot updated its app to make it easier to connect to banks through networks other than Plaid. As part of the same update, Copilot said it has improved its connections to both American Express and Fidelity which, again, can be a bugbear for some budget tracking apps. In an even more recent update, Copilot added a Mint import option, which other budgeting apps have begun to offer as well.</p>
  916. <p>Because the app is relatively new (it launched in early 2020), the company is still catching up to the competition on some table-stakes features. Ugarte told me that his team is almost done building out a detailed cash flow section, which could launch before the end of 2023, but more likely in early 2024. On <a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://intelligence.copilot.money/">its website</a>, Copilot also promises a raft of AI-powered features that build on its current “Intelligence” platform, the one that powers its smart expense categorization. These include “smart financial goals,” natural language search, a chat interface, forecasting and benchmarking. That benchmarking, Ugarte tells me, is meant to give people a sense of how they’re doing compared to other Copilot users, on both spending and investment performance. Most of these features should arrive in the new year.</p>
  917. <p>Copilot does a couple interesting things for new customers that distinguish it from the competition. There’s a “demo mode” that feels like a game simulator; no need to add your own accounts. The company is also offering two free months with RIPMINT — a more generous introductory offer than most. When it finally does come time to pony up, the $7.92 monthly plan is cheaper than some competing apps, although the $95-a-year-option is in the same ballpark.</p>
  918. <h2>The best free budgeting app: NerdWallet</h2>
  919. <p>
  920. <core-commerce id="39236874c65c492bb3682eddbfa1c0a2" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  921. <p></p>
  922. <p>You may know <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/">NerdWallet</a> as a site that offers a mix of personal finance news, explainers and guides. I see it often when I google a financial term I don’t know and sure enough, it’s one of the sites I’m most likely to click on. As it happens, NerdWallet also has the distinction of offering one of the only free budgeting apps I tested. In fact, there is no paid version; nothing is locked behind a paywall. The main catch: There are ads everywhere. To be fair, the free version of Mint was like this, too.</p>
  923. <p>Even with the inescapable credit card offers, NerdWallet has a clean, easy-to-understand user interface, which includes both a web and a mobile app. The key metrics that it highlights most prominently are your cash flow, net worth and credit score. (Of note, although Mint itself offered credit score monitoring, most of its rivals do not.) I particularly enjoyed the weekly insights, which delve into things like where you spent the most money or how much you paid in fees — and how that compares to the previous month. Because this is NerdWallet, an encyclopedia of financial info, you get some particularly specific category options when setting up your accounts (think: a Roth or non-Roth IRA).</p>
  924. <figure>
  925. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/bc32eef0-9dda-11ee-bfa3-00e92921a6eb" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/bc32eef0-9dda-11ee-bfa3-00e92921a6eb" style="height:1482px;width:1512px;" alt="A screenshot of the " data-uuid="5d4cd4ed-f2ab-3c97-addc-64cd0732dcc7">
  926. <figcaption></figcaption>
  927. <div class="photo-credit">
  928.  Dana Wollman / Engadget
  929. </div>
  930. </figure>
  931. <p>As a budgeting app, NerdWallet is more than serviceable, if a bit basic. Like other apps I tested, you can set up recurring bills. Importantly, it follows the popular 50/30/20 budgeting rule, which has you putting 50% of your budget toward things you need, 30% toward things you want, and the remaining 20% into savings or debt repayments. If this works for you, great — just know that you can’t customize your budget to the same degree as some competing apps. You can’t currently create custom spending categories, though a note inside the dashboard section of the app says “you’ll be able to customize them in the future.” You also can’t move items from the wants column to “needs” or vice versa but “In the future, you'll be able to move specific transactions to actively manage what falls into each group.” A NerdWallet spokesperson declined to provide an ETA, though.</p>
  932. <p>Lastly, it’s worth noting that NerdWallet had one of the most onerous setup processes of any app I tested. I don’t think this is a dealbreaker, as you’ll only have to do it once and, hopefully, you aren’t setting up six or seven apps in tandem as I was. What made NerdWallet’s onboarding especially tedious is that every time I wanted to add an account, I had to go through a two-factor authentication process to even get past the Plaid splash screen, and that’s not including the 2FA I had set up at each of my banks. This is a security policy on NerdWallet’s end, not Plaid’s, a Plaid spokesperson says.</p>
  933. <p>Precisely because NerdWallet is one of the only budget trackers to offer credit score monitoring, it also needs more of your personal info during setup, including your birthday, address, phone number and the last four digits of your social security number. It’s the same with Credit Karma, which also does credit score monitoring.</p>
  934. <p>Related to the setup process, I found that NerdWallet was less adept than other apps at automatically detecting my regular income. In my case, it counted a large one-time wire transfer as income, at which point my only other option was to enter my income manually (which is slightly annoying because I would have needed my pay stub handy to double-check my take-home pay).</p>
  935. <h2>Budgeting apps we also tested</h2>
  936. <h3>YNAB</h3>
  937. <p>
  938. <core-commerce id="827b3d1854364b8fbd1c17dbca4adf40" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.ynab.com/"></core-commerce></p>
  939. <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55bmFiLmNvbS8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImRkMTI4MmMzLTk5ZWQtNGRkYy1iOGFiLWMxMGM2MGQ0ZTcwYyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAeIwOwJlNtCMByy-KDHDBAH4fpXBF2OYQeOOanv7gDlW&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynab.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.ynab.com/">YNAB</a> is, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55bmFiLmNvbS93aHkteW5hYi1pcy1kaWZmZXJlbnQiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImRkMTI4MmMzLTk5ZWQtNGRkYy1iOGFiLWMxMGM2MGQ0ZTcwYyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAbzculKGJPZyG81YhAwbovSAICEEhuKVuaxLxWOnLSKK&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynab.com%2Fwhy-ynab-is-different" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.ynab.com/why-ynab-is-different">by its own admission</a>, “different from anything you’ve tried before.” The app, whose name is short for You Need a Budget, promotes a so-called zero-based budgeting system, which forces you to assign a purpose for every dollar you earn. A frequently used analogy is to put each dollar in an envelope; you can always move money from one envelope to another in a pinch. These envelopes can include rent and utilities, along with unforeseen expenses like holiday gifts and the inevitable car repair. The idea is that if you budget a certain amount for the unknowns each month, they won’t feel like they’re sneaking up on you.</p>
  940. <p>Importantly, YNAB is only concerned with the money you have in your accounts now. The app does not ask you to provide your take-home income or set up recurring income payments (although there is a way to do this). The money you will make later in the month through your salaried job is not relevant, because YNAB does not engage in forecasting.</p>
  941. <p>The app is harder to learn than any other here, and it requires more ongoing effort from the user. And YNAB knows that. Inside both the mobile and web apps are links to videos and other tutorials. Although I never quite got comfortable with the user interface, I did come to appreciate YNAB’s insistence on intentionality. Forcing users to draft a new budget each month and to review each transaction is not necessarily a bad thing. As YNAB says on its website, “Sure, you’ve got pie charts showing that you spent an obscene amount of money in restaurants — but you’ve still spent an obscene amount of money in restaurants.” I can see this approach being useful for people who don’t tend to have a lot of cash in reserve at a given time, or who have spending habits they want to correct (to riff off of YNAB’s own example, ordering Seamless four times a week).</p>
  942. <p>My colleague Valentina Palladino, knowing I was working on this guide, <a data-i13n="cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/what-we-bought-how-ynab-gives-me-peace-of-mind-and-keeps-my-money-in-check-140049410.html">penned a respectful rebuttal</a>, explaining why she’s been using YNAB for years. Perhaps, like her, you have major savings goals you want to achieve, whether it’s paying for a wedding or buying a house. I suggest you give her column a read. For me, though, YNAB’s approach feels like overkill.</p>
  943. <h3>PocketGuard</h3>
  944. <p>
  945. <core-commerce id="c0327ccec17449adad76125f040aadd4" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  946. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://pocketguard.com/">PocketGuard</a> is one of the only reputable free budget trackers I found in my research. Just know it’s far more restricted at the free tier than NerdWallet or Mint. In my testing, I was prompted to pay after I attempted to link more than two bank accounts. So much for free, unless you keep things simple with one cash account and one credit card. When it comes time to upgrade to PocketGuard Plus, you have three options: pay $7.99 a month, $34.99 a year or $79.99 for a one-time lifetime license. That lifetime option is actually one of the few unique selling points for me: I’m sure some people will appreciate paying once and never having to, uh, budget for it again.</p>
  947. <p>From the main screen, you’ll see tabs for accounts, insights, transactions and the “Plan,” which is where you see recurring payments stacked on top of what looks like a budget. The main overview screen shows you your net worth, total assets and debts; net income and total spending for the month; upcoming bills; a handy reminder of when your next paycheck lands; any debt payoff plan you have; and any goals.</p>
  948. <figure>
  949. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/d31c4260-9dda-11ee-afb4-6c4008638e43" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/d31c4260-9dda-11ee-afb4-6c4008638e43" style="height:1482px;width:1512px;" alt="A screenshot of the " data-uuid="c076978a-47f7-3fa0-8ff0-66f3e112e8d5">
  950. <figcaption></figcaption>
  951. <div class="photo-credit">
  952.  Dana Wollman / Engadget
  953. </div>
  954. </figure>
  955. <p>Like some other apps, including Quicken Simplifi, PocketGuard promotes an “after bills” approach, where you enter all of your recurring bills, and then PocketGuard shows you what’s left, and <em>that’s </em>what you’re supposed to be budgeting: your disposable income. Obviously, other apps have a different philosophy: take into account all of your post-tax income and use it to pay the bills, purchase things you want and maybe even save a little. But in PocketGuard, it’s the “in your pocket” number that’s most prominent. To PocketGuard’s credit, it does a good job visualizing which bills are upcoming and which ones you’ve already paid.</p>
  956. <p>PocketGuard has also <a data-i13n="cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://pocketguard.com/news/pocketguard-roadmap/">publicly committed</a> to adding some popular features in early 2024. These include rollover budgeting in January 2024, categorization rules in February and shared household access in March.</p>
  957. <figure>
  958. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/f23fc180-9dda-11ee-b7ee-4d46dac65aae" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/f23fc180-9dda-11ee-b7ee-4d46dac65aae" style="height:1482px;width:1512px;" alt="A screenshot of PocketGuard's iOS app." data-uuid="f81efeff-f753-393c-b645-08623297b62b">
  959. <figcaption></figcaption>
  960. <div class="photo-credit">
  961.  Dana Wollman / Engadget
  962. </div>
  963. </figure>
  964. <p>Although PocketGuard’s UI is easy enough to understand, it lacks polish. The “accounts” tab is a little busy, and doesn’t show totals for categories like cash or investments. Seemingly small details like weirdly phrased or punctuated copy occasionally make the app feel janky. More than once, it prompted me to update the app when no updates were available. The web version, meanwhile, feels like the mobile app blown up to a larger format and doesn’t take advantage of the extra screen real estate.</p>
  965. <p>Of note, although PocketGuard does work with Plaid, its primary bank-connecting platform is actually Finicity. Setting up my accounts through Finicity was mostly a straightforward process. I did encounter one hiccup: Finicity would not connect to my SoFi account. I was able to do it through Plaid, but PocketGuard doesn’t make it easy to access Plaid in the app. The only way, as far as I can tell, is to knowingly search for the name of a bank that isn’t available through Finicity, at which point you get the option to try Plaid instead. Like I said: the experience can be janky.</p>
  966. <h2>What is Plaid and how does it work?</h2>
  967. <figure>
  968. <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/771314a0-9dd8-11ee-bfd6-843fb91c197b">
  969. <figcaption></figcaption>
  970. </figure>
  971. <p>Each of the apps I tested uses the same underlying network, called Plaid, to pull in financial data, so it’s worth explaining in its own section what it is and how it works. Plaid was founded as a fintech startup in 2013 and is today the industry standard in connecting banks with third-party apps. Plaid works with over 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada and Europe. Additionally, more than 8,000 third-party apps and services rely on Plaid, <a data-i13n="cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://plaid.com/company/">the company claims</a>.</p>
  972. <p>To be clear, you don’t need a dedicated Plaid app to use it; the technology is baked into a wide array of apps, including the budget trackers I tested for this guide. Once you find the “add an account” option in whichever one you’re using, you’ll see a menu of commonly used banks. There’s also a search field you can use to look yours up directly. Once you find yours, you’ll be prompted to enter your login credentials. If you have two-factor authentication set up, you’ll need to enter a one-time passcode as well.</p>
  973. <p>As the middleman, Plaid is a passthrough for information that may include your account balances, transaction history, account type and routing or account number. Plaid uses encryption, and says it has a policy of not selling or renting customer data to other companies. However, I would not be doing my job if I didn’t note that in 2022 <a data-i13n="cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/plaid-must-pay-58-million-to-users-of-venmo-robinhood-and-other-apps-085908511.html">Plaid was forced to pay $58 million to consumers in a class action suit</a> for collecting “more financial data than was needed.” As part of the settlement, Plaid was compelled to change some of its business practices.</p>
  974. <p>In a statement provided to Engadget, a Plaid spokesperson said the company continues to deny the allegations underpinning the lawsuit and that “the crux of the non-financial terms in the settlement are focused on us accelerating workstreams already underway related to giving people more transparency into Plaid’s role in connecting their accounts, and ensuring that our workstreams around data minimization remain on track.”</p>
  975. <h2>My top Mint alternative picks: Quicken Simplifi and Copilot Money</h2>
  976. <p>To conclude, you might be wondering what app I decided on for myself after all of this research. The answer is actually two apps: Quicken Simplifi, my overall top pick, and Copilot Money. For now, I am actively using both apps and still deciding, long-term, which I feel more comfortable with. I tend to prefer Copilot's fast, colorful user interface, but as I explained above, it's too lacking in table-stakes features for me to go so far as to name it the best overall option.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-budgeting-apps-to-replace-mint-143047346.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  1039.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Apple says it was ordered to remove WhatsApp and Threads from China App Store]]></title>
  1040.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Apple users in China won't be able to find and download WhatsApp and Threads from the App Store anymore, according to <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:The Wall Street Journal;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2f007401-3eaa-4237-b69b-54ccbe125502&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=The+Wall+Street+Journal&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53c2ouY29tL3RlY2gvYXBwbGUtcmVtb3Zlcy13aGF0c2FwcC10aHJlYWRzLWZyb20tY2hpbmEtYXBwLXN0b3JlLW9uLWdvdmVybm1lbnQtb3JkZXJzLWEwYzAyMTAwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIwZGEyZmEzYi05ODA1LTQzZWItOTE0ZC02N2ZhYzc3MjA5Y2EifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAfP6M83cofmd022OgJp300chdYeTwzuTaYD_B8HFhUzA&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Ftech%2Fapple-removes-whatsapp-threads-from-china-app-store-on-government-orders-a0c02100" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.wsj.com/tech/apple-removes-whatsapp-threads-from-china-app-store-on-government-orders-a0c02100"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em></a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/18/technology/apple-whatsapp-china-app-store.html"><em>The New York Times</em></a>. The company said it pulled the apps from the store to comply with orders it received from Cyberspace Administration, China's internet regulator, "<a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-removes-whatsapp-threads-china-app-store-wsj-reports-2024-04-19/">based</a> on [its] national security concerns."  It explained to the publications that it's "obligated to follow the laws in the countries where [it operates], even when [it disagrees]."</p>
  1041. <p>The Great Firewall of China blocks a lot of non-domestic apps and technologies in the country, prompting locals to use VPN if they want to access any of them. Meta's Facebook and Instagram are two of those applications, but WhatsApp and Threads have been available for download until now. The Chinese regulator's order comes shortly before the Senate is <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-is-barreling-ahead-230518984.html">set to vote on a bill</a> that could lead to a TikTok ban in the US. Cyberspace Administration's reasoning — that the apps are a national security concern — even echoes American lawmakers' argument for blocking TikTok in the country.&nbsp;</p>
  1042. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>In the current version of the bill, ByteDance will have a year to divest TikTok, or else the short form video-sharing platform will be banned from app stores. The House is expected to pass the bill, which is part of a package that also includes aid to Ukraine and Israel. President Joe Biden <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.ft.com/content/c980675b-65a4-4f64-ba5a-dd87fef4f39a">previously said</a> that he supports the package and will immediately sign the bills into law.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-says-it-was-ordered-it-to-remove-whatsapp-and-threads-from-china-app-store-061441223.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1043.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/apple-says-it-was-ordered-it-to-remove-whatsapp-and-threads-from-china-app-store-061441223.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1091.                                <dc:identifier><![CDATA[2]]></dc:identifier>
  1092.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Matt Cardy via Getty Images]]></media:credit>
  1093.                                <media:description><![CDATA[BATH, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 29: In this photo illustration the logo of US online social media and social networking site 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) is displayed centrally on a smartphone screen alongside that of Threads (L) and Instagram (R) on October 29, 2023 in Bath, England. On the top row the logo of online video sharing and social media platform YouTube is seen alongside that of Whatsapp and TikTok. Along the bottom row Facebook, Quora amd Messenger are displayed. It has been over a year since Elon Musk controversially bought the company in which he made lots of redundancies and also rebranded Twitter to the the letter 'X'. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)]]></media:description>
  1094.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Elon Musk Changes Twitter Name And Logo To X]]></media:title>
  1095.                                                        </media:content>
  1096.                                                                                        
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  1098.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1099.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Surprise: Taylor Swift is joining Threads at the exact same time as her new album drop]]></title>
  1100.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>With the Eras Tour still under way and <em>The Tortured Poets Department</em> dropping today, you can&#39;t shake off Taylor Swift these days. She&#39;s everywhere — in the news, on streaming services and on social media, which now includes <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/threads-is-testing-real-time-search-results-234857960.html">Threads</a>. <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.threads.net/intent/follow?username=taylorswift">Taylor&#39;s Threads account</a>, and her first post, are going live around midnight. And if you&#39;re one of the first people to share her post, you&#39;ll get a custom badge based on her new album&#39;s artwork that you can display on your Threads profile.&nbsp;</p>
  1101. <p>Meta has been dropping hints and releasing easter eggs for Swifties over the past week as part of a countdown for her album release today. You may have even seen its call to pre-follow Swift on Threads, along with the shimmer effect that&#39;s been showing up on conversations on the social network with Taylor-related hashtags. Celebratory hearts pop up when you like relevant posts, as well.&nbsp;</p>
  1102. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>On Instagram, you&#39;ll be able to change the background in your DMs with one that&#39;s inspired by <em>TPD&#39;s</em> artwork. The company told Engadget that the countdown on Taylor&#39;s Instagram profile will also reset, and you can apparently expect yet another surprise to go live at 2AM ET.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/surprise-taylor-swift-is-joining-threads-on-the-day-her-new-album-drops-040026147.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1103.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/surprise-taylor-swift-is-joining-threads-on-the-day-her-new-album-drops-040026147.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1137.                                        
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  1147.                                                                <media:media_html><![CDATA[]]></media:media_html>
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  1149.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Threads]]></media:credit>
  1150.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Screenshots of a phone with the Threads app.]]></media:description>
  1151.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Taylor Swift Threads]]></media:title>
  1152.                                                        </media:content>
  1153.                                                                                        
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  1155.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1156.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The bill that could ban TikTok is barreling ahead]]></title>
  1157.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The bill that could lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States appears to be much closer to becoming law. The legislation <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/house-passes-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-144805114.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/house-passes-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-144805114.html"><ins>sailed through</ins></a> the House of Representatives last month, but faced an uncertain future in the Senate due to opposition from a few prominent lawmakers.</p>
  1158. <p>But momentum for the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” seems to once again be growing. The House is set to vote on a package of bills <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/us-likely-enact-law-soon-ban-tiktok-nationwide-rcna148391" data-original-link="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/us-likely-enact-law-soon-ban-tiktok-nationwide-rcna148391"><ins>this weekend</ins></a>, which includes a slightly revised version of the TikTok bill. In the latest version of the bill, ByteDance would have up to 12 months to divest TikTok, instead of the six-month period stipulated in the original measure.</p>
  1159. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>That change, as <em>NBC News </em> <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/us-likely-enact-law-soon-ban-tiktok-nationwide-rcna148391" data-original-link="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/us-likely-enact-law-soon-ban-tiktok-nationwide-rcna148391"><ins>notes</ins></a>, was apparently key to winning over support from some skeptical members of the Senate, including <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://twitter.com/commercedems/status/1780790527408976216" data-original-link="https://twitter.com/commercedems/status/1780790527408976216"><ins>Sen. Maria Cantwell</ins></a>, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. So with the House expected to pass the revised bill Saturday — it’s part of <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-17/tiktok-divest-or-ban-bill-moving-on-fast-track-through-congress?sref=10lNAhZ9" data-original-link="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-17/tiktok-divest-or-ban-bill-moving-on-fast-track-through-congress?sref=10lNAhZ9"><ins>a package</ins></a> that also includes aid to Ukraine and Israel — its path forward is starting to look much more certain, with a Senate vote coming “as early as next week,” according to <em>NBC</em>. President Joe Biden has said <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/joe-biden-says-he-would-sign-bill-that-would-force-a-sale-or-ban-of-tiktok-232221156.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/joe-biden-says-he-would-sign-bill-that-would-force-a-sale-or-ban-of-tiktok-232221156.html"><ins>he would sign</ins></a> the bill if it’s passed by Congress.</p>
  1160. <p>If passed into law, TikTok (and potentially other apps "controlled by a foreign adversary" and deemed to be a national security threat) would face a ban in US app stores if it declined to sell to a new owner. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has suggested the company would likely mount a legal challenge to the law.</p>
  1161. <p>“It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually,” TikTok said in <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/TikTokPolicy/status/1780777424109604894"><ins>a statement</ins></a>.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-is-barreling-ahead-230518984.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1162.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/the-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-is-barreling-ahead-230518984.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1212.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Devotees of TikTok gather at the Capitol in Washington, as the House passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app if its China-based owner doesn't sell, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Lawmakers contend the app's owner, ByteDance, is beholden to the Chinese government, which could demand access to the data of TikTok's consumers in the U.S. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)]]></media:description>
  1213.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Congress TikTok]]></media:title>
  1214.                                                        </media:content>
  1215.                                                                                        
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  1217.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1218.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Netflix is done telling us how many people use Netflix]]></title>
  1219.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Netflix will stop disclosing the number of people who signed up for its service, as well as the revenue it generates from each subscriber from next year, the company announced on Thursday. It will focus, instead, on highlighting revenue growth and the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflixs-first-engagement-report-reveals-its-most-popular-shows-and-movies-214509788.html"><ins>amount of time</ins></a> spent on its platform.</p>
  1220. <p>“In our early days, when we had little revenue or profit, membership growth was a strong indicator of our future potential,” the company <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://ir.netflix.net/files/doc_financials/2024/q1/FINAL-Q1-24-Shareholder-Letter.pdf"><ins>said</ins></a> in a letter to shareholders. “But now we’re generating very substantial profit and free cash flow.”</p>
  1221. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Netflix revealed that the service added 9.33 million subscribers over the last few months, bringing the total number of paying households worldwide to nearly 270 million. Despite its decision to stop reporting user numbers each quarter, Netflix said that the company will “announce major subscriber milestones as we cross them,” which means we’ll probably hear about it when it crosses 300 million.</p>
  1222. <p>Netflix estimates that more than half a billion people around the world watch TV shows and movies through its service, an audience it is now figuring out how to squeeze even more money out of through <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-jacks-price-of-its-premium-plan-up-to-23-a-month-201116571.html#:~:text=The%20Basic%20plan%2C%20which%20Netflix,raised%20prices%20in%20early%202022."><ins>new pricing tiers</ins></a>, a <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflixs-password-sharing-crackdown-seems-to-be-working-151023478.html"><ins>crackdown</ins></a> on password-sharing, and <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-basic-with-ads-explainer-190555318.html"><ins>showing ads</ins></a>. Over the last few years, it has also <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-says-that-game-engagement-tripled-in-2023-224130242.html"><ins>steadily added</ins></a> games like the <em>Grand Theft Auto</em> trilogy, <em>Hades</em>,<em> Dead Cells</em>, <em>Braid</em>, and more, to its catalog.</p>
  1223. <p>Subscriber metrics are an important signal to Wall Street because they show how quickly a company is growing. But Netflix’s move to stop reporting these is something that we’ve seen from other companies before. In February, Meta <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://mashable.com/article/facebook-will-stop-disclosing-metrics-for-main-app"><ins>announced</ins></a> that it would no longer break out the number of daily and monthly Facebook users each quarter but only reveal how many people collectively used Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. In 2018, Apple, too, <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-11-01-apple-will-stop-reporting-how-many-iphones-ipads-and-macs-it-se.html"><ins>stopped reporting</ins></a> the number of iPhones, iPads, and Macs it sold each quarter, choosing to focus, instead, on how much money it made in each category.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-done-telling-us-how-many-people-use-netflix-215149971.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1224.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/netflix-is-done-telling-us-how-many-people-use-netflix-215149971.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1227.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Pranav Dixit]]></dc:creator>
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  1270.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F03155a00-fd86-11ee-bf7f-9c98630254e4&amp;resize=1400%2C933&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=05b61971564169161e9d67ae11b9eab059586a64" width="1400" height="933" medium="image">
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  1273.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[ASSOCIATED PRESS]]></media:credit>
  1274.                                <media:description><![CDATA[FILE - The Netflix logo is shown in this photo from the company's website, in New York, Feb. 2, 2023. Netflix reports their earnings on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)]]></media:description>
  1275.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Earns]]></media:title>
  1276.                                                        </media:content>
  1277.                                                                                        
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  1279.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1280.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Blizzard takes aim at Overwatch 2 console cheaters]]></title>
  1281.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Like many other multiplayer games, <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tag/overwatch%202/"><em><ins>Overwatch 2</ins></em></a><em>&nbsp;</em>isn&#39;t immune from cheaters. And it&#39;s not only an issue on PC, where cheaters use tools like aimbots. Some folks use XIM devices so they can play with a keyboard and mouse (KBM) on consoles. This is against Blizzard&#39;s rules, as KBM players typically have an aim advantage over those who use a controller, even though the console versions of the game have features like aim assist. While it&#39;s taken some time to get the ball rolling, the developer is finally doing something about the XIM problem.</p>
  1282. <p>XIM devices trick consoles into believing that KBM users are playing with a controller. However, <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24085457/director-s-take-addressing-unapproved-peripherals-on-consoles/"><ins>in a blog post</ins></a>, Blizzard says it has been able to detect KBM players on consoles over the last few <em>Overwatch 2</em> seasons. It has found that the cheating problem is more prevalent among higher ranked players. The developers say that use of so-called unapproved peripherals is &quot;very rare&quot; in lower ranks.</p>
  1283. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>During <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/overwatch-2-players-wont-have-to-pay-or-grind-through-a-battle-pass-to-unlock-new-heroes-183729811.html"><ins>the current season</ins></a> (which started this week), Blizzard will dish out permanent bans to the most extreme users of unapproved peripherals. It will rely on reports from other players and its own data to pinpoint those who are breaking the rules.</p>
  1284. <p>Starting in Season 11, which should get underway in June, the developers will tackle the issue at a broader level. The first time a console player is detected using an unapproved device on consoles, they&#39;ll be banned from Competitive modes for a week. If they keep using KBM or other unapproved peripherals in casual modes, they&#39;ll get a season-long Competitive suspension, only have the option of playing with other KBM users in Quick Play and lose access to aim assist features. It&#39;s all in the name of fairness.</p>
  1285. <p>There are accessibility concerns here, though, as some folks simply can&#39;t play games with a standard controller. Blizzard says that it has done its &quot;utmost to ensure that players with accessibility needs will be less likely to trigger our detection.&quot; The developers say they will tailor their enforcement actions so that folks with accessibility needs can still land a sick Earthshatter or keep healing their teammates.</p>
  1286. <p>With all that said, Blizzard is looking into adding official KBM support on consoles so folks can play the game that way without negatively impacting controller players. As things stand, console and PC players are separated into separate pools for Competitive play. So to make things fair, Blizzard would need to shuffle console players who want to use a keyboard and mouse into games with other KBM players and no aim assist.</p>
  1287. <p>The XIM problem isn&#39;t exactly new. The <em>Overwatch 2</em> developers&#39; colleagues at Activision last year <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/call-of-duty-can-detect-and-ban-xim-style-cheat-hardware-100314416.html"><ins>started banning Call of Duty players</ins></a> who spoof input devices (or just <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/call-of-dutys-latest-anti-cheat-tactic-is-simply-shutting-down-the-game-161411410.html"><ins>messing with them, as usual</ins></a>). Ubisoft and Epic have also targeted XIM users in <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-mousetrap-system-lengthens-lag-punish-rainbow-six-siege-cheaters-020008802.html"><em><ins>Rainbow Six: Siege</ins></em></a> and <em>Fortnite</em>, respectively.</p>
  1288. <p>Blizzard is <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/overwatch-2-introduces-harsher-punishments-for-players-who-leave-mid-match-021319507.html"><ins>doing more on other fronts</ins></a> to try to keep <em>Overwatch 2 </em>fair and more enjoyable for the majority of players. It&#39;s punishing those who leave in the middle of matches more severely and taking a stronger stance on toxicity in voice and text chat.</p>
  1289. <p>Meanwhile, there&#39;s been a kerfuffle this week related to <em>Overwatch 2</em> players <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://kotaku.com/overwatch-2-profanity-filter-rule-code-of-conduct-ban-1851413127"><ins>being banned for using profanity</ins></a>. Those who use slurs or threaten others should obviously face appropriate consequences, but apparently booting out players from a game that has profanity filters for some slightly spicy trash talk is some kind of BS.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/blizzard-takes-aim-at-overwatch-2-console-cheaters-203923200.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1290.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/blizzard-takes-aim-at-overwatch-2-console-cheaters-203923200.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1293.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kris Holt]]></dc:creator>
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  1297.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:39:23 +0000</pubDate>
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  1330.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Blizzard Entertainment]]></media:credit>
  1331.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Sombra in Overwatch 2]]></media:description>
  1332.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Sombra in Overwatch 2]]></media:title>
  1333.                                                        </media:content>
  1334.                                                                                        
  1335.                            </item>
  1336.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1337.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[It took 20 years for Children of the Sun to become an overnight success]]></title>
  1338.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p><em>Children of the Sun</em> burst onto the indie scene like a muzzle flash on a dark night. Publisher Devolver Digital dropped the game’s first trailer on February 1, showcasing frenzied sniper shots and a radioactive art style. A Steam demo highlighting its initial seven stages went live that same day and became a breakout hit during February’s Steam Next Fest. <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/children-of-the-sun-brings-fps-puzzles-to-steam-on-april-9-184030022.html">Two months later</a> it landed in full and to broad acclaim. This explosive reveal and rapid release timeline mirrors the game itself — chaotic but contained, swift and direct, sharp and bright.</p>
  1339. <p>Though it feels like <em>Children of the Sun</em> popped into existence over the span of two months, it took solo developer René Rother more than 20 years to get here.</p>
  1340. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e51be71-fdae-11ee-beb5-422481b9d031" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e51be71-fdae-11ee-beb5-422481b9d031" style="height:2160px;width:3840px;" alt="Children of the Sun" data-uuid="b40de05e-a380-3b05-8d5b-37d73f570698"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">René Rother</div></figure>
  1341. <p>As a kid in Berlin in the early 2000s, Rother was fascinated by the booming mod community. He spent his time messing around with free <em>Counter-Strike</em> mapping tools and <em>Quake III</em> mods from the demo discs tucked into his PC magazines. Rother daydreamed about having a job in game development, but it never felt like an attainable goal.</p>
  1342. <p>“It just didn&#39;t seem possible to make games,” he told Engadget. “It&#39;s like it was this huge black box.”</p>
  1343. <p>Rother couldn’t see an easy entry point until the 2010s, when mesh libraries and tools like GameMaker and Unity became more accessible. He discovered a fondness for creating 3D interactive art. But aside from some free online Javascript courses, he didn’t know how to program anything, so his output was limited.</p>
  1344. <p>“I dabbled into it a little bit, but then got kicked out. Again,” Rother said. “It was just like the whole entrance barrier was so big.”</p>
  1345. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/6820a210-fdae-11ee-bfa7-0a260b419167" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/6820a210-fdae-11ee-bfa7-0a260b419167" style="height:2014px;width:2685px;" alt="Ren&#xe9; Rother, developer of Children of the Sun." data-uuid="3c2132c4-79ef-3f57-89c6-257f110c1c9a"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">René Rother</div></figure>
  1346. <p>Rother pursued graphic design at university and he found the first two years fulfilling, with a focus on classical art training. By the end of his schooling, though, the lessons covered practical applications like working with clients, and Rother’s vision of a graphic design career smashed into reality.</p>
  1347. <p>“There was an eye-opening moment where I felt like, this is not for me,” Rother said.</p>
  1348. <p>In between classes, Rother was <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://primaerfunktion.itch.io/">still making games</a> for himself and for jams like Ludum Dare, steadily building up his skillset and cementing his reputation in these spaces as a master of mood.</p>
  1349. <p>“Atmospheric kind of pieces, walking simulators,” Rother said, recalling his early projects. “Atmosphere was very interesting to me to explore. But I never thought that it was actually something that could turn into a game. I never thought that it would become something that can be sold in a way that it&#39;s actually a product.”</p>
  1350. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e51be70-fdae-11ee-bbbd-6d4dfe78e69c" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e51be70-fdae-11ee-bbbd-6d4dfe78e69c" style="height:2160px;width:3840px;" alt="Children of the Sun" data-uuid="f23df842-793e-3d3d-9240-1d85cfed3221"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">René Rother</div></figure>
  1351. <p>By the late 2010s Rother decided he was officially over graphic design and ready to try a job in game development. He applied to a bunch of studios and, in the meantime, picked up odd jobs at a supermarket and as a stagehand, setting up electronics. He eventually secured a gig as a 3D artist at a small studio in Berlin. Meanwhile, his pile of game jam projects and unfinished prototypes continued to grow.</p>
  1352. <p>“In that timeframe, <em>Children of the Sun</em> happened,” Rother said.</p>
  1353. <p>In <em>Children of the Sun</em>, players are The Girl, a woman who escaped the cult that raised her and is now enacting sniper-based revenge on all of its cells, one bullet at a time. In each round, players line up their shot and then control a single bullet as it ricochets through individual cult members. The challenge lies in finding the most speedy, efficient and stylish path of death, earning a spot at the top of the leaderboards.</p>
  1354. <p>“It was just a random prototype I started working on,” Rother said. “And one Saturday morning I was thinking, ‘I don&#39;t know what I&#39;m doing with my life.&#39;” With an atmospheric prototype and a head full of ennui, Rother emailed Devolver Digital that same day about potentially publishing <em>Children of the Sun</em>.</p>
  1355. <p>“The response was basically, ‘The pitch was shit but the game looks cool,’” Rother said. “And then it became a thing.”</p>
  1356. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e5233a0-fdae-11ee-bf7d-28c764c1052a" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e5233a0-fdae-11ee-bf7d-28c764c1052a" style="height:2160px;width:3840px;" alt="Children of the Sun" data-uuid="3d443368-804f-3f87-acc3-794931a4b95b"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">René Rother</div></figure>
  1357. <p>Visually, <em>Children of the Sun</em> is dazzling. It has a sketchy 3D art style that’s covered in bruise tones, with dark treelines, glowing yellow enemies and layers of texture. Every scene looks like The Girl just took a hit of adrenaline and her senses are on high alert, lending a hectic sense of hyper-vigilance to the entire experience. It’s a game built on instinct.</p>
  1358. <p>“I didn&#39;t make any mood boards,” Rother said. “I didn&#39;t prepare [for] it. It was just like, oh, let&#39;s make it this color. Ah, let&#39;s make it this color…. This is something to very easily get lost in. I spent a lot of time just adjusting the color of grass so it works well with the otherwise purplish tones and these kinds of things. I spent way too much time on the colors.”</p>
  1359. <p><em>Children of the Sun</em> went through multiple visual iterations where Rother played with contrast, depth, fog density and traditional FPS color palettes, before landing on the game’s dreamlike and neon-drenched final form. The residue of this trial and error is still visible beneath <em>Children of the Sun</em>’s frames, and that’s exactly how Rother likes it.</p>
  1360. <core-slideshow data-slideshowid="257be5ea-0474-4d1f-9429-e2ea98bb0398"/>
  1361. <p>“I see it as a big compliment, actually,” he said. “In paintings, when we talk about visual art, I really like when you can see the brushstrokes. I like when you can still see the lines of the pencil before the painting got made. I like the roughness. I wanted everything to be rough. I didn&#39;t want it to be polished.”</p>
  1362. <p>Rother picked up the game’s soundtrack collaborator, experimental ambient composer <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://aidanbaker.bandcamp.com/">Aidan Baker</a>, the same way he hooked up with Devolver. Rother was a fan of Baker and his band <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://nadja.bandcamp.com/">Nadja</a>, and he wanted a similar droning, slowcore vibe as a backdrop for <em>Children of the Sun</em>. On a whim, Rother sent Baker a casual message asking if he’d like to make music for a video game.</p>
  1363. <p>“He was like, ‘Well I&#39;ve never done it, so I don&#39;t know,’” Rother remembered. “So we met one evening and then afterwards he was like, ‘Yeah, let&#39;s just do it.’ Instead of just emulating something that I like in the game, I somehow managed to get straight to the source of it. And that was a really nice experience.”</p>
  1364. <div id="a09d73ff0e594847a0cd2d347b8b61c5"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rByhENGat1s?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div>
  1365. <p>For Rother, <em>Children of the Sun</em> has been a lesson in trusting his gut. He hasn’t found the proper word in English or German to describe the atmosphere he created in the game, but it’s something close to melancholy, spiked with an intense coiled energy and bright, psychedelic clarity. He just knows that it feels right — visuals, music, mechanics and all.</p>
  1366. <p>“That&#39;s kind of how I live my life,” Rother said. “Not that I&#39;m, like, super spontaneous or just flip-flopping around with opinions or these kinds of things. It&#39;s more about doing things that feel right to me without necessarily knowing why.”</p>
  1367. <p>When he booted up that <em>Quake III</em> demo disc and started making 3D vignettes for game jams, Rother didn’t realize he was building the path that would eventually lead him to a major publishing deal, a collaboration with a musician he admires, a big Steam release and a game about cult sniping called <em>Children of the Sun</em>. When Rother takes a moment to survey his current lot in life, he feels lucky, he said.</p>
  1368. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e4f9b90-fdae-11ee-bffe-c02538ca401b" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/2e4f9b90-fdae-11ee-bffe-c02538ca401b" style="height:2160px;width:3840px;" alt="Children of the Sun" data-uuid="ff9316b2-3546-35f1-84a9-e7f43ae428db"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">René Rother</div></figure>
  1369. <p>“I feel like in the last three years, somehow, lots of things fell into my lap,” Rother said. “Although I still had to do something for it. I needed to be prepared for this moment, that required work.… But in the time where I prepared myself, I was not aware that I was preparing myself. So that&#39;s how the feeling of luck gets amplified a bit more.”</p>
  1370. <p>“Luck” is one way to describe it, but “artistic instinct” might be just as fitting. <em>Children of the Sun </em>is available now <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1309950/Children_of_the_Sun/">on Steam</a> for $15.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/it-took-20-years-for-children-of-the-sun-to-become-an-overnight-success-194511363.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1371.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/it-took-20-years-for-children-of-the-sun-to-become-an-overnight-success-194511363.html?src=rss]]></link>
  1372.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  1374.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jessica Conditt]]></dc:creator>
  1375.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  1376.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  1377.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  1378.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
  1379.                    <ingested>1713469102</ingested>
  1380.                    <modified>2024-04-18T19:38:42+00:00</modified>
  1381.                                            <category>
  1382.                            <![CDATA[Video Games]]>
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  1397.                            <![CDATA[author_name|Jessica Conditt]]>
  1398.                        </category>
  1399.                                        
  1400.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F2e47ac50-fdae-11ee-bff5-f604d5cbf169&amp;resize=1400%2C787&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=32bd0bf7aee46cea9b0bf1964355d1072f9267ca" width="1400" height="787" medium="image">
  1401.                                                                    <media:keywords>headline</media:keywords>
  1402.                                                                <media:media_html><![CDATA[]]></media:media_html>
  1403.                                <dc:identifier><![CDATA[1]]></dc:identifier>
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  1408.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F2e47ac50-fdae-11ee-bff5-f604d5cbf169&amp;resize=1400%2C787&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=35b11ab246e0da29d5c1015a45920e198597929d" width="1400" height="787" medium="image">
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  1410.                                <dc:identifier><![CDATA[2]]></dc:identifier>
  1411.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[René Rother]]></media:credit>
  1412.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Children of the Sun]]></media:description>
  1413.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Children of the Sun]]></media:title>
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  1415.                                                                                        
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  1417.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1418.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Quicken Simplifi subscriptions are half off through April 21]]></title>
  1419.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Subscriptions to the budgeting app Quicken Simplifi <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Quicken;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=36291888-36d6-4b83-80bb-f82004bcfdb1&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Quicken&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5xdWlja2VuLmNvbS9wcm9kdWN0cy9zaW1wbGlmaS8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjRmMzM4OTllLTc0NDYtNDIyYy04ZTlmLTBhMDRlMmYxZTc5MyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAVmtos_n87KDtdmMR6kwqGTJbVzwJz72cMWqKRp5QLLj&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quicken.com%2Fproducts%2Fsimplifi%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.quicken.com/products/simplifi/">are half off through April 21</a>. The price has been brought down to just $2 per month, which is billed annually at $24. The deal also extends to Quicken Classic, which adds more features for investments and tracking taxes. This tier now costs $4 per month, instead of $8 per month. It’s also billed annually.</p>
  1420. <p><core-commerce id="3540e5d257844e0baf6f1a74b33b7e58" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  1421. <p>Quicken Simplifi is pretty much the budgeting app to beat all budgeting apps. There’s a reason, after all, that it topped our list of the <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-budgeting-apps-120036303.html">best budgeting apps</a> and our collection of the <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-best-budgeting-apps-to-replace-mint-143047346.html">best apps to replace Mint</a>. We’ve consistently praised the user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get started and keep an eye on things. Users have instantaneous access to various metrics, like top-line balances, net worth, recent spending, upcoming recurring payments and more.</p>
  1422. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>We also loved how simple (pun intended) it is to set up customized savings goals and the like. The UI is clean, yet offers playful visualizations to keep things interesting. It integrates with most financial institutions, including Fidelity. Users can also invite a spouse or a financial manager to co-manage the account.</p>
  1423. <p>There’s no integration with Zillow, so people can’t track fluctuations in home value, which is something that competing apps like Monarch Money and Copilot Money offer. It requires manual entry of real estate information, just like any other asset. We also experienced some small errors during use, in which the app miscategorized some expenses, though this was in line with other products we tested. There’s no option for a free trial, so $2 per month is about as close as it gets. Just remember to cancel before the year is up if things don’t work out.</p>
  1424. <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on Twitter and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src"><em>subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</em></a><em> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/quicken-simplifi-subscriptions-are-half-off-through-april-21-190006927.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1425.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/quicken-simplifi-subscriptions-are-half-off-through-april-21-190006927.html?src=rss]]></link>
  1426.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  1428.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lawrence Bonk]]></dc:creator>
  1429.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  1430.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
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  1458.                                                                    <media:keywords>headline</media:keywords>
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  1469.                                <media:description><![CDATA[An image showing the app in action.]]></media:description>
  1470.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Quicken Simplify ]]></media:title>
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  1472.                                                                                        
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  1474.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1475.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Meta gives the Quest 2 its second permanent price cut in four months]]></title>
  1476.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>For <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/metas-quest-2-headset-is-about-to-get-even-cheaper-090433083.html">the second time this year,</a> Meta has given the Quest 2 <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.meta.com/en-gb/blog/quest/price-drop-vr-quest-2-199/">a permanent price cut</a>. The company has <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-meta-quest-2-vr-headset-is-on-sale-for-a-low-of-199-151521310.html">dropped</a> the price of the base headset with 128GB of storage <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL09jdWx1cy1RdWVzdC1BZHZhbmNlZC1BbGwtT25lLVZpcnR1YWwvZHAvQjA5OVZNVDhWWi8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZjktMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJkMWU4YzUzLWQ4ZTYtNDgxZS05Mjk0LTQzYTZlNmFhY2NiOCJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAU5oJfvuV9e3t7K7HuFiLywNpRqik-sxnuQXaBkZPEC7&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOculus-Quest-Advanced-All-One-Virtual%2Fdp%2FB099VMT8VZ%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Oculus-Quest-Advanced-All-One-Virtual/dp/B099VMT8VZ/">to $199</a>, down from $249. Until January 2, the company was charging $299 for the Quest 2.</p>
  1477. <p>Of course, the price cut comes in the wake of the company rolling out the far more powerful and capable <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-3-review-mixed-reality-vr-150009788.html">Meta Quest 3</a>, which starts at a far higher price of $499. The discount suggests that Meta is trying to get rid of its remaining inventory of the previous model. Still, the Quest 2 is our pick for the <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-vr-headsets-140012529.html">best cheap VR headset</a> and the drop to $199 makes the device even more appealing.</p>
  1478. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>For a couple of hundred bucks, you'll get a headset that has fast-switching LCD displays with a resolution of 1832x1920 per eye and a 90Hz refresh rate. It has a solid library of VR apps at this point, along with access to cloud gaming services like <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/xbox-cloud-gaming-lands-on-meta-quest-headsets-204929253.html">Xbox Cloud Gaming</a>. However you slice it, the Quest 2 is a solid entry point into VR.</p>
  1479. <p>In addition, Meta recently lowered the prices of Quest 2 accessories. The Elite Strap and Elite Strap with Battery have both dropped by 50 percent to $25 and $45, respectively. The Fit Pack, which could help you find a more comfortable fit, has also fallen by half to $20. The official carrying case, meanwhile, is down from $45 to $20.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-gives-the-quest-2-its-second-permanent-price-cut-in-four-months-184511096.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1480.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/meta-gives-the-quest-2-its-second-permanent-price-cut-in-four-months-184511096.html?src=rss]]></link>
  1481.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  1483.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kris Holt]]></dc:creator>
  1484.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
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  1487.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
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  1489.                    <modified>2024-04-18T18:58:20+00:00</modified>
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  1526.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1527.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The HD Chromecast with Google TV is on sale for only $20]]></title>
  1528.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>If you watch movies and TV on a 1080p screen, the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0Nocm9tZWNhc3QtR29vZ2xlLVRWLVN0cmVhbWluZy1FbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50L2RwL0IwQjlIUzZETFovP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWY4LTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3NzY0MzRiZi0yZTcyLTQwYjEtYTE1ZC1lOTIyYmRhMTViYzYifQ&amp;signature=AQAAATgP-_dPqfuHPKU6LSMu6eUeYp2mseH7nDdmO5aSDYCT&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FChromecast-Google-TV-Streaming-Entertainment%2Fdp%2FB0B9HS6DLZ%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Chromecast-Google-TV-Streaming-Entertainment/dp/B0B9HS6DLZ/">Chromecast with Google TV (HD)</a> provides a rock-solid streaming experience on the cheap. This is the HD version of Engadget’s <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html">top choice for streaming devices</a>. Today, Amazon has it for $10 off, letting you pick up the HDR10-capable streaming stick for only $20, nearly a record-low price.</p>
  1529. <p><core-commerce id="65ceda085dba4f58a0130f107c8c9e71" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  1530. <p>The <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-review-just-a-great-little-streaming-dongle-160005778-160005837.html">Chromecast with Google TV (HD)</a> plugs directly into an open HDMI port on your TV. (There’s an optional power adapter with a USB cable if your TV can’t supply enough juice.) If you have a 4K television, you’re better off with the <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/chromecast-with-google-tv-review-163024220.html">more expensive model</a> designed for higher-res displays. But for HD screens, this model is hard to beat. It offers the same terrific user experience as the high-end model, only less expensive and downscaled for 1080p.</p>
  1531. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Setup is quick and easy. You scan a QR code with your phone to begin the sign-in process in the Google Home app. (That’s also where you add your Wi-Fi network.) So, you don’t need to worry about entering long email addresses and passwords using the remote and a clunky onscreen keyboard.</p>
  1532. <p>The device has relatively lightweight specs (1.5GB of RAM and an Amlogic S805X2 chip) that may reveal some nearly imperceptible lag when navigating the UI, especially right after startup. But it provides smooth performance when it matters most: playing content.</p>
  1533. <p>The software streamlines things as much as possible, including a Live tab that draws from a handful of streaming services to let you resume or jump into new content straight from the home screen. Google advertises support for over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, and you can install just about any streaming service you can name, including Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Max, Peacock, YouTube TV and much more.</p>
  1534. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/9842c1c0-fdaf-11ee-9f7b-cebe82fa55cf" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/9842c1c0-fdaf-11ee-9f7b-cebe82fa55cf" style="height:640px;width:960px;" alt="Voice remote for the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) remote. A person’s hand holds the white-colored remote against a dark background." data-uuid="230fcc1f-c0aa-3ee9-964a-14dc72d551e3"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget</div></figure>
  1535. <p>The remote includes a built-in mic and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The latter lets you control TV content and smart home features with your voice. It also has standard IR integration, so you can control some of your TV’s essential functions and potentially leave its remote in a drawer.</p>
  1536. <p>If you don’t want to wait for Amazon’s shipping, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Target;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=827d7835-78d6-4491-ae04-c042cab1d6e7&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Target&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50YXJnZXQuY29tL3AvZ29vZ2xlLWNocm9tZWNhc3Qtd2l0aC1nb29nbGUtdHYtaGQtc25vdy8tL0EtODYyMTc4NTQjbG5rPXNhbWV0YWIiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6Ijc3NjQzNGJmLTJlNzItNDBiMS1hMTVkLWU5MjJiZGExNWJjNiJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAdn2d0HMACKbvnbBEaL21kI5rFYNgKhl2XBLELpKO0Du&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgoogle-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-snow%2F-%2FA-86217854%23lnk%3Dsametab" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.target.com/p/google-chromecast-with-google-tv-hd-snow/-/A-86217854#lnk=sametab">Target has the same deal</a>. If your local stores have them in stock, you could get instant gratification while saving five percent on your purchase if you check out using a Target RedCard.</p>
  1537. <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on Twitter and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src"><em>subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</em></a><em> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-hd-chromecast-with-google-tv-is-on-sale-for-only-20-182333907.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1538.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/the-hd-chromecast-with-google-tv-is-on-sale-for-only-20-182333907.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1541.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Will Shanklin]]></dc:creator>
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  1581.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget]]></media:credit>
  1582.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Review photo of the Chromecast with Google TV (HD). The streaming dongle and remote sit on a desk, surrounded by books.]]></media:description>
  1583.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Chromecast with Google TV (HD)]]></media:title>
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  1588.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Razer's Kishi Ultra gaming controller works with damn near everything, including some foldables]]></title>
  1589.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Razer just released the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://press.razer.com/product-news/introducing-the-razer-kishi-ultra-the-ultimate-mobile-gaming-controller-for-iphone-15-series-android-and-ipad-mini/"><ins>Kishi Ultra mobile gaming controller</ins></a>, a successor to the popular <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/razers-kishi-v2-controller-gets-an-xbox-edition-with-themed-colors-and-more-203721252.html"><ins>Kishi V2 Pro</ins></a>. It’s filled with improvements, including a larger form factor to accommodate beefier mobile devices like 8-inch tablets and even some foldables <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/galaxy-z-fold-5-review-five-years-in-samsung-is-treading-water-140002461.html"><ins>like the Galaxy Z Fold 5</ins></a>. The controller also offers USB-C compatibility, so it should work with just about any device out there, as long as it fits. Remember, even modern Apple products <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apples-switch-to-usb-c-on-the-iphone-15-brings-more-cable-confusion-140030611.html"><ins>now include USB-C ports</ins></a>.</p>
  1590. <div id="4ca91355bb0f430d82c3ae843cd6c89e"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wk_UJ8q7nW4?si=n1yTlqaHU-MNbt7l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  1591. <p>Razer says the controller has been “designed to provide an authentic console experience on the iPhone 15 series, iPad Mini, and Android tablets with 8-inch displays.” To that end, it features the company’s proprietary Sensa HD haptics technology, which includes a haptic coil near each hand to increase immersion. The company says this experience will actually surpass what's found with traditional console controllers. The newly-released Interhaptics SDK will even allow developers to “craft bespoke haptic experiences.”</p>
  1592. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>This immersion is further improved by integration with Razer’s Chroma RGB lighting system. This allows for customizable lighting schemes, which lets players bring “a piece of their gamer room setup with them.” Beyond the lighting and haptics, the controller boasts the company’s proprietary Mecha-Tactile ABXY buttons and 8-way D-pad. There are console-sized hall effect triggers, programmable L4/R4 multifunction buttons and full-sized thumb sticks, complete with anti-friction rings. The expanded form factor also means it should work with most devices without having to remove the case.</p>
  1593. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/d040de00-fda4-11ee-9f3f-aa411b106629" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/d040de00-fda4-11ee-9f3f-aa411b106629" style="height:954px;width:1426px;" alt="An image showing the controller and the Nexus app." data-uuid="dff7cb31-a2b9-33c0-852b-c84f5b08575b"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Razer</div></figure>
  1594. <p>The controller can access Razer’s subscription-free Nexus app, which pulls up custom button-mapping for thousands of compatible games across iOS and Android.. This means that it’ll be a plug and play experience for the vast majority of available content, without having to fiddle with control settings. Additionally, the Nexus app lets users record and share gameplay.</p>
  1595. <p>The Razer Kishi Ultra <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Razer;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=d043077a-4ba1-4321-a933-30b8701d8d31&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Razer&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5yYXplci5jb20vbW9iaWxlLWNvbnRyb2xsZXJzL3JhemVyLWtpc2hpLXVsdHJhIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJjMTY0MDgyZS00YTEzLTRkNTctYjJlOC1jOGVmN2NiOWE4MDcifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAYCfYayJC_wje-mOjoM6moTjk5UXHRTPmrt7Mu3WIv5U&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.razer.com%2Fmobile-controllers%2Frazer-kishi-ultra" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.razer.com/mobile-controllers/razer-kishi-ultra">is available right now</a> and costs $150. The controller is joined by an updated version of the Kishi V2, which now connects via USB-C. That one costs $100.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/razers-kishi-ultra-gaming-controller-works-with-damn-near-everything-including-some-foldables-173017166.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1596.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/razers-kishi-ultra-gaming-controller-works-with-damn-near-everything-including-some-foldables-173017166.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1599.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lawrence Bonk]]></dc:creator>
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  1640.                                <media:description><![CDATA[A man using the controller and playing Genshin Impact.]]></media:description>
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  1645.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1646.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Netflix will stop tossing coins to The Witcher after season five]]></title>
  1647.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tag/netflix/"><ins>Netflix</ins></a> has renewed <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tag/the%20witcher/"><em><ins>The Witcher</ins></em></a><em>&nbsp;</em>for a fifth season, but the company says that will <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Netflix;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2a170a1e-7e5c-4edd-b5dd-ea6d3bd9416a&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Netflix&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXRmbGl4LmNvbS90dWR1bS9hcnRpY2xlcy90aGUtd2l0Y2hlci1zZWFzb24tNC1saWFtLWhlbXN3b3J0aCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMDE3YmNkMmEtMmIwZi00MTM5LThkMmQtNzJjMjExZGYzNDE0In0&amp;signature=AQAAAbQdEtAoCT3iqqpVP8CjW3ilb9lEs-D2KP0XA3uw_PEu&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netflix.com%2Ftudum%2Farticles%2Fthe-witcher-season-4-liam-hemsworth" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-witcher-season-4-liam-hemsworth"><ins>bring the series to an end</ins></a>. The final season will be shot back-to-back with the fourth season, which has just started production. The two seasons will cover the events of the last three books in the series: <em>Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow</em> and <em>Lady of the Lake. </em>The show is a direct adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, but it does occasionally take inspiration from CD Projekt Red's game adaptations (<a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-netflix-dlc-214822084.html"><ins>and vice versa</ins></a>).</p>
  1648. <p>The fourth season will mark a significant change for <em>The Witcher, </em>as <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/netflix-renews-the-witcher-season-four-recasts-geralt-of-rivia-201602903.html"><ins>Liam Hemsworth is replacing Henry Cavill in the lead role</ins></a>. This time around, Geralt of Rivia will find a new family in the Hanza, who will help him track down Yennefer and Ciri after the trio is separated. New cast members who are joining for the fourth season include Laurence Fishburne, Sharlto Copley and James Purefoy.</p>
  1649. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-will-stop-tossing-coins-to-the-witcher-after-season-five-171500284.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1650.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/netflix-will-stop-tossing-coins-to-the-witcher-after-season-five-171500284.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1653.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kris Holt]]></dc:creator>
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  1700.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Two people in medival garb run across a hilltop in The Witcher.]]></media:description>
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  1706.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Cities: Skylines 2's embarrassed developers are giving away beachfront property for free]]></title>
  1707.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p><em>Cities: Skylines 2</em> developer Colossal Order is unlisting and refunding purchases of its controversial Beach Properties asset pack less than a month after its release. It’s also significantly delaying the game&#39;s future DLC and console port.</p>
  1708. <p>Beach Properties was the first paid DLC for <em>Cities: Skylines 2</em>, and has an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2427740/Cities_Skylines_II__Beach_Properties/">on Steam</a>, with just 4 percent of user reviews marked as positive. In <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/the-way-forward-an-update-from-the-team-behind-cities-skylines.1665858/">a note announcing the reverse of course</a>, Colossal Order CEO Mariina Hallikainen said the company had let its community down.&nbsp;</p>
  1709. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>“We thought we could make up for the shortcomings of the game in a timeframe that was unrealistic, and rushed out a DLC that should not have been published in its current form,&quot; Hallikainen said. &quot;For all this, we are truly sorry.”</p>
  1710. <p>The asset pack itself worked as advertised, adding a number of zoneable waterfront-style properties to the game, but it was definitely thin for the $9.99 asking price. Most will admit, though, that the content itself wasn’t the problem: The DLC was largely derided because it was released at a time when players were waiting on patches for the base game. <em>Cities: Skylines 2</em> was released in a poorly optimized state in October 2023, and although it’s in better shape now, many in the community feel there are fundamental issues with the simulation, and there is still work to be done to make the game run better. Mod support — perhaps <em>the</em> reason that the original <em>Cities: Skylines</em> had such a long lifespan — was also slow to arrive, and is still only in beta, with no support for custom assets.</p>
  1711. <p>In <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/faq-the-way-forward.1663862/">an FAQ accompanying the announcement</a>, Colossal Order explains how the refund and compensation program will work. Essentially, if you bought the DLC separately, you should be able to get a refund. Those who redeemed a code as part of the game&#39;s Deluxe or Ultimate editions will not. Instead, compensation will come in the form of creator asset packs and radio stations which Colossal Order says will &quot;total around $39.99 in added value.&quot; The beachfront properties will be added to the base game, free of charge, for all players.</p>
  1712. <p>To call <em>Cities: Skylines 2</em>’s launch messy would be kind. Since the game’s release on PC last October, developer Colossal Order has burned through the goodwill it built up over a near-decade of the original game’s lifespan. Things came to a head in late January, when many of the community&#39;s loudest and most respected voices broke rank to <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/whats-up-with-the-toxicity-around-cities-skylines-ii-213034938.html">talk openly about the game&#39;s issues</a>.</p>
  1713. <p>Another casualty of today&#39;s announcement is the game&#39;s console release. <em>Cities: Skylines 2 </em>was supposed to launch simultaneously on PC and console, but the PS5 and Xbox versions were <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cities-skylines-ii-will-hit-ps5-and-xbox-series-xs-in-spring-2024-173416073.html">pushed back to spring 2024</a> weeks before release. It has been clear for some time that revised date was not going to happen, and Colossal Order confirmed it&#39;s now <em>hoping</em> to have the console ports ready for October.</p>
  1714. <p>The final piece of bad news is that Bridges &amp; Ports — the first expansion pack that will go beyond assets — is going to be further delayed to Q1 2025 to allow the developers to &quot;focus on additional free patches and game updates in the coming months.&quot; The expansion pack was supposed to be released in Q2 2024, and is included in the game&#39;s Ultimate Edition.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cities-skylines-2s-embarrassed-developers-are-giving-away-beachfront-property-for-free-170042260.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1715.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/cities-skylines-2s-embarrassed-developers-are-giving-away-beachfront-property-for-free-170042260.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1718.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Aaron Souppouris]]></dc:creator>
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  1762.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Google's wired Nest security camera is cheaper than ever]]></title>
  1763.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Google's wired Nest security camera has dropped to its lowest price to date. The second-gen device is for indoor use and it's motion sensitive. It's capable of capturing 1080p HDR video. You can <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0dvb2dsZS1OZXN0LVNlY3VyaXR5LUNhbS1XaXJlZC9kcC9CMDlSVFJWRFJKP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWY0LTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIxMjJiOGM5Yi0zMmZlLTQ3NTctYjIwMS0yZDkzMDE5ZjQwMTQifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAZOq1vAEcXWHGZYY2GWxo4hq2ZH7rmNTXrPamkWRn-qV&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Nest-Security-Cam-Wired%2Fdp%2FB09RTRVDRJ" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Nest-Security-Cam-Wired/dp/B09RTRVDRJ?th=1"><ins>snap one up for $70</ins></a>, which is $30 or 30 percent off the regular price of $100, at Amazon if you opt for the fog or linen colorway. However, if you go for the snow variant you can save a little more. That one is <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0dvb2dsZS1OZXN0LVNlY3VyaXR5LUNhbS1XaXJlZC9kcC9CMDlKNlk4WTczP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWY0LTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIxMjJiOGM5Yi0zMmZlLTQ3NTctYjIwMS0yZDkzMDE5ZjQwMTQifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAUQczaqQaoPEgXvb-4eieZWfdqWQT2ZSsg-4ab6vxDr3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Nest-Security-Cam-Wired%2Fdp%2FB09J6Y8Y73" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Nest-Security-Cam-Wired/dp/B09J6Y8Y73?th=1"><ins>on sale for $67.59</ins></a>, or 32 percent off.</p>
  1764. <p><core-commerce id="d5103061406f44cb8c42a1330a4e29cb" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  1765. <p>The Nest Cam uses AI to discern between people, animals and vehicles. It can send you alerts via the Google Home app, and you won't need a subscription for that. You will need a Nest Aware plan if you want up to 60 days of video history. Otherwise, Google will offer three free hours of event video history. Handily, if you have a Wi-Fi outage, up to an hour of event recordings will be stored on the device itself.</p>
  1766. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>There's a two-way audio function, so you can chat with house guests if you're not home. In the event of an unwanted visitor, you can contact emergency services directly from the Google Home app if you're a Nest Aware member who is perhaps using a tablet instead of a phone. You'll be able to view live video feeds on compatible smart displays and smart TVs too.</p>
  1767. <p>Nest Aware subscribers can receive notifications when familiar faces are recognized. There's also the option to set up home and away routines so the camera doesn't capture video while you're at your place.</p>
  1768. <p>Elsewhere, the Outdoor Nest Cam with Floodlight is on sale too. It has <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0dvb2dsZS1HM0FMOS1HUExFOS1OZXN0LUZsb29kbGlnaHQvZHAvQjA5SjlaV1o5UT90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1mNC0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMTIyYjhjOWItMzJmZS00NzU3LWIyMDEtMmQ5MzAxOWY0MDE0In0&amp;signature=AQAAAVBqJqIg3vRjQXM-b0rRBBOC7SdfHqDfRwtfMvqHQy_h&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-G3AL9-GPLE9-Nest-Floodlight%2Fdp%2FB09J9ZWZ9Q" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-G3AL9-GPLE9-Nest-Floodlight/dp/B09J9ZWZ9Q?th=1"><ins>dropped by 29 percent to $200.</ins></a> That's just $10 more than the lowest price we've seen for it to date.</p>
  1769. <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on Twitter and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src"><em>subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</em></a><em> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-wired-nest-security-camera-is-cheaper-than-ever-163019138.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1770.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/googles-wired-nest-security-camera-is-cheaper-than-ever-163019138.html?src=rss]]></link>
  1771.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  1773.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kris Holt]]></dc:creator>
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  1777.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:30:19 +0000</pubDate>
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  1811.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Google's wired Nest security camera]]></media:description>
  1812.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Google's wired Nest security camera]]></media:title>
  1813.                                                        </media:content>
  1814.                                                                                        
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  1816.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1817.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Sonos refurbished speakers and soundbars are up to $170 off right now]]></title>
  1818.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>A speaker doesn't have to be brand new to sound good. Sonos speakers get high marks in our reviews and buying guides and the company has one of the better <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/where-to-buy-refurbished-tech-140028700.html">refurbished programs</a> out there. Right now, you can grab a <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9hcmMtc2wtYi1zdG9jay1zaGFkb3ciLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImM4MmY5NWE5LTAwMWUtNDU4My1iYzNiLTI4ZDdhOWI0MmVkMSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAce5rUcf5y-85Buw63mhyZ-eXAKqlTfsgSPMhI6YR7TC&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Farc-sl-b-stock-shadow" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/arc-sl-b-stock-shadow">refurbished Sonos Arc SL soundbar</a> for $509, which is $170 off the refurbished price and $240 off the speaker's full $749 price tag when it <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/22011112/sonos-arc-sl-no-microphone-now-available-costco">was new</a>. A decent selection of other renewed soundbars and speakers <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9wcm9tb3Rpb25hbC1vZmZlcnMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImM4MmY5NWE5LTAwMWUtNDU4My1iYzNiLTI4ZDdhOWI0MmVkMSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAQO7BvVgBoodim_nWv7zG166zioPm66F476g5Y3n9XCq&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fpromotional-offers" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/promotional-offers">are also on sale</a> at Sonos, with up to 25 percent off the refurbished prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
  1819. <p><core-commerce id="18a2cc27b9f34bfeb0012f9c6e42a39d" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  1820. <p>We named the Sonos Arc the runner-up premium soundbar <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-soundbars-143041791.html">in our buying guide</a>, praising its stellar sound quality and ability to calibrate its sound to match the room its in. The difference between the Sonos Arc and the Arc SL is the lack of a microphone, so you won't be able to talk to Alexa or the Google Assistant directly through your speaker. That might be a plus for anyone interested in the extra privacy of a mic-less device. Other than the lack of microphone, the Arc SL hardware is the same. It can even calibrate its sound to the room with the Trueplay feature, which uses the Sonos app on an iOS device to measure how sound reflects off your walls and furniture. The Arc SL is Wi-Fi enabled, supports Dolby Atmos, Apple Air Play 2 and connects to your TV via HDMI ARC or <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel">eARC</a>. Though, sadly, there's just one HDMI port.&nbsp;</p>
  1821. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/where-to-buy-refurbished-tech-140028700.html">Buying a refurbished device</a> from Sonos carries a lot of the same perks of buying new, including the same  one-year warranty, all necessary cables and manuals plus all-new packaging. They also donate one percent of refurbished sales to environmental non-profits as part of 1% for the Planet.&nbsp;</p>
  1822. <p>If you'd rather a speaker that does have a mic, the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9iZWFtLWcyLWItc3RvY2siLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImM4MmY5NWE5LTAwMWUtNDU4My1iYzNiLTI4ZDdhOWI0MmVkMSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAWzLrANzZp4VLmU3JNGE5oZSYo5qBkwhv2ziFhrurvgI&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fbeam-g2-b-stock" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/beam-g2-b-stock">refurbished second-generation Beam soundbar</a> is also on sale. It's down to $299 after a $100 discount off the refurbished rate — which works out to $200 off the brand new sticker price. The Beam is our top pick for a <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-soundbars-143041791.html">mid-range soundbar</a> in our guide and has great sound quality, supports Dolby Atmos and, like all of the company's wares, does an excellent job of pairing up with other Sonos speakers.&nbsp;</p>
  1823. <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on Twitter and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&amp;src"><em>subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter</em></a><em> for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sonos-refurbished-speakers-and-soundbars-are-up-to-170-off-right-now-161504151.html?src=rss]]></description>
  1824.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/sonos-refurbished-speakers-and-soundbars-are-up-to-170-off-right-now-161504151.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  1827.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Amy Skorheim]]></dc:creator>
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  1873.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1874.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Meta rolls out an updated AI assistant, built with the long-awaited Llama 3]]></title>
  1875.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Meta <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/meta-ai-assistant-built-with-llama-3/"><ins>just announced a major update</ins></a> for its AI assistant platform, Meta AI, which has been built using the long-awaited open source Llama 3 large language model (LLM). The company says it&#39;s “now the most intelligent AI assistant you can use for free.” As for use case scenarios, the company touts the ability to help users study for tests, plan dinners and schedule nights out. You know the drill. It’s an AI chatbot.</p>
  1876. <p>Meta AI, however, has expanded into just about every nook and cranny throughout the company’s entire portfolio, after a test run <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-is-stuffing-its-ai-chatbot-into-your-instagram-dms-231855991.html"><ins>with Instagram DMs last week</ins></a>. It’s still available with Instagram, but now users can access it on Messenger, Facebook feeds and Whatsapp. The chatbot also has a dedicated web portal at, wait for it, <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="http://meta.ai/"><ins>meta.ai</ins></a>. You don’t need a company login to use it this way, though it won’t generate images. Those recently-released <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-review-instagram-worthy-shades-070010365.html?_fsig=qMK.DGfkqkuD7rziyB.T1w--%7EA"><ins>Ray-Ban smart glasses</ins></a> also integrate with the bot, with Quest headset integration coming soon.</p>
  1877. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>On the topic of image generation, Meta says it&#39;s now much faster and will produce images as you type. It also handles custom animated GIFs, which is pretty cool. Hopefully, it can successfully generate images of different races of people. We found that it <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/metas-ai-image-generator-struggles-to-create-images-of-couples-of-different-races-231424476.html"><ins>struggled with this basic concept</ins></a> a couple of weeks back, as it seemed biased toward creating images of people of the same race, even when prompted otherwise.</p>
  1878. <p>Meta’s also expanding global availability along with this update, as Meta AI is coming to more than a dozen countries outside of the US. These include Australia, Canada, Ghana, Jamaica, Pakistan, Uganda and others. However, there’s one major caveat. It’s only in English, which doesn’t seem that useful to a global audience, but whatever.</p>
  1879. <p>As for safety and reliability, the company says Llama 3 has been trained on an expanded data set when compared to Llama 2. It also used synthetic data to create lengthy documents to train on and claims it excluded all data sources that are known to contain a “high volume of personal information about private individuals.” Meta says it conducted a series of evaluations to see how the chatbot would handle risk areas like conversations about weapons, cyber attacks and child exploitation, and adjusted as required. In our brief testing with the product, we&#39;ve already run into hallucinations, as seen below.&nbsp;</p>
  1880. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/cbccd880-fd98-11ee-9bef-8cd806080ad1" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/cbccd880-fd98-11ee-9bef-8cd806080ad1" style="height:1364px;width:646px;" alt="Meta AI makes a mistake on a recipe. " data-uuid="2261b872-b6cb-3c1d-ab85-4ff7e4c3b878"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Engadget/Karissa Bell</div></figure>
  1881. <p>AI has become one of Meta CEO <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mark-zuckerberg-is-the-latest-billionaire-who-wants-to-create-artificial-general-intelligence-210820789.html"><ins>Mark Zuckerberg&#39;s pet projects</ins></a>, along with <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mark-zuckerberg-embarking-most-delicious-112603039.html"><ins>raising really expensive cattle for beef</ins></a> in a secluded Hawaiian compound, but the company’s still playing catch up to OpenAI and, to a lesser extent, Google. Meta’s Llama 2 never really wowed users, due to a limited feature set, so maybe this new version of the AI assistant will catch lightning in a bottle. At the very least, it should be able to draw lightning in a bottle, or more accurately, slightly tweak someone else’s drawing of lightning in a bottle.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-rolls-out-an-updated-ai-assistant-built-with-the-long-awaited-llama-3-160053435.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  1885.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lawrence Bonk]]></dc:creator>
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  1929.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[TSMC will charge more for chips made outside of Taiwan, possibly making devices more expensive]]></title>
  1930.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tag/tsmc/"><ins>TSMC</ins></a> is the world’s biggest chipmaker and its products are found in everything from phones to game consoles and computers. But devices using TSMC chips could become more expensive if manufacturers opt to buy ones that the company makes outside of its home base of Taiwan.</p>
  1931. <p>“If a customer requests to be in a certain geographical area, the customer needs to share the incremental cost,” TSMC CEO CC Wei said on an earnings call. “In today’s fragmented globalization environment, cost will be higher for everyone, including TSMC, our customers and our competitors.”</p>
  1932. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Talks with customers over price increases have already started. As the <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.ft.com/content/ef8e2dd6-9e19-4997-aef7-0b9a1838588e"><em><ins>Financial Times</ins></em></a> points out, it’s more expensive for TSMC to manufacture chips outside of Taiwan (where over 90 percent of the planet’s most advanced semiconductors are made). But the company will be passing on those costs amid a push by companies and governments to increase chip supply outside of Taiwan, over which China is attempting to control.</p>
  1933. <p>TSMC has plants in Japan and is building several in Arizona, the first of which started operating this month and is expected to go into full production this year. It’s also constructing a plant in Germany.</p>
  1934. <p>In addition, the US government last week agreed to provide the company with <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tsmc-snags-66-billion-in-chips-act-funding-to-open-three-factories-in-arizona-165945639.html"><ins>$6.6 billion in funding</ins></a> under the CHIPS Act, which seeks to bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the country. In return, TSMC pledged to up its US investment by $25 billion to $65 billion. Aligned with that, the company announced plans to build a third US plant by the end of the decade and to start making more advanced 2nm chips by 2028.</p>
  1935. <p>Meanwhile, TSMC expects its manufacturing costs to increase in Taiwan. That’s because power prices there are soaring. An earthquake earlier this month is also expected to have a negative effect on the company’s profitability, as is its struggle to make the manufacturing of its most advanced 3nm chips more efficient.</p>
  1936. <p>Apple, NVIDIA, AMD and Qualcomm are among TSMC’s more notable customers. So if they end up buying chips from the company’s US, Japan or Germany fabs, their manufacturing costs could go up. Take a wild guess who’d end up having to eat the cost of those increased expenses so device makers can maintain their profit margins.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tsmc-will-charge-more-for-chips-made-outside-of-taiwan-possibly-making-devices-more-expensive-145146879.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  1974.                                <media:description><![CDATA[]]></media:description>
  1975.                                <media:title><![CDATA[]]></media:title>
  1976.                                                        </media:content>
  1977.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2023-06%2Faf3be260-0456-11ee-b9f6-76a9a9ff9b98&amp;resize=1400%2C968&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=0ee1ae57df9c1e4672dfaf2fd49ba902706666ca" width="1400" height="968" medium="image">
  1978.                                                                <media:media_html><![CDATA[]]></media:media_html>
  1979.                                <dc:identifier><![CDATA[2]]></dc:identifier>
  1980.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[ASSOCIATED PRESS]]></media:credit>
  1981.                                <media:description><![CDATA[FILE - A person walks into the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC) headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan on Oct. 20, 2021. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the biggest contract manufacturer of processor chips for smartphones and other products, said Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, quarterly profit rose 79.7% over a year earlier to $8.8 billion amid surging demand. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)]]></media:description>
  1982.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Taiwan Earns TSMC]]></media:title>
  1983.                                                        </media:content>
  1984.                                                                                        
  1985.                            </item>
  1986.                                                                                                                            <item>
  1987.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Airchat is the latest app trying to make 'social audio' cool again]]></title>
  1988.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>There’s a new invite-only app going semi-viral among VCs, tech execs and other Silicon Valley personalities. It’s called <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.air.chat/" data-original-link="https://www.air.chat/"><ins>Airchat </ins></a>and it’s trying to revive the concept of an audio-first social media app.</p>
  1989. <p>The premise is similar to Clubhouse, the audio app that had a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/what-is-clubhouse-app-130015640.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/what-is-clubhouse-app-130015640.html"><ins>viral moment</ins></a> at the height of the pandemic in 2021 and inspired copycat features in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Reddit before gradually fading into obscurity. But unlike the original version of Clubhouse, Airchat isn’t built around live audio streams that require users to all tune it at once. It’s more like Twitter or Threads, except posts can only be shared as voice notes.</p>
  1990. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The app uses a timeline format, and automatically plays audio clips as you scroll your feed. You do have the ability to pause the playback and read text instead — each post is accompanied by an AI-generated transcript — but posts and replies can only be shared by recording an audio clip. There don’t seem to be any time constraints on how long individual clips can be, I found at least <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.air.chat/natsharpe/post/2989ce63-3a78-49b8-9e4d-21cc972d37cf" data-original-link="https://www.air.chat/natsharpe/post/2989ce63-3a78-49b8-9e4d-21cc972d37cf"><ins>one post</ins></a> where a user spoke for a full hour just to see if it would work (it did).</p>
  1991. <p>It sounds a bit gimmicky (because it is), but the app has all the hallmarks of the kind of social apps that briefly go viral among a certain segment of extremely-online Silicon Valley nerds. It’s led by a pair of well-connected tech founders: AngelList co-founder Naval Ravikant and former Tinder exec Brian Norgard. It’s invitation-only and has drawn a number of well-known tech personalities among its early users: Y Combinator CEO and San Francisco <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/29/business/garry-tan-san-francisco-politics.html" data-original-link="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/29/business/garry-tan-san-francisco-politics.html"><ins>political provocateur</ins></a> Gary Tan, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, OpenAI founder Sam Altman, VC and Elon Musk confidant Jason Calacanis.</p>
  1992. <p>Over on X, Airchat’s high-profile user base is building hype and creating FOMO for those who haven’t been able to score an invite. (The app had to briefly shut off invites over the weekend due to “an influx of new users,” according to Ravikant, Airchat’s CEO.)</p>
  1993. <p>It’s not clear exactly how many users Airchat has just yet, but it seems to be in the low tens of thousands. The app has been downloaded close to 50,000 times, research firm Appfigures told Engadget, but it’s likely some of those downloads have come from people who don’t yet have an invite. Ravikant, who seems to be one of the most-followed users, currently has just over 11,000 followers in the app.</p>
  1994. <p>Using Airchat is, well, noisy and a bit confusing. Upon joining, the app asks to tap your contacts list to find friends who are already on the app, but finding people to follow beyond that can be challenging. The app doesn’t have the equivalent of a “for you” feed with recommended content so your only options are to manually search for users or lurk in conversations that do appear in your feed and check out other users’ posts and follows.</p>
  1995. <p>When I signed up, there were four people from my contacts in the app, only two of whom are actual friends. I followed them and the app’s founders and a couple other familiar names. I then began randomly following other users as conversations began to appear in my feed. This was a terrible strategy as my feed was quickly dominated by the voices of a few especially active (but not terribly interesting) posters. With so many new users all joining at the same time, at one point my feed was just a bunch of people <em>talking about Airchat</em>.</p>
  1996. <p>It’s also somewhat jarring to actually hear the voices of people you’ve followed on social media for ages but haven’t interacted with IRL. The app defaults to playing back audio at 2x speed, which tends to make people’s speaking voices sound a bit unnatural, but is also kind of necessary for long-winded posts.</p>
  1997. <p>The bigger issue, though, is that it’s not entirely clear what Airchat is for. There are a handful of “channels,” smaller groups dedicated to chatting about specific topics like coffee or astrology or AI or war, but conversations are disjointed and hard to follow. There seem to be some corners with spirited discussion. The “coffee” channel has 755 members and has lots of earnest discussion of pour-over techniques and photos of latte art. The channel is also “moderated heavily,” according to Ravikant (Airchat’s <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.air.chat/faq" data-original-link="https://www.air.chat/faq"><ins>moderation policy</ins></a> is “self moderation,” which means they expect you to make good use of blocking and muting features, though an FAQ states they will remove users for “harassment, impersonation, foul behavior, and illegal content.)</p>
  1998. <p>More creative users are also finding ways to play with the audio-centric format. I found an ASMR group that consisted mainly of people speaking in breathy whispers that kind of gave me the ick (one person did post a nice clip of their cat purring). I listened to a few poetry readings in the “poetry” channel, but didn’t have the patience, even at 2x speed. There’s also a lot of talk of in-app karaoke, though I have yet to see it actually happen.</p>
  1999. <p>Some might see these kinds of gimmicks as the start of some new paradigm, where people use their voices to unlock new ways of interacting. But all I can think about is how Clubhouse, at its peak, had similar gimmicks: in-app game shows, open mic nights and (very NSFW) “moan rooms.” It was new and interesting at a time when most people were stuck at home with nothing to do, but the novelty wore off quickly.</p>
  2000. <p>While Clubhouse’s initial success sparked copycat features from almost every other major social media company, many of those have <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/spotify-is-shutting-down-its-standalone-live-audio-app-211056429.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/spotify-is-shutting-down-its-standalone-live-audio-app-211056429.html"><ins>since</ins></a> <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:7;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/Facebook-Shuts-Down-Audio-Rooms-in-Groups/645163/" data-original-link="https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/Facebook-Shuts-Down-Audio-Rooms-in-Groups/645163/"><ins>shut</ins></a> <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:8;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/reddit-is-shutting-down-its-clubhouse-clone-on-march-21st-165812937.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/reddit-is-shutting-down-its-clubhouse-clone-on-march-21st-165812937.html"><ins>down</ins></a> due to lack of interest. Even Clubhouse itself is a shell of what it once was. While the app still exists, it’s an entirely different service than the one that briefly captured the attention of bored tech workers. The company laid off half its staff <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:9;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/clubhouse-is-pivoting-from-live-audio-to-group-messaging-001520371.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/clubhouse-is-pivoting-from-live-audio-to-group-messaging-001520371.html"><ins>in 2023</ins></a> and has since <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:10;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://blog.clubhouse.com/the-new-clubhouse/" data-original-link="https://blog.clubhouse.com/the-new-clubhouse/"><ins>pivoted</ins></a> to audio-centric group chats.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/airchat-is-the-latest-app-trying-to-make-social-audio-cool-again-140050450.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2001.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/airchat-is-the-latest-app-trying-to-make-social-audio-cool-again-140050450.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2002.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2004.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Karissa Bell]]></dc:creator>
  2005.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  2006.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  2007.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  2008.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
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  2012.                            <![CDATA[Software]]>
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  2015.                            <![CDATA[Media]]>
  2016.                        </category>
  2017.                                            <category>
  2018.                            <![CDATA[Mobile Apps]]>
  2019.                        </category>
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  2021.                            <![CDATA[Technology & Electronics]]>
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  2023.                                            <category>
  2024.                            <![CDATA[site|engadget]]>
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  2027.                            <![CDATA[provider_name|Engadget]]>
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  2036.                            <![CDATA[author_name|Karissa Bell]]>
  2037.                        </category>
  2038.                                        
  2039.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F70fe5cd0-fd16-11ee-a7bd-470245abef04&amp;resize=1400%2C933&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=ebfd8de61223487a6f9255081529e59d69d3ffb5" width="1400" height="933" medium="image">
  2040.                                                                    <media:keywords>headline</media:keywords>
  2041.                                                                <media:media_html><![CDATA[]]></media:media_html>
  2042.                                <dc:identifier><![CDATA[1]]></dc:identifier>
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  2045.                                <media:title><![CDATA[]]></media:title>
  2046.                                                        </media:content>
  2047.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F70fe5cd0-fd16-11ee-a7bd-470245abef04&amp;resize=1400%2C933&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=1e8fb46de82753fa31ac4626b73a2f2f9b490c1b" width="1400" height="933" medium="image">
  2048.                                                                <media:media_html><![CDATA[]]></media:media_html>
  2049.                                <dc:identifier><![CDATA[2]]></dc:identifier>
  2050.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Airchat]]></media:credit>
  2051.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Airchat is trying to make audio a thing again.]]></media:description>
  2052.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Airchat]]></media:title>
  2053.                                                        </media:content>
  2054.                                                                                        
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  2056.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2057.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[GPT-4 performed close to the level of expert doctors in eye assessments]]></title>
  2058.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>As learning language models (LLMs) continue to advance, so do questions about how they can benefit society in areas such as the medical field. A <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://journals.plos.org/digitalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pdig.0000341#sec014">recent study</a> from the University of Cambridge&#39;s School of Clinical Medicine found that OpenAI&#39;s GPT-4 performed nearly as well in an ophthalmology assessment as experts in the field, <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.ft.com/content/5b7a76be-467c-4074-8fd0-3e297bcd91d7">the <em>Financial Times</em> first reported.</a></p>
  2059. <p>In the study, published in <em>PLOS Digital Health</em>, researchers tested the LLM, its predecessor <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/how-openais-chatgpt-has-changed-the-world-in-just-a-year-140050053.html">GPT-3.5</a>, Google&#39;s PaLM 2 and <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-is-unleashing-more-than-25-ai-chatbot-personalities-onto-the-world-181428710.html">Meta&#39;s LLaMA</a> with 87 multiple choice questions. Five expert ophthalmologists, three trainee ophthalmologists and two unspecialized junior doctors received the same mock exam. The questions came from a textbook for trialing trainees on everything from light sensitivity to lesions. The contents aren&#39;t publicly available, so the researchers believe LLMs couldn&#39;t have been trained on them previously. ChatGPT, equipped with GPT-4 or GPT-3.5, was given three chances to answer definitively or its response was marked as null.&nbsp;</p>
  2060. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/paid-chatgpt-users-can-now-access-gpt-4-turbo-123031501.html">GPT-4</a> scored higher than the trainees and junior doctors, getting 60 of the 87 questions right. While this was significantly higher than the junior doctors&#39; average of 37 correct answers, it just beat out the three trainees&#39; average of 59.7. While one expert ophthalmologist only answered 56 questions accurately, the five had an average score of 66.4 right answers, beating the machine. <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-unveils-its-multilingual-code-generating-palm-2-language-model-180805304.html">PaLM 2</a> scored a 49, and GPT-3.5 scored a 42. LLaMa scored the lowest at 28, falling below the junior doctors. Notably, these trials occurred in mid-2023.&nbsp;</p>
  2061. <p>While these results have potential benefits, there are also quite a few risks and concerns. Researchers noted that the study offered a limited number of questions, especially in certain categories, meaning the actual results might be varied. LLMs also have a tendency to &quot;<a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-copilot-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-companys-ai-assistant-130004909.html">hallucinate</a>&quot; or make things up. That&#39;s one thing if its an irrelevant fact but claiming there&#39;s a cataract or cancer is another story. As is the case in many instances of LLM use, the systems also lack nuance, creating further opportunities for inaccuracy.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gpt-4-performed-close-to-the-level-of-expert-doctors-in-eye-assessments-131517436.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2062.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/gpt-4-performed-close-to-the-level-of-expert-doctors-in-eye-assessments-131517436.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2063.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2065.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Fielding]]></dc:creator>
  2066.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  2067.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  2068.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  2069.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:15:17 +0000</pubDate>
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  2108.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2109.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Acer's new $399 Chromebook Plus 514 hits the mark for a solid budget laptop]]></title>
  2110.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>There are a frankly ridiculous number of Chromebooks on sale to choose from, but Google's Chromebook Plus initiative that <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/googles-chromebook-plus-initiative-pushes-higher-spec-standards-and-handy-software-tools-130055583.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/googles-chromebook-plus-initiative-pushes-higher-spec-standards-and-handy-software-tools-130055583.html">launched last fall </a>has gone a long way towards standardizing some key specs for ChromeOS devices. That in turn has made it a little easier to pick ones that'll provide a consistent quality experience without breaking the bank. Acer's latest Chromebook Plus 514, which the company just announced today, is a good example — at first glance, it looks like it checks most of the boxes I'm looking for when <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-chromebooks-160054646.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/best-chromebooks-160054646.html">recommending a basic Chromebook</a> that'll work for most people.&nbsp;</p>
  2111. <p>To make things confusing, Acer already sells a few Chromebook Plus 514 models; this one is the CB514-4HT and is priced at $399. Look for that SKU if you want to make sure you're getting the latest one. This laptop is powered by Intel's 13th-gen Core i3-N305 processor and pairs that with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage — that latter spec is a bit of surprise and is a lot more storage than I'd expect to see on a $400 Chromebook. To meet the required Chromebook Plus specs, this laptop includes a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter. While the resolution is pretty solid, not all webcams are equal so we'll have to see how this one performs in real life.</p>
  2112. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/6fbee740-fd7f-11ee-b465-f3ebf6d4bd7d" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/6fbee740-fd7f-11ee-b465-f3ebf6d4bd7d" style="height:1096px;width:1911px;" alt="Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (2024)" data-uuid="5df3e90f-e018-39ab-8ae6-3052ad585293"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Acer</div></figure>
  2113. <p>The display is a 14-inch, 1080p touchscreen, so it's not quite as tall as the 1,920 x 1,200 screens that I've seen on a number of other Chromebook Plus laptops. But again, at the price I'm not going to complain too much. It has a decent selection of ports, too: two USB-C and USB-A slots along with a microSD card reader. I wouldn't have minded seeing HDMI here, as the USB-C ports could quickly be taken up by power and a monitor, but I just keep reminding myself this computer is only 400 bucks.&nbsp;</p>
  2114. <p>Acer says that this laptop will hit stores in early May, though the specific SKU we're talking about here should also be at Costco as early as next week. The company also says it'll have some other configurations available in the near future, though they didn't say what'll change. I wouldn't be surprised to see a model with less storage or perhaps no touchscreen, which could drive the price down even more. If so, this might be a great budget option. But even as is, you should get a pretty good laptop here for the price.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/acers-new-399-chromebook-plus-514-hits-the-mark-for-a-solid-budget-laptop-130058747.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2115.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/acers-new-399-chromebook-plus-514-hits-the-mark-for-a-solid-budget-laptop-130058747.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2116.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2118.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Nathan Ingraham]]></dc:creator>
  2119.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
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  2149.                                        
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  2167.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2168.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Analogue Duo review: A second chance for an underappreciated console]]></title>
  2169.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<div id="bc59cde5eda741ebb9906de9b4dde435"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dbvew8OOLkU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
  2170. <p>We are living in a second golden age for console gaming. Active communities, open developer tools and easy distribution have given new life to many once-dead systems. If there&#39;s one company who deserves the most thanks for bringing a love for &#39;80s and &#39;90s cartridge-based console gaming back to the semi-mainstream, it&#39;s Analogue.</p>
  2171. <p>It started with the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2011-11-26-the-analogue-cmvs-a-649-wooden-neo-geo-for-the-gamer-who-has-e.html"><ins>CMVS</ins></a>, an obsessive (and expensive) wood-grained reboot of the iconic Neo Geo. Then came the Analogue Nt in 2014, which brought easy, high-def NES gaming to our homes . In 2017, the Super Nt did the same for SNES gaming, then the Mega Sg for the Sega Genesis and, most recently, the <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/analogue-pocket-review-150056011-150056369.html"><ins>Analogue Pocket</ins></a>, which supports everything from the Game Boy to the Neo Geo Pocket thanks to a series of adapters.</p>
  2172. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Analogue&#39;s latest is something different. While all those before have lived and died by their cartridge ports, the new Analogue Duo takes us to the next generation of gaming: optical. That&#39;s right, Analogue has entered the multimedia era with this love letter to one of Japan&#39;s most beloved consoles, a machine that barely made a dent elsewhere in the world.</p>
  2173. <p><core-commerce id="870f53868440472f99ece988b0840419" data-type="product-list"></p>
  2174. <p>That system is the TurboGrafx-16, known as the PC Engine in its home market of Japan. It launched there in 1987, beating the Sega Genesis to market by two years and the SNES by three. It rocketed to huge popularity, ultimately outselling Sega and keeping pace with Nintendo for much of its life. By the end of its run, its library offered nearly 700 games.</p>
  2175. <p>It didn&#39;t fare so well in the US. The TurboGrafx-16 didn&#39;t come here until 1989, arriving after the Genesis brought blast processing to the masses. Nintendo and Sega soon engaged in a marketing war of epic proportions. NEC&#39;s humble TurboGrafx-16 didn&#39;t stand a chance.</p>
  2176. <p>It didn&#39;t help that it wasn&#39;t really a 16-bit console. Though it offered support for 16-bit graphics, it only had an 8-bit internal processor, so it couldn&#39;t match the power of the competition. The add-on CD-ROM didn&#39;t help. Despite hitting the market years before the Sega CD, the Genesis add-on included an additional processor to deliver an early taste of 3D processing. The TurboGrafx drive was just that: an optical drive.</p>
  2177. <p>The system struggled in the US for a few more years before NEC pulled the plug in 1994. In Japan, new games hit the system all the way through 1999, meaning that even the most hardcore enthusiasts in the US missed out on the bulk of the PC Engine&#39;s best titles.</p>
  2178. <p>And, since the Analogue Duo can play imported games just as readily as local ones, it&#39;s a great excuse to dig deeper into that library.</p>
  2179. <h2>Out of the box</h2>
  2180. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/01d7a190-fcd0-11ee-83ee-6a0e76010653" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/01d7a190-fcd0-11ee-83ee-6a0e76010653" style="height:1080px;width:1920px;" alt="Analogue Duo" data-uuid="f2f0ee94-474c-3eb1-9959-91a40b0a33f3"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Tim Stevens for Engadget</div></figure>
  2181. <p>The Analogue Duo is a slender console that shares an aesthetic similar to the PC Engine Duo, which was released in the US as the TurboDuo. NEC&#39;s Duo integrated the CD-ROM peripheral into a single, sleek, unified device. But, the Analogue unit feels far nicer. Its plastic body  feels sturdier than the brittle stuff used on consoles back in the &#39;90s, and the bottom is even rubberized. In fact, the Duo feels more like a high-end piece of home theater equipment, whereas the TurboGrafx-16 feels like a 30-year-old toy.</p>
  2182. <p>Up front are two slots. On the left is where cartridge-based games go, either on HuCard or TurboChip, the two media formats NEC used over the years. On the right is the CD-ROM slot.</p>
  2183. <p>Output to your display is via the HDMI port on the back, but there&#39;s also a 3.5mm headphone jack with its own volume knob if you want some private listening. You&#39;ll also find a port on the side for wired controllers, but since this uses the smaller Japanese connector, not the larger American one, you&#39;ll need an adapter to use TurboGrafx-16 controllers.</p>
  2184. <p>Around the back is an SD card reader for firmware updates or the like, plus a USB-C port through which the system gets its power.</p>
  2185. <p>At the heart of the system is an Altera Cyclone V processor, a dual-core Arm Cortex field-programmable gate array (FPGA) chip that can be effectively coded to act like any other processor. It&#39;s that core which enables the Duo to emulate the PC Engine and all its derivatives over the years.</p>
  2186. <p>There&#39;s none of the lag and glitchy performance that you&#39;ll get when running ROMs through an emulator. This is as close as you&#39;re going to get to a modern reboot of the PC Engine, but with much cleaner output.</p>
  2187. <h2>Output</h2>
  2188. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/15d83780-fcd1-11ee-bdfb-fbb39a05e4bb" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/15d83780-fcd1-11ee-bdfb-fbb39a05e4bb" style="height:1268px;width:1920px;" alt="Analogue Duo media" data-uuid="fbc01c0a-bbc4-30df-9b2a-507ecad35c91"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Analogue</div></figure>
  2189. <p>Whether you&#39;re playing domestic or imported games, everything will look stellar. As with previous Analogue releases, the Duo outputs a 1080p signal over HDMI, resulting in the absolute cleanest way to play your games on a modern digital display.</p>
  2190. <p>While there are ways to get an HDMI signal out of a TurboGrafx-16, ranging from RGB adapters that clip on the back to outputs soldered onto the system itself, even running through something like a scanline converter you&#39;re unlikely to ever get a signal this crisp and clean.</p>
  2191. <p>But for those who like to preserve a taste of the old school, Analogue includes a few different gameplay modes to deliver a CRT-like look and feel.</p>
  2192. <p>To be fair, even the greatest of games for this system don&#39;t offer much in terms of high-fidelity graphics compared to modern titles. But there are plenty well worth your time. <em>Gate of Thunder</em> is one of them, and it’s among the best side-view shooters, or shmups, ever to hit a console. The quality of games like this helped establish the PC Engine&#39;s success in Japan.</p>
  2193. <p><em>Castlevania: Rondo of Blood</em>, though, is generally believed to be the single greatest title for the system. Released on CD-ROM in 1993, exclusively in the Japanese market, this is still ranked among the top Castlevania titles of them all.</p>
  2194. <p>It&#39;s damned good, and plays excellently on the Analogue Duo. Load times for this game and others are quite fast, and the drive isn&#39;t as noisy as many console CD-ROM add-ons were back in the day.</p>
  2195. <h2>Gaming on the Analogue Duo</h2>
  2196. <p>The Analogue Duo delivered flawless compatibility and playback for virtually every game I threw at it, with only one falling short: <em>SCI: Special Criminal Investigation</em> — which, thank goodness, has nothing to do with the CSI television series. SCI is the sequel to <em>Chase H.Q.</em>, which was big in American arcades. Its unique mix of driving and shooting, as well as the inclusion of amazing period cars like the Nissan 300ZX Turbo made it a real favorite of mine. In fact, this was the first game I tried to play on the Duo.</p>
  2197. <p>So, imagine my horror when the Analogue system wouldn&#39;t play it or even recognize it. It just displayed a blank screen, much like what happens on a region-locked US TurboGrafx-16 console when trying to play a Japanese game. So, I went into the Duo&#39;s settings, explicitly changed the region to Japan, and the game played without issue.</p>
  2198. <p>This is the only game that the Duo failed to appropriately identify the region of, which is a minor annoyance at best that I&#39;m sure will be fixed soon in one of Analogue&#39;s frequent updates.</p>
  2199. <p>Firmware updates are easily applied via the integrated SD-card reader, which is also where your save games for CD-based titles are stored. This makes them easy to back up or even edit. With the appropriate USB adapter, it&#39;s also possible to import your old save games.</p>
  2200. <h2>Controllers</h2>
  2201. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/dfafe320-fccf-11ee-87ef-2cb85661a1b7" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/dfafe320-fccf-11ee-87ef-2cb85661a1b7" style="height:2000px;width:3000px;" alt="Analogue Duo 8BitDo controller" data-uuid="65ec4455-25ec-3824-82c9-5f7221ab3e16"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Tim Stevens for Engadget</div></figure>
  2202. <p>If there&#39;s one fly in this ointment, it&#39;s the controllers. As usual, Analogue partnered with 8BitDo to provide peripherals for the Duo. The $24.99 gamepad is the standard offering, and while it looks good in photos, in the hand it&#39;s somewhat underwhelming.</p>
  2203. <p>For one thing, it feels just as light and flimsy as 8BitDo&#39;s other products, with buttons that rattle when you shake the thing. The controller doesn&#39;t even offer the same weight and solidity as the original TurboGrafx-16 controllers, which certainly aren&#39;t standouts themselves.</p>
  2204. <p>But the 8BitDo controllers have a major advantage: they&#39;re wireless. They pair quickly and easily with the Duo and work without lag. They also feature a dedicated home button to bring up the Analogue menu.</p>
  2205. <p>There is, though, one final kicker with the controllers: they charge over micro-USB. It&#39;s 2024, 8BitDo. Even Apple has moved to USB-C.</p>
  2206. <h2>Wrap-up</h2>
  2207. <p>I really enjoyed testing the Analogue Duo. It was an opportunity to play releases I hadn&#39;t dug out in years, and also to experience some games I hadn&#39;t yet tried, all rendered in immaculate detail.</p>
  2208. <p>That said, it&#39;s easy to see this as a very niche release for Analogue, a company whose obsessive fans are already far from mainstream. Software emulation is infinitely cheaper and still delivers great results, but those of us who love classic console gaming know that there&#39;s just something different about running it from the original media.</p>
  2209. <p>Whether that extra something is worth the extra cost is between you and your accountant. Despite being Analogue&#39;s most expensive release in years, and despite supporting a decidedly underappreciated console, the Analogue Duo is yet another excellent quality of life improvement for retro gamers and collectors. I can&#39;t imagine playing my HuCards any other way.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/analogue-duo-review-a-second-chance-for-an-underappreciated-console-130056763.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2210.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/analogue-duo-review-a-second-chance-for-an-underappreciated-console-130056763.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2211.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2213.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Stevens]]></dc:creator>
  2214.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  2215.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  2216.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  2217.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
  2218.                    <ingested>1713369439</ingested>
  2219.                    <modified>2024-04-17T15:57:28+00:00</modified>
  2220.                                            <category>
  2221.                            <![CDATA[Video Games]]>
  2222.                        </category>
  2223.                                            <category>
  2224.                            <![CDATA[Consumer Discretionary]]>
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  2227.                            <![CDATA[site|engadget]]>
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  2229.                                            <category>
  2230.                            <![CDATA[provider_name|Engadget]]>
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  2239.                            <![CDATA[author_name|Tim Stevens]]>
  2240.                        </category>
  2241.                                        
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  2252.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2253.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[DJI's new backup battery can power small appliances, charge your drone]]></title>
  2254.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>DJI is entering the portable power station market in the US and Europe with the launch of the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:DJI;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=479372ad-6013-4434-bdb7-ebc5486af4cc&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=DJI&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0b3JlLmRqaS5jb20vcHJvZHVjdC9kamktcG93ZXItMTAwMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYThjNzI4ZGMtY2JhMi00Y2FlLWExMDMtOTVlMWU3MmQ1ZGRlIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAeuUsoIn2Kgpfth52mRVYIIjjfVFk37XCIjYFq4jIXXA&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-1000" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://store.dji.com/product/dji-power-1000">Power 1000 </a>and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:DJI;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=479372ad-6013-4434-bdb7-ebc5486af4cc&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=DJI&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0b3JlLmRqaS5jb20vcHJvZHVjdC9kamktcG93ZXItNTAwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhOGM3MjhkYy1jYmEyLTRjYWUtYTEwMy05NWUxZTcyZDVkZGUifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAcrfquuUBP6lMVS9Niviep0E67IDMWoIpcdkL52hp4yF&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-500" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://store.dji.com/product/dji-power-500">Power 500</a> aimed at home users or road warriors. The devices (released in China at the end of last year) can be used to power small appliances or charge devices like laptops or drones, and work in concert with solar panels to provide power on the road.&nbsp;</p>
  2255. <p>The Power 1000 (13kg or 29 pounds) has a 1,024 Wh capacity and can output up to 2,200W — enough to run a home microwave oven for about 1.3 hours and a car refrigerator for 19 hours, or charge a drone up to 12 times. The Power 500 (7.3 kg or 16.3 pounds) delivers 512 Wh of capacity and 1,000W of output for half the price.</p>
  2256. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/10a55b50-fd74-11ee-97be-2698fefe9ad0" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/10a55b50-fd74-11ee-97be-2698fefe9ad0" style="height:4600px;width:6673px;" alt="DJI's new backup battery can power small appliances, charge your drone " data-uuid="7fb21ce3-c5da-3e11-a842-1ac37ff869c5"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">DJI</div></figure>
  2257. <p>The larger version supports 1200W fast recharge or 600W standard recharging (540W and 270W for the smaller version). Both can be fast-charged in 70 minutes for a 100 percent battery or 50 minutes to an 80 percent charge. Along with standard AC plugs, both have a pair of USB-C PD output ports that support 140W/100W charging for the Power 1000/Power 500 — enough for most laptops.</p>
  2258. <p>The market is fairly saturated with such devices (<a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:jackery;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8da55429-10fd-4eee-82eb-d6c6521942a5&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=jackery&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qYWNrZXJ5LmNvbS9wcm9kdWN0cy9qYWNrZXJ5LWV4cGxvcmVyLTEwMDAtcGx1cy1wb3J0YWJsZS1wb3dlci1zdGF0aW9uIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhOGM3MjhkYy1jYmEyLTRjYWUtYTEwMy05NWUxZTcyZDVkZGUifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAXWpge5LlztEaROIRzI04Unv8hav1BG8us6qfEJ-5TkC&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-1000-plus-portable-power-station" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.jackery.com/products/jackery-explorer-1000-plus-portable-power-station">Jackery</a>, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Bluetti;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=d8c29cb8-b5ab-4ef8-b464-6f27363393f8&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Bluetti&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ibHVldHRpcG93ZXIuY29tL3Byb2R1Y3RzL2FjNzAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE4YzcyOGRjLWNiYTItNGNhZS1hMTAzLTk1ZTFlNzJkNWRkZSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAf3NDEfv76rcY9GLBDpVVr3QQNxWdrsKorFGaQIBzKM3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bluettipower.com%2Fproducts%2Fac70" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.bluettipower.com/products/ac70">Bluetti</a>, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Anker;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=aac3354f-048f-410b-ae8a-eb1da43ee6cf&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Anker&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbmtlci5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvYTE3OTA_dmFyaWFudD00MzAxMTI1NzgyNzQ3OCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYThjNzI4ZGMtY2JhMi00Y2FlLWExMDMtOTVlMWU3MmQ1ZGRlIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAWAUGaPZ3URSuzMnQERodmyr8GCan3N18-ZKMtKhYDHn&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anker.com%2Fproducts%2Fa1790%3Fvariant%3D43011257827478" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.anker.com/products/a1790?variant=43011257827478">Anker,</a> others), but DJI is pitching this as an ideal way to charge its drones and other products. Released in China in <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://dronedj.com/2023/12/08/dji-drone-power-bank-charger/">December</a>, it was already available in the US at Amazon and elsewhere via the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL09yaWdpbmFsLU1heGltdW0tTXVsdGktQWNjZXNzb3J5LUV4cGFuc2lvbi1DaGFyZ2luZy9kcC9CMENRQzVLREpSP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWYxLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhOGM3MjhkYy1jYmEyLTRjYWUtYTEwMy05NWUxZTcyZDVkZGUifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAQ4KvGtWZgkKPuJ1A5LDfU6giR9W5f2yZvgz8d4A6Ykx&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOriginal-Maximum-Multi-Accessory-Expansion-Charging%2Fdp%2FB0CQC5KDJR" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Original-Maximum-Multi-Accessory-Expansion-Charging/dp/B0CQC5KDJR">grey market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
  2259. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:DJI;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=479372ad-6013-4434-bdb7-ebc5486af4cc&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=DJI&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0b3JlLmRqaS5jb20vcHJvZHVjdC9kamktcG93ZXItMTAwMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYThjNzI4ZGMtY2JhMi00Y2FlLWExMDMtOTVlMWU3MmQ1ZGRlIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAeuUsoIn2Kgpfth52mRVYIIjjfVFk37XCIjYFq4jIXXA&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-1000" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://store.dji.com/product/dji-power-1000">Power 1000 </a>is now on sale for $1,000 at DJI's store, while the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:DJI;elmt:;cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=479372ad-6013-4434-bdb7-ebc5486af4cc&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=DJI&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N0b3JlLmRqaS5jb20vcHJvZHVjdC9kamktcG93ZXItNTAwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhOGM3MjhkYy1jYmEyLTRjYWUtYTEwMy05NWUxZTcyZDVkZGUifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAcrfquuUBP6lMVS9Niviep0E67IDMWoIpcdkL52hp4yF&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.dji.com%2Fproduct%2Fdji-power-500" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://store.dji.com/product/dji-power-500">Power 500</a> costs $500. You can add a 120W Zignes solar panel for $299. For the latter, you'll need DJI's Power Solar Panel Adapter Module or DJI Power Car Power Outlet to SDC Power Cable.</p>
  2260. <p><core-commerce id="8cd3590ac66145059ab3804961bdd3af" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2261. <p><core-commerce id="9385a6f6943e4a458ffe738b500e4dc1" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2262. <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/djis-new-backup-battery-can-power-small-appliances-charge-your-drone-130037610.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2263.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/djis-new-backup-battery-can-power-small-appliances-charge-your-drone-130037610.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2264.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2266.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Dent]]></dc:creator>
  2267.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  2268.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  2269.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  2270.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
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  2291.                                        
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  2300.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F2f43dab0-fd6e-11ee-b5b6-f9ed9008a5fc&amp;resize=1400%2C725&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=a65090234bd86bdd98bfbf92ca55e302c43c34ef" width="1400" height="725" medium="image">
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  2304.                                <media:description><![CDATA[DJI's new backup battery can power small appliances, charge your drone]]></media:description>
  2305.                                <media:title><![CDATA[DJI's new backup battery can power small appliances, charge your drone ]]></media:title>
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  2310.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Samsung’s Galaxy A35 midrange smartphone is officially available in the US]]></title>
  2311.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The Samsung Galaxy A35 smartphone is officially available for US customers. We knew it <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-midrange-galaxy-a55-has-a-bigger-screen-and-new-security-features-170916895.html"><ins>was coming to the US</ins></a>, but we didn&#39;t know when. The phone starts at $400 and is available in two colors. It’s already been available in the UK since March.</p>
  2312. <p>The Galaxy A35 is squarely a midrange device, so don’t go expecting flagship features. However, this is still a capable smartphone with plenty of bang for your buck. Samsung’s A-series devices tend to be among <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-budget-android-phone-160029327.html"><ins>our favorite low-cost smartphones</ins></a>. This model boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, just like its cousin the Galaxy A55. The Galaxy A35 also features the company’s Vision Booster software, which automatically adjusts the screen’s tone to suit different ambient lighting conditions.</p>
  2313. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>It also includes Samsung’s proprietary Knox Vault technology, which originally <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-review-camera-samples-screen-specs-160033680-160056054.html"><ins>debuted with the Galaxy S21</ins></a>. This is a separate memory device within the phone for storing sensitive data like blockchain keys, biometric information and authentication credentials. The A35 and the A55 are the first midrange devices in Samsung’s lineup to get this tech.</p>
  2314. <p><em>Android Police</em> <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-a55-a35-official/"><ins>has reported that the A35 features</ins></a> a modest Exynos 1380 processor, with an option for 6GB or 8GB of RAM. As for storage, there’s a 128GB model and a 256GB model, with no microSD card slot for additional room.</p>
  2315. <p>It includes three rear cameras. There’s a 50MP main camera and a 5MP macro lens, with a relatively pedestrian 8MP ultra-wide lens. The front includes a 13MP camera for selfies and the like. There’s also optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) to offset camera shake.</p>
  2316. <p>Again, these phones start at $400 and are hitting store shelves right now. They come in two colors with, with names like “Awesome Navy&quot; and &quot;Awesome Lilac.&quot; Not sure something can induce awe just by saying so, but whatever.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-a35-midrange-smartphone-is-officially-available-in-the-us-130016998.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2317.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-a35-midrange-smartphone-is-officially-available-in-the-us-130016998.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2318.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2320.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lawrence Bonk]]></dc:creator>
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  2324.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
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  2353.                                                                    <media:keywords>headline</media:keywords>
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  2364.                                <media:description><![CDATA[A pink smartphone.]]></media:description>
  2365.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy A35]]></media:title>
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  2367.                                                                                        
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  2369.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2370.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The 5 best mechanical keyboards for 2024]]></title>
  2371.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>A keyboard is one of the few pieces of technology you may use for hours every day. Why not make it something that brings you joy? Sure, the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/topre-realforce-r2-pfu-keyboard-irl-153030722.html">people who gush</a> over these things can be intense, but the upgraded comfort, durability and customizability that comes with a good mechanical keyboard is a real thing. If you’re looking to make the switch (ahem), we tested a couple dozen mechanical keyboards over the past few months and rounded up our favorites below. We’ve also broken down what to look for when shopping for one.</p>
  2372. <h2>What to look for in a mechanical keyboard</h2>
  2373. <h3>Layout</h3>
  2374. <p>The first thing to decide with any keyboard is what size and layout you want. Full-size layouts have all the keys you’d ever need — a number pad, a full function row, arrow keys, etc. — but they also have the largest physical footprint. A 96-percent or “1800” keyboard is similar, but crunches the navigation cluster (Page Up, Home, etc.), numpad and arrow keys closer together to save space. Tenkeyless (TKL) or 80-percent keyboards omit the number pad entirely; they're often considered the best blend of size and functionality. 75-percent keyboards keep almost all of the buttons of a TKL model but further reduce any “dead” space between them — think of them like the TKL versions of a 96 percent layout.</p>
  2375. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>It gets more and more minimal from there. The smallest popular layout is the 60 percent keyboard, which removes the arrow keys, function row, numpad and navigation cluster. This kind of design can be particularly useful for gaming, as it opens up a ton of desk space to swing your mouse around. It typically relies on shortcuts to make up for its missing keys, but it comes with a learning curve as a result.</p>
  2376. <p>Even more compact options exist beyond that. These can be adorable, but they usually involve removing the number row, which is a step too far for most people. There are all sorts of ergonomic keyboards that utilize different shapes to improve your wrist and arm comfort as well, but we have a <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-ergonomic-keyboard-130047982.html">separate guide for those</a>.</p>
  2377. <h3>Switch type</h3>
  2378. <p>No component has more of an impact on how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds than the switches beneath its keycaps. The market for these tiny mechanisms is vast and complex but, to keep it simple, you can separate them into three types: linear, tactile and clicky. Which you prefer ultimately comes down to personal preference, so we encourage you to go to a store, try out a friend’s keyboard and test switches out to determine what you like best.</p>
  2379. <p>Linear switches feel smooth and consistent all the way down. Many PC gamers prefer them because they’re often light and fast to actuate, so they can register inputs quickly. They tend to be quieter than other switch types as well, but some may find them too sensitive.</p>
  2380. <p>Tactile switches create a noticeable “bump” partway through a press. They generally aren’t as fast as their linear counterparts, but many (including yours truly) enjoy the tangible sense of feedback they provide with each keystroke. This bit of resistance can make it a little easier to avoid typos, too. Many tactile switches are neither outright quiet nor disruptively loud.</p>
  2381. <p>Clicky switches are, well, clicky. They work similarly to tactile switches but use an extra mechanism that makes a sharp click sound when pressed. The exact design of that mechanism can differ depending on the switch. Some people love the audible feedback of clicky switches. The people who work or live with them? Probably not so much.</p>
  2382. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/4e5d4d90-f761-11ee-bfdb-dc43c493c4f2" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/4e5d4d90-f761-11ee-bfdb-dc43c493c4f2" style="height:1201px;width:2000px;" alt="A close-up shot of a pair of exposed, white and teal mechanical keyboard switches." data-uuid="e19a52ce-1eb3-3da4-944b-e1a43cfbc3d7"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2383. <p>Remember: These are general buckets. Within them lies an enormous variety of switches with differing actuation points, weights, springs, bump sensations and more. One linear, tactile, or clicky switch can feel and sound noticeably different than another.</p>
  2384. <p>There are more dramatic variations as well. Low-profile switches, for one, can be linear, tactile or clicky but aren’t as tall and have a shorter travel distance. They allow for flatter and more compact designs, with keys that are fast to press but also easy to bottom out.</p>
  2385. <p>Optical and <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/what-we-bought-the-last-gamepad-ill-need-to-buy-for-switch-and-pc-140047518.html">Hall effect</a> switches rely on different mechanisms entirely. Instead of a physical contact point, the former uses a beam of infrared light to register keystrokes, while the latter uses tiny magnets. Both commonly have a linear feel. They can also enable a few gaming-friendly features: You could set custom actuation points and make any key more or less sensitive, map multiple actions to one keystroke or even use an “analog mode” that emulates gamepad controls. These are niche tricks, but they can make a difference for competitive-minded players. Boards that use these “analog” switches are frequently more expensive and less customizable than traditional mechanical options, though.</p>
  2386. <h3>Switch modifications</h3>
  2387. <p>It doesn’t stop at switch types: Manufacturers (and you!) can make several other tweaks to shape how a mechanical keyboard feels and sounds. Some have layers of different foam inside their case to tamp down noise, for instance. Some have switches that are <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.keyboard.university/200-courses/switch-lubes-the-basics-7k3jx">lubricated</a> out of the box to provide a smoother feel and more muted sound. A few others put plastic, rubber or foam “<a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://switchandclick.com/how-to-film-a-switch-on-a-mechanical-keyboard-step-by-step-guide/">films</a>” between the upper and bottom housing of a switch to keep it from wobbling and further tune its acoustics. Or they stick a layer of tape on their printed circuit board (PCB) to absorb higher-pitched sounds. We think most people will find that some well-applied foam and lubing makes things feel nicer, though this is another matter that comes down to taste.</p>
  2388. <h3>Keycaps</h3>
  2389. <p>Keycaps play a huge role in defining a keyboard’s character. First off, they should look nice! There’s a huge market for third-party keycaps in all different styles, from the playful to the professional to the <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/11/express-your-inner-legolas-with-these-lord-of-the-rings-keycaps/">proudly impractical</a>. The majority of mechanical keyboards make it easy to swap in new keycaps, so it’s usually not a huge deal if you ever get bored with your device's stock set.</p>
  2390. <p>Most keycaps are made from one of two types of plastic: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). Keycaps using the latter tend to be higher-quality. They're often thicker, more durable, deeper-sounding and less prone to developing a shiny or greasy finish over time. Still, premium ABS keycaps do exist, so this is another case where what’s “best” partly comes down to personal taste. You may prefer an ABS keycap that feels smooth over a PBT model with a rougher texture.</p>
  2391. <p>Keycap sets are available in several different shapes and sizes. Some are totally uniform; many others are distinctly sculpted to meet your fingers in (ostensibly) more natural positions. Which is most comfortable is something you’ll have to figure out for yourself. You can check out <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="http://keycaps.info/">keycaps.info</a> to see what the most popular keycap profiles look like.</p>
  2392. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/73902920-f761-11ee-bdba-4ebdfe4c142e" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/73902920-f761-11ee-bdba-4ebdfe4c142e" style="height:1200px;width:2000px;" alt="A handful of detached keyboard keycaps rest on a brown wooden table, organized in a way that spells out the words " data-uuid="592b3894-d157-3821-a227-12f42475117d"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2393. <p>Keyboard makers have several different methods of printing the letters and symbols (aka “legends”) that go on a set of keycaps. The two most common are known as <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://deskthority.net/wiki/Double-shot_moulding">double-shot</a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_printing#Dye_sublimation">dye-sublimation</a>. Double-shot caps are typically more durable but cost more to produce — they’re made by molding one color of plastic for the keycap around a second color of plastic for the legend. “Dye-sub” caps, in contrast, use heat to stain in the legends but are decently durable in their own right.</p>
  2394. <p>For keyboards with RGB backlighting, it's best if the legends to be “shine-through,” so those color effects are visible through the keycaps. We don’t think it’s the end of the world if they aren’t — as you’ll see below — but the RGB won’t be as fun otherwise.</p>
  2395. <h3>Stabilizers</h3>
  2396. <p>Stabilizers (or “stabs”) are little components that go under large keys like the space bar or backspace to keep them from rattling or wobbling when pressed. These come in <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://switchandclick.com/stabilizer-guide/">different types</a> as well. Many a decent keyboard has been hindered by subpar stabilizers, so it’s worth checking your bigger keys first to ensure they aren’t distractingly shaky or uneven.</p>
  2397. <h3>Mounting styles and case quality</h3>
  2398. <p>A keyboard’s mounting style determines how its PCB and <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.keyboard.university/200-courses/plate-materials-sizes-9yn46">plate</a> — i.e., a common (but not universal) layer that holds the keycaps in place above the PCB — are secured within its case. This, too, comes in varying styles and can have a significant effect on how the board feels and sounds. It’s also something that’s best explained visually, so we’ll point you to <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://thomasbaart.nl/2019/04/07/cheat-sheet-custom-keyboard-mounting-styles/">this excellent infographic</a> from Thomas Baart instead of running through every possible configuration here. It’s hard to say one mounting style is always better than the others, but many enthusiast boards these days use some sort of gasket mount, which puts a gasket material on either side to separate the plate from the main case. Done well, this can make typing feel softer and bouncier than it would on a more traditional, tray-mounted design.</p>
  2399. <p>Regardless of what’s going on under the hood, a good keyboard shouldn’t feel cheap on the outside, either. Its case shouldn’t flex under pressure or feel hollow as you’re clacking away. Higher-end models often have cases made from metal or sturdier plastic — the former may feel more premium but it’s typically heavier and pricier.</p>
  2400. <h3>Customizations and software</h3>
  2401. <p>We focused on pre-built models here, but that doesn’t mean customization isn’t important. Experimenting with different switches and keycaps is half the fun of this hobby, after all. For this guide, we prioritized keyboards that are “hot-swappable,” which means they let you easily remove and replace switches without having to desolder anything. Permanently attached switches may be more stable, but fixing a broken hot-swappable switch should be relatively painless — and more affordable to boot.</p>
  2402. <p>We also valued keyboards that are easy to program and customize through software, whether it’s a manufacturer-specific app or popular open-source programs like <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.caniusevia.com/">VIA</a>. Not everyone will go through the trouble to set macros, customize backlighting or remap keys, but it’s better to have the option if your mindset changes down the road.</p>
  2403. <p>It’s a plus if a keyboard works across multiple operating systems, particularly Windows and macOS, just in case you ever switch allegiances. If the device comes with OS-specific keycaps you can pop on to make the experience less clunky, that’s even better.</p>
  2404. <h3>Connectivity</h3>
  2405. <p>Wireless connectivity isn’t essential with a device that mostly sits on your desk, but it’s always nice to cut down on cables. Though wireless keyboards still cost more than wired ones, today you can get something great for less than $100. If you do go wireless, look for a model that can connect over Bluetooth and a USB wireless dongle. The former is convenient for travel, while the latter can provide a more stable connection. For wired keyboards, you want a detachable USB cable so you don’t have to replace your entire device if the cord ever frays or breaks.</p>
  2406. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-09/d50d9990-5c88-11ee-bf3e-3bc62e6cab7b" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-09/d50d9990-5c88-11ee-bf3e-3bc62e6cab7b" style="height:1201px;width:2000px;" alt="The G.Skill KM250 RGB gaming keyboard rests on a light brown wooden table." data-uuid="ca153604-e60c-3715-9759-9e0158943c41"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2407. <h3>Backlight</h3>
  2408. <p>Good backlighting will make any keyboard easier to use in the dark. We gave bonus points to keyboards with fully programmable RGB lights, as they can be particularly fun to mess with, but they're not essential. As noted above, the strength of your backlight will be neutered if your keycaps’ legends aren’t transparent.</p>
  2409. <h3>Rotary knob</h3>
  2410. <p>Some mechanical keyboards come configured with a rotary knob, which typically controls volume by default but can be customized to control other inputs as well. This is more of a fun bonus than anything else, but we found it hard to give up on devices without one.</p>
  2411. <h2>How we tested</h2>
  2412. <p>To be clear, there isn’t one “best” mechanical keyboard for everyone. Yes, some are likely to be better for most people than others; that’s what we set out to find with this guide. But ultimately, this is one of those categories that’ll largely depend on your personal tastes.</p>
  2413. <p>It’s also worth reiterating that we only considered pre-built models for this guide. We still valued keyboards that are configurable with different switches, keycaps and other design tweaks upfront and easy to customize after purchase. However, we recognize that many people just want to pay for a nice thing and enjoy it, without having to do homework on how they can make it better. If you want to get hardcore later on and start building your own custom keyboards, we have a <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/build-custom-keyboard-130021619.html?guccounter=1">whole separate guide</a> for that.</p>
  2414. <p>With that said, we started our research by reading a ton of reviews from both professionals and everyday users, trawling enthusiast forums along the way. This helped us whittle down the devices that had a shot of being a top pick and were readily available from reputable brands. From there, we used each keyboard as our daily driver for a few days, typing up thousands of words, playing PC games and paying attention to the key aspects noted above. We fully charged each wireless model and monitored its battery drain to ensure it lined up with their advertised rating. We also ensured any companion software worked as intended.</p>
  2415. <p>It’s worth keeping in mind that new mechanical keyboards are coming out all the time. It's very difficult to get to everything, but we'll continue to monitor the market and update this guide as noteworthy boards arrive.</p>
  2416. <p><core-commerce id="076c8e071995480f85028250ad18a0d2" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
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  2421. <h2>Other mechanical keyboards we tested</h2>
  2422. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/9960ce80-f765-11ee-befe-51fffc81fcc8" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/9960ce80-f765-11ee-befe-51fffc81fcc8" style="height:1200px;width:2000px;" alt="A quintet of mechanical keyboards rest on a brown wooden outdoor table, with one beige model flanked two separate keyboards above it, and two other models below it." data-uuid="12c9250e-a282-3d0d-8890-32b89698ad70"><figcaption>Just a few of the other mechanical keyboards we tested for this guide. Clockwise from top left: the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless, the G.Skill KM250 RGB, the Lofree Block, the NZXT Function 2 and the Lofree Flow.</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2423. <h3>Lofree Block</h3>
  2424. <p>The wireless <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Lofree;elmt:;cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=869f9a6c-612f-4af2-b706-12bce3b24d87&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Lofree&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5sb2ZyZWUuY28vcHJvZHVjdHMvbG9mcmVlLWJsb2NrLXdpcmVsZXNzLW1lY2hhbmljYWwta2V5Ym9hcmQtMSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAATTIqj0-HB7QmbKktVQhUD0mK5NRYMud05Y9A795xDfZ&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lofree.co%2Fproducts%2Flofree-block-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-1" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.lofree.co/products/lofree-block-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-1">Lofree Block</a> feels great and has a fun retro aesthetic that looks like it belongs next to an old Mac. Its keys are wonderfully smooth to the touch and create a nice thocky tone. At $169, it’s a good middle ground between the Keychron Q Max and V Max series if you dig the look. However, it doesn’t have any software for programming macros, it only has a white backlight and it only comes in a full-size layout. Are those <em>huge</em> issues? No. But there are fine margins separating these things once you get to a certain point.</p>
  2425. <h3>Lofree Flow</h3>
  2426. <p>It’s a similar story with the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0xPRlJFRS1NZWNoYW5pY2FsLVJlY2hhcmdlYWJsZS1LZXlib2FyZHMtQ29ubmVjdGlvbi9kcC9CMENKVFY4UDRaP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWRuLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhNmQ0OWE5Mi04OWFiLTRjODItODhlNy1kNDFhZWI3ODY5OTcifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAWZW31XRhu2hUOLUqfAkehihaxgwp_v9LlsGp79KNfLq&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLOFREE-Mechanical-Rechargeable-Keyboards-Connection%2Fdp%2FB0CJTV8P4Z" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/LOFREE-Mechanical-Rechargeable-Keyboards-Connection/dp/B0CJTV8P4Z">Lofree Flow</a>, a low-profile model. Its <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Lofree;elmt:;cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=869f9a6c-612f-4af2-b706-12bce3b24d87&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Lofree&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5sb2ZyZWUuY28vcHJvZHVjdHMvbG9mcmVlLXgta2FpbGgtZnVsbC1wb20tbG93LXByb2ZpbGUtc3dpdGNoZXMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAUHdeaIyZY3bRKlYl3V6ZZp72PCEhvyAqhJm7Vz0lvv2&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lofree.co%2Fproducts%2Flofree-x-kailh-full-pom-low-profile-switches" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.lofree.co/products/lofree-x-kailh-full-pom-low-profile-switches">full-POM switches</a> are softer and noticeably quieter than the NuPhy Air V2, and its thin aluminum case looks and feels high-quality. It can only work wirelessly using Bluetooth, though, and we noticed a couple of connection hiccups in testing. There’s still no software, either, plus its backlight is fairly weak. It also costs $40 or so more than the Air75 V2. Still, it’s a great alternative.</p>
  2427. <h3>Keychron K Max</h3>
  2428. <p>The low-profile <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.keychron.com/collections/keychron-k-max-series-keyboard">Keychron K Max</a> series has all the requisite features and costs less than the NuPhy Air75 V2 and Lofree Flow. If you don’t like the Air V2’s style and want a cheaper low-profile model, it’s worth a look. That said, the keycaps on NuPhy’s board feel a bit higher-quality, and the tactile Gateron switches in our K Max unit sound thinner.</p>
  2429. <h3>NZXT Function 2 &amp; Function 2 MiniTKL</h3>
  2430. <p>The full-size <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL05aWFQtRnVuY3Rpb24tRnVsbC1TaXplLUdhbWluZy1LZXlib2FyZC9kcC9CMENDVkxRSFFGP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWRuLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhNmQ0OWE5Mi04OWFiLTRjODItODhlNy1kNDFhZWI3ODY5OTcifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAX29ILeVDoMCaFBhDfTWTpH-6D7IUfuLtJ-CETLTgfwi&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNZXT-Function-Full-Size-Gaming-Keyboard%2Fdp%2FB0CCVLQHQF" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-Function-Full-Size-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0CCVLQHQF?th=1">NZXT Function 2</a> and tenkeyless <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL05aWFQtVGVua2V5bGVzcy1BZGp1c3RhYmxlLURvdWJsZS1TaG90LUhvdC1Td2FwcGFibGUvZHAvQjBDU1QySEs5Rz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAfBuKxw7AwzCK5bqH8aXE1pNCmdYVggNcZ2KIV7GSte3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNZXT-Tenkeyless-Adjustable-Double-Shot-Hot-Swappable%2Fdp%2FB0CST2HK9G" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-Tenkeyless-Adjustable-Double-Shot-Hot-Swappable/dp/B0CST2HK9G">NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL</a> are perfectly solid gaming keyboards with fast optical switches, durable PBT keycaps, tasteful RGB lighting, sound-dampening foam and aluminum top plates. They support a fair amount of customization through <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:NZXT;elmt:;cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8f5216e7-b951-468a-abe3-baae6e4d1e46&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=NZXT&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL256eHQuY29tL3NvZnR3YXJlL2NhbSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAASe6VdeZ2cAO6Jomkr09K1jaAiul0oZ6eERIO5uccC6A&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fnzxt.com%2Fsoftware%2Fcam" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://nzxt.com/software/cam">NZXT’s CAM app</a>, including the ability to swap between two different universal actuation settings. The stabilizers on larger keys exhibit some rattle, though, and the Wooting 60HE+’s magnetic switches are far more versatile for not too much extra cash.</p>
  2431. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-09/e0fdda50-5c86-11ee-9fb7-696f3c7bb572" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-09/e0fdda50-5c86-11ee-9fb7-696f3c7bb572" style="height:1199px;width:2000px;" alt="The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL gaming keyboard + wrist rest sits on a light brown wooden table." data-uuid="41d4b60c-784f-3d6c-ba4e-2280493b18f6"><figcaption>The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL.</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2432. <h3>MelGeek Modern97</h3>
  2433. <p>With its fun speckled color scheme, gasket-mounted design and multiple foam layers, the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tZWxnZWVrLmNvbS9jb2xsZWN0aW9ucy9tb2Rlcm45NyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAUfjZ-1_2g_leIbCPoYrLLaeUxH-7WlelGz81I6p2qIF&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.melgeek.com%2Fcollections%2Fmodern97" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.melgeek.com/collections/modern97">MelGeek Modern97</a> is a solid value at $139. The linear, pre-lubed Kailh Box Plastic switches in our unit are smooth and enjoyably clacky, while the larger keys are neither hollow nor overly loud. All of the switches are hot-swappable, and the whole thing works over USB-C, Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle. Alas, its ABS keycaps start to feel slicker and greasier with extended use. This model also has a 90 percent layout, which saves a little extra desk space compared to a 96 percent board but can lead to more accidental presses around the arrow keys.</p>
  2434. <h3>Razer Huntsman V2 TKL</h3>
  2435. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1JhemVyLUh1bnRzbWFuLVRlbmtleWxlc3MtR2FtaW5nLUtleWJvYXJkL2RwL0IwOUMxM1dZRFg_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZG4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAATy5cKVUyroqKdqnhhYJb3l0L9s2KFPTKX0Kjfh3bH2q&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRazer-Huntsman-Tenkeyless-Gaming-Keyboard%2Fdp%2FB09C13WYDX" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Huntsman-Tenkeyless-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B09C13WYDX?th=1">Razer Huntsman V2 TKL</a> is a quality gaming keyboard with light optical switches, crisp shine-through keycaps, a sturdy frame and an impressively muffled sound thanks to some internal foam. (If you buy the model with Razer’s linear optical switches, that is; another variant with clicky switches isn’t nearly as quiet.) It’s often available in the $100 range, and at that price it’s a solid pick. It’s neither wireless nor hot-swappable, though, and its keys wobble more than those on the Keychron V Max.</p>
  2436. <h3>Razer Huntsman V3 Pro</h3>
  2437. <p>The analog <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjBDRzdCV0c3Sj90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAZLUy89IMFtSyqpfdGcJSSXu2pdEdT8aDm3hZdtLtRcv&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB0CG7BWG7J" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CG7BWG7J">Razer Huntsman V3 Pro</a> is a decent alternative to the Wooting 60HE+ if the latter’s shipping delays become too great. It’s available in a 60 percent, TKL or full-size layout, and it offers a similar set of gaming features, including an adjustable actuation range and a rapid trigger setting for repeating keystrokes faster. But its optical switches are noisier and more hollow-feeling than Wooting’s Hall effect setup, so it’s not as pleasant for typing.</p>
  2438. <h3>SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless</h3>
  2439. <p>We recommend the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjBCRjY3RE02Sz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAcscTekRENSJS9h3OkiXv9d8UzMw3MNkgbmonIzIqX5V&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB0BF67DM6K" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BF67DM6K">SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless</a> in our guide to the <a data-i13n="cpos:26;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-keyboard-140019954.html">best gaming keyboards</a>, and it remains a good choice if you want the granular customizability of the Wooting 60HE+ in a wireless design. It also comes with a wrist rest, unlike Wooting’s models. Its magnetic switches are somewhat harsher-sounding, however, and its space bar is louder. SteelSeries’ companion software is clunkier to navigate as well. We haven’t tested the 60 percent <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:27;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1N0ZWVsU2VyaWVzLVdpcmVsZXNzLU1lY2hhbmljYWwtR2FtaW5nLUtleWJvYXJkL2RwL0IwQjE2SkZGNTQ_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZG4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAUNyZ-0T8zYQTo4fVYeVx_FMIjL8Z5K14NftApmXrByw&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSteelSeries-Wireless-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard%2Fdp%2FB0B16JFF54" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Wireless-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0B16JFF54?th=1">Apex Pro Mini Wireless</a>, but it should perform similarly.</p>
  2440. <h3>G.Skill KM250</h3>
  2441. <p>The $50 <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:28;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0ctU2tpbGwtNjctS2V5LU1lY2hhbmljYWwtS2V5Ym9hcmQtSW5qZWN0aW9uL2RwL0IwQlNMQ1Q0MTc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZG4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAWtqOVxCMSO-sYSd-pRaxqb7tW8cY289OCoti_X9BTCt&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FG-Skill-67-Key-Mechanical-Keyboard-Injection%2Fdp%2FB0BSLCT417" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/G-Skill-67-Key-Mechanical-Keyboard-Injection/dp/B0BSLCT417">G.Skill KM250</a> is the top budget pick in our gaming keyboard guide, and it’s still a better buy than the Keychron C3 Pro is gaming is your chief concern. Compared to Keychron’s board, it adds hot-swappable switches, full RGB backlighting, PBT keycaps and a rotary knob in a smaller 65 percent layout. That said, the C3 Pro’s fuller sound and springier keystrokes make it superior for typing, and its tenkeyless design should be more comfortable for a wider swath of people. It’s typically available for $10 to $15 less, too.</p>
  2442. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-09/497ecb80-5c8b-11ee-b79f-a811ed0a9203" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-09/497ecb80-5c8b-11ee-b79f-a811ed0a9203" style="height:1500px;width:2000px;" alt="The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless gaming keyboard rests on a light brown wooden table." data-uuid="1d8dfc9f-5de2-34d1-9194-30fa9abfad38"><figcaption>The ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2443. <h3>Logitech G Pro X TKL &amp; G Pro X 60</h3>
  2444. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:29;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0xvZ2l0ZWNoLUxpZ2h0c3BlZWQtVWx0cmEtUG9ydGFibGUtVGVua2V5bGVzcy1MSUdIVFNZTkMvZHAvQjBCUUJSUFo4TT90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAZrGf6pwSJtJhtulXpv86OzPjHTUdrsV9HnXyILa9Ae2&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLogitech-Lightspeed-Ultra-Portable-Tenkeyless-LIGHTSYNC%2Fdp%2FB0BQBRPZ8M" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Lightspeed-Ultra-Portable-Tenkeyless-LIGHTSYNC/dp/B0BQBRPZ8M?th=1">Logitech G Pro X TKL</a> and 60 percent <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:30;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0xvZ2l0ZWNoLUxpZ2h0c3BlZWQtVWx0cmEtUG9ydGFibGUtVGVua2V5bGVzcy1MSUdIVFNZTkMvZHAvQjBCUlNTR0JDTj90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAWKCDf0MiK1qX777jbtXBP4X5wJeruph5IJq4PnFEr_b&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLogitech-Lightspeed-Ultra-Portable-Tenkeyless-LIGHTSYNC%2Fdp%2FB0BRSSGBCN" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Lightspeed-Ultra-Portable-Tenkeyless-LIGHTSYNC/dp/B0BRSSGBCN">Logitech G Pro X 60</a> are <a data-i13n="cpos:31;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/logitechs-tiny-g-pro-x-60-gaming-keyboard-has-some-big-competition-070154542.html">well-built</a> but far too expensive for gaming keyboards that lack hot-swappable switches and the analog functionality of competitors like the Wooting 60HE+.</p>
  2445. <h3>ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless</h3>
  2446. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:32;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjBDN0tGWjVUTD90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAZS3mg6_KYZGH8l7aObiYTHKPM4hqquOmJXdqqzcIDpP&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB0C7KFZ5TL" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7KFZ5TL">ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless</a> is a wireless 96 percent keyboard that’s marketed toward gamers but should feel great to anyone. The pre-lubed, linear ROG NX Snow switches in our test unit are smooth and quiet, while the PBT keycaps feel stable and high-quality. The keycaps let the RGB backlight shine through cleanly, plus there’s a clever multi-function key that puts various lighting and media controls in one place. ASUS’ Armoury Crate software is sloppy, though, and the board’s overall look may be too <em>gamer-y</em> for some. At $180, it’s not cheap either. The <a data-i13n="cpos:33;pos:1" href="https://www.keychron.com/collections/keychron-q-max-series-keyboard/products/keychron-q5-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard">Keychron Q5 Max</a> costs $40 more but gets you a more premium (if heavier) all-aluminum chassis; here, the housing is plastic.</p>
  2447. <h3>ASUS ROG Azoth</h3>
  2448. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:34;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FTVVMtUk9HLVRocmVlLUxheWVyLUhvdC1Td2FwcGFibGUtUEJUL2RwL0IwQlNLWDhXM0I_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZG4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAaW2qSVXD1EObp8sCqFdlDkw4-pCzsukpo-RAJ4RpKNA&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FASUS-ROG-Three-Layer-Hot-Swappable-PBT%2Fdp%2FB0BSKX8W3B" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-ROG-Three-Layer-Hot-Swappable-PBT/dp/B0BSKX8W3B">ASUS ROG Azoth</a> is like a 75 percent version of the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless with a few more enthusiast touches. Its gasket-mounted design gives keystrokes a slightly softer landing, it has a programmable OLED display and it even includes a switch lubing kit in the box. Like the Strix, its hardware is very clearly high-grade. But its software is much more aggravating and, with a list price of $250, it's a worse value than the Keychron Q Max.</p>
  2449. <h3>Corsair K70 RGB TKL</h3>
  2450. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Corsair Gaming;elmt:;cpos:35;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=a91cfe71-971a-4aa3-9d4d-60d4d0d143cf&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Corsair+Gaming&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JzYWlyLmNvbS91cy9lbi9wL2tleWJvYXJkcy9jaC05MTE5MDFhLW5hL2s3MC1yZ2ItdGtsLWNoYW1waW9uLXNlcmllcy1vcHRpY2FsLW1lY2hhbmljYWwtZ2FtaW5nLWtleWJvYXJkLXdpdGgtcGJ0LWRvdWJsZS1zaG90LXByby1rZXljYXBzLW5hLWNoLTkxMTkwMWEtbmEiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAajKK5LnjZQkEnZW29Q0ajnA3LM4NOJGlD6u-PRcx9pb&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.corsair.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2Fkeyboards%2Fch-911901a-na%2Fk70-rgb-tkl-champion-series-optical-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-with-pbt-double-shot-pro-keycaps-na-ch-911901a-na" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/ch-911901a-na/k70-rgb-tkl-champion-series-optical-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-with-pbt-double-shot-pro-keycaps-na-ch-911901a-na">Corsair K70 RGB TKL</a> isn’t bad in a vacuum, but it lacks wireless functionality and fully hot-swappable switches. It’s on the noisy side, too, and Corsair’s iCue software is rough.</p>
  2451. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/9aeda4a0-f5e7-11ee-b966-b6c4d36f6f10" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/9aeda4a0-f5e7-11ee-b966-b6c4d36f6f10" style="height:1201px;width:2000px;" alt="The Logitech G Pro X 60 wireless gaming keyboard in black sits on a wooden tabletop with light blue RGB backlighting displayed through its keycaps." data-uuid="a2b41081-fc78-3c5d-a708-289bc425b2d2"><figcaption>The Logitech G Pro X 60.</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget</div></figure>
  2452. <h3>Corsair K70 Max</h3>
  2453. <p>The full-size <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:36;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjBDQkhQNFNXQz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtdi1kbi0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiYTZkNDlhOTItODlhYi00YzgyLTg4ZTctZDQxYWViNzg2OTk3In0&amp;signature=AQAAAWJOkl9UtEUbQsaamC4HcWQ_FtOS7DLOGAPk65xe53Tu&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB0CBHP4SWC" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBHP4SWC">Corsair K70 Max</a> is another high-end gaming keyboard with magnetic Hall effect sensors and Wooting-style features, but trying to program those settings through Corsair’s iCue app gave us headaches. The 60HE+ also feels better for typing, with less rattling on large keys like the space bar. Wooting’s HE keyboards support a slightly wider actuation range on top of that, plus they cost $30 to $55 less depending on size.</p>
  2454. <h3>Razer Huntsman Mini</h3>
  2455. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:37;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL3Byb2R1Y3QvQjA4QjNKU0tHUi8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtZG4tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImE2ZDQ5YTkyLTg5YWItNGM4Mi04OGU3LWQ0MWFlYjc4Njk5NyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAYXbzYcYEWuInkn0KP57A7FiWmzgxdM4wxmadJzyGneM&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB08B3JSKGR%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B3JSKGR/">Razer Huntsman Mini</a> is a fine value if you want a no-frills 60 percent keyboard for less than $100, but it’s another wired-only model that isn’t truly hot-swappable.</p>
  2456. <h3>Logitech G915 TKL</h3>
  2457. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:38;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0xvZ2l0ZWNoLVRlbmtleWxlc3MtTGlnaHRzcGVlZC1NZWNoYW5pY2FsLUxJR0hUU1lOQy9kcC9CMDg1UkxaMUM0P3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWRuLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhNmQ0OWE5Mi04OWFiLTRjODItODhlNy1kNDFhZWI3ODY5OTcifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAWL6C_vSiDExOXAVPsirfwKYUJ4a4kW5i3o6HsAIdhNS&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLogitech-Tenkeyless-Lightspeed-Mechanical-LIGHTSYNC%2Fdp%2FB085RLZ1C4" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Tenkeyless-Lightspeed-Mechanical-LIGHTSYNC/dp/B085RLZ1C4">Logitech G915 TKL</a> is a wireless low-profile model with a metal frame and handy media controls. The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Logitech G;elmt:;cpos:39;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2291fa08-d615-45f6-8b63-6e42c377eb06&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Logitech+G&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5sb2dpdGVjaGcuY29tL2VuLXVzL2lubm92YXRpb24vbWVjaGFuaWNhbC1zd2l0Y2hlcy5odG1sIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJhNmQ0OWE5Mi04OWFiLTRjODItODhlNy1kNDFhZWI3ODY5OTcifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAf4Z2jumK1ranzuBfoLi4GQnb2ZV--JGlzLwHHx3EWGT&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.logitechg.com%2Fen-us%2Finnovation%2Fmechanical-switches.html" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/innovation/mechanical-switches.html">GL Tactile</a> switches in our test unit are comfortable and not particularly noisy. But the thin ABS keycaps feel way too cheap for something that costs $230, the keys themselves are a little too wobbly and the switches aren't hot-swappable.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-mechanical-keyboard-120050723.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2458.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/best-mechanical-keyboard-120050723.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  2499.                                <media:description><![CDATA[A wide selection of mechanical keyboards in different sizes, shapes and colors sit in close proximity to one another on top of a brown wooden table.]]></media:description>
  2500.                                <media:title><![CDATA[The best mechanical keyboards]]></media:title>
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  2505.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Slack rolls out its AI tools to all paying customers]]></title>
  2506.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Slack just rolled out its AI tools to all paying users, after releasing them to a <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/slacks-new-generative-ai-features-include-thread-summaries-and-conversational-search-140059238.html">select subset of customers earlier this year</a>. The company’s been <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/slack-ai-will-summarize-your-work-chat-starting-this-winter-130046724.html">teasing these features since last year</a> and, well, now they’re here.</p>
  2507. <p>The AI <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://slack.com/blog/news/slack-ai-has-arrived">auto-generates channel recaps</a> to give people key highlights of stuff they missed while away from the keyboard or smartphone, for keeping track of important work stuff and office in-jokes. Slack says the algorithm that generates these recaps is smart enough to pull content from the various topics discussed in the channel. This means that you’ll get a paragraph on how plans are going for Jenny’s cake party in the conference room and another on sales trends or whatever.</p>
  2508. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>There’s something similar available for threads, which are smaller conversations between one or a few people. The tool will recap any of these threads into a short paragraph. Customers can also opt into a daily recap for any channel or thread, delivered each morning.</p>
  2509. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/0c4dba00-f8df-11ee-bffd-652d590beed8" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/0c4dba00-f8df-11ee-bffd-652d590beed8" style="height:1216px;width:1918px;" alt="Slack AI in use." data-uuid="d84a190b-b51c-3b50-b6e4-872174ce6fe7"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Slack</div></figure>
  2510. <p>Another interesting feature is conversational search. The various Slack channels stretch on forever and it can be tough to find the right chat when necessary. This allows people to ask questions using natural language, with the algorithm doing the actual searching.</p>
  2511. <p>These tools aren’t just for English speakers, as Slack AI now offers Japanese and Spanish language support. Slack says it’ll soon integrate some of its most-used third-party apps into the AI ecosystem. To that end, integration with Salesforce’s Einstein Copilot is coming in the near future.</p>
  2512. <div id="fc6e79cbed3e4a3486af9f182075674d"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GtXUUiIARh4?si=vsCnBccsi-4Lydqr" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
  2513. <p>It remains to be seen if these tools will actually be helpful or if they’re just more excuses to put the letters “AI” in promotional materials. I’ve been on Slack a long time and I haven’t encountered too many scenarios in which I’d need a series of auto-generated recaps, as longer conversations are typically relegated to one-on-one meetings, emails or video streams. However, maybe this will change how people use the service.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/slack-rolls-out-its-ai-tools-to-all-paying-customers-120045296.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2514.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/slack-rolls-out-its-ai-tools-to-all-paying-customers-120045296.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  2517.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Lawrence Bonk]]></dc:creator>
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  2555.                                <media:description><![CDATA[An ad for Slack AI.]]></media:description>
  2556.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Slack AI]]></media:title>
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  2561.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Playdate developers have made more than $500K in Catalog sales]]></title>
  2562.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Panic is celebrating Playdate&#39;s second birthday this month, and the party favors include some piping-hot statistics about Catalog game sales.</p>
  2563. <p>Playdate <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/playdate-review-indie-games-crank-170054294.html">hit the market</a> in April 2022 with 24 free games. Its Catalog store went live in March 2023, offering 16 curated games for purchase directly on the device. Panic has added more titles to Catalog on a bi-weekly basis for the past year, and the marketplace today has 181 games and apps. More than 150,000 games have been sold on Catalog, giving developers $544,290 in gross revenue — that&#39;s after taxes, processing fees and Panic’s 25 percent cut.&nbsp;</p>
  2564. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/f90dde40-fd0a-11ee-90b6-bfeb59ae27a0" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/f90dde40-fd0a-11ee-90b6-bfeb59ae27a0" style="height:1310px;width:1600px;" alt="Playdate two-year data" data-uuid="5630fdd1-5257-34dc-908e-23e78c0cd903"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Panic</div></figure>
  2565. <p>The average price of a Playdate Catalog game is $5.36. The average install size is 5.03MB, while the smallest Catalog game is 30.1KB and the largest is 107MB. Playdate ships with 4GB of flash storage. It also has 16GB of RAM, an accelerometer, a 400 x 240 1-bit display, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, a mono speaker, and a condenser mic and stereo headphone jack. Oh, and it has a delightful little crank.</p>
  2566. <p>The figures Panic shared today cover Catalog purchases, which means they only tell part of the story. While Catalog has just under 200 titles, there are more than 800 Playdate games and apps available <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://itch.io/games/tag-playdate">on itch.io</a> alone, and the community there is active and vibrant. As I described in our <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/playdate-revisited-two-years-with-the-little-yellow-inspiration-machine-125517060.html">Playdate retrospective</a> published last week, browsing the device&#39;s itch.io page feels like &quot;hanging out in a friendly underground clubhouse populated by crank-obsessed video game freaks.&quot; But, like, in a great way.</p>
  2567. <p>Playdate supports games from new and veteran developers, and some of its most notable titles include <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/mars-after-midnight/"><em>Mars After Midnight</em></a> by Lucas Pope, <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/crankin/"><em>Crankin’s Time Travel Adventure</em></a> from Keita Takahashi’s studio uvula and <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/zipper/"><em>Zipper</em></a> by Bennett Foddy. Some of my personal favorites include <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/root-bear/"><em>Root Bear</em></a>, <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/spellcorked/"><em>Spellcorked</em></a>, <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/word-trip/"><em>Word Trip</em></a>, <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://play.date/games/chopter-copter/"><em>Chopter Copter</em></a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://squidgod.itch.io/pocket-pets"><em>Pocket Pets</em></a>.</p>
  2568. <div id="b5dca86515b34ee1bf9ada447bd6ac98"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sDgkEa5MQDA?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div>
  2569. <p>This is the first time Panic has publicly shared data about Playdate game sales or its revenue-share model. The 25 percent cut that Panic takes is less than the standard <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/steam-defined-the-modern-video-game-industry-163021533.html">set by Steam</a>, which gets 30 percent of most game sales, but it&#39;s more than split on the <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-12-13-epic-games-store-steam-competition.html">Epic Games Store</a>, which reserves 12 percent for Epic.</p>
  2570. <p>Playdate costs $199 and there&#39;s an optional teal cover available for $30. Panic has also been teasing the Stereo Dock — an adorable Playdate charging station, Bluetooth speaker and pen holder — for more than two years, but the accessory is still &quot;coming soon.&quot; There&#39;s no word on a price or release window for the Stereo Dock, but Playdate Project Lead Greg Maletic recently <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-playdate-stereo-dock-got-stuck-in-factory-limbo-but-its-still-coming-010517171.html">told Engadget</a> to expect an update in the coming months.</p>
  2571. <p>&quot;We apologize to everyone with a Playdate who has been waiting patiently for the Stereo Dock; it’s been a trickier project than we anticipated and we had a few false starts,&quot; Maletic said. &quot;We thought we&#39;d save some time on that project by having our factory do the software for the Stereo Dock, but we&#39;ve learned that you don&#39;t always necessarily want that in some cases. The Stereo Dock is very much alive, we have the physical prototypes to prove it! We expect to have a formal update on when you can buy one later this year.&quot;</p>
  2572. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/ab545bb0-f83d-11ee-a5fe-3c6df1e78375" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/ab545bb0-f83d-11ee-a5fe-3c6df1e78375" style="height:1141px;width:1792px;" alt="Playdate Stereo Dock" data-uuid="d0e00598-84bf-31c7-8243-ea9558c3fa52"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Panic</div></figure>
  2573. <p>More than 70,000 Playdates have been sold in the past two years and a little more than half of all owners have purchased a Catalog game, according to Panic.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/playdate-developers-have-made-more-than-500k-in-catalog-sales-120034296.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2574.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/playdate-developers-have-made-more-than-500k-in-catalog-sales-120034296.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  2577.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jessica Conditt]]></dc:creator>
  2578.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
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  2614.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F9bab0c90-fd0b-11ee-9fbf-c4d25340b973&amp;resize=1400%2C744&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=f332c8c943b00e53aa41f4c92dba9bed749107c9" width="1400" height="744" medium="image">
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  2623.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2624.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The Morning After: Is the new Zephyrus G16 any good?]]></title>
  2625.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>ASUS has <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-2024-review-not-just-for-gamers-153001954.html"><ins>updated its 16-inch Zephyrus G16 for 2024 with fresher chips and graphics options all the way up to an RTX 4090</ins></a>. There’s a new OLED display with a 240HZ refresh rate and a full size SD card reader for transferring files. But, as much as ASUS is positioning this as a laptop for media makers as well as gamers, we need to know if its promises match its power. If you’re as curious as I am, you’ll have to read Sam Rutherford’s review to find out for yourself.</p>
  2626. <p>— Dan Cooper</p>
  2627. <h3>The biggest stories you might have missed</h3>
  2628. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/media-coalition-asks-the-feds-to-investigate-googles-removal-of-california-news-links-212052979.html"><ins>Media coalition asks the feds to investigate Google’s removal of California news links</ins></a></p>
  2629. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-is-trying-to-clean-up-its-for-you-recommendations-210057825.html"><ins>TikTok is trying to clean up its For You recommendations</ins></a></p>
  2630. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-says-a-whopping-140-third-party-stores-in-four-countries-use-its-just-walk-out-tech-191649492.html"><ins>Amazon says a whopping 140 third-party stores in four countries use its Just Walk Out tech</ins></a></p>
  2631. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/theres-a-tv-show-coming-based-on-segas-classic-arcade-game-golden-axe-185336446.html"><ins>There’s a TV show coming based on Sega’s classic arcade game Golden Axe</ins></a></p>
  2632. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cheaper-evercade-retro-consoles-will-arrive-in-july-180459612.html"><ins>Cheaper Evercade retro consoles will arrive in July</ins></a></p>
  2633. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-renews-for-all-mankind-and-announces-a-spinoff-series-set-in-the-soviet-union-173950761.html"><ins>Apple renews For All Mankind and announces a spinoff series set in the Soviet Union</ins></a></p>
  2634. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-notes-is-basically-instagram-for-your-tiktok-account-170151958.html"><ins>TikTok Notes is basically Instagram for your TikTok account</ins></a></p>
  2635. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/lorelei-and-the-laser-eyes-by-sayonara-wild-hearts-devs-comes-out-on-may-19-165030366.html"><ins>Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, by Sayonara Wild Hearts devs, comes out on May 16</ins></a></p>
  2636. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/yars-rising-revives-a-40-year-old-atari-game-as-a-modern-metroidvania-163023972.html"><ins>Yars Rising revives a 40-year-old Atari game as a modern metroidvania</ins></a></p>
  2637. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/shadow-platformer-schim-is-coming-to-pc-and-consoles-on-july-18-162815433.html"><ins>Shadow platformer Schim is coming to PC and consoles on July 18</ins></a></p>
  2638. <p>​​<em>You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. </em><a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/about/newsletter/"><em>Subscribe right here!</em></a></p>
  2639. <p></p>
  2640. <h2><a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/xs-ai-bot-is-so-dumb-it-cant-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-game-and-vandalism-172707401.html"><ins>X’s AI bot is so dumb it can’t tell the difference between a bad game and vandalism</ins></a></h2>
  2641. <h3>They’re called euphemisms, Elon.</h3>
  2642. <h3></h3>
  2643. <p>Basketball’s Klay Thompson had a rough time of it at a game, leading X users to suggest he was “throwing bricks.” This is a basketball term meaning he wasn’t throwing well, but if you didn’t know it, don’t worry too much, <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/xs-ai-bot-is-so-dumb-it-cant-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-game-and-vandalism-172707401.html"><ins>since neither did Grok, X’s homegrown AI.</ins></a> After reading the messages, it confected a news story suggesting Thompson was vandalizing homes in Sacramento.</p>
  2644. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/xs-ai-bot-is-so-dumb-it-cant-tell-the-difference-between-a-bad-game-and-vandalism-172707401.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading.</ins></strong></a></p>
  2645. <h2><a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/good-riddance-wh-xb910n-sonys-confusing-product-names-are-going-away-161034581.html"><ins>Good riddance, WH-XB910N: Sony’s confusing product names are going away</ins></a></h2>
  2646. <h3>Sony catches up to the 19th century.</h3>
  2647. <p></p>
  2648. <p>Sony’s always been capable of making a great product, but it’s never quite nailed the knack of naming them. For instance, it makes the best pair of wireless headphones on the market today but saddles them with the name WH-1000XM5. Now, however, <a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/good-riddance-wh-xb910n-sonys-confusing-product-names-are-going-away-161034581.html"><ins>the company has pledged to simplify its naming scheme</ins></a>, including renaming its headphone range as Wear.</p>
  2649. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/good-riddance-wh-xb910n-sonys-confusing-product-names-are-going-away-161034581.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading.</ins></strong></a></p>
  2650. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><h2><a data-i13n="cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-emulator-delta-hits-the-ios-app-store-no-sideloading-required-201158987.html"><ins>Nintendo emulator Delta hits the iOS App Store, no sideloading required</ins></a></h2>
  2651. <h3></h3>
  2652. <p>Apple’s relaxation of rules around what it permits on the App Store has seen the arrival of Delta. <a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-emulator-delta-hits-the-ios-app-store-no-sideloading-required-201158987.html"><ins>It’s a Nintendo emulator (and a successor to GBA4iOS) that runs a plethora of older titles from the company’s older consoles</ins></a>. Given its long-running enmity with game emulators and the ease with which it wiped out Yuzu, it can’t be long before Nintendo’s lawyers turn up with a fat stack of cease and desist letters.</p>
  2653. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-emulator-delta-hits-the-ios-app-store-no-sideloading-required-201158987.html"><strong><ins>Continue Reading.</ins></strong></a></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-is-the-new-zephyrus-g16-any-good-111508697.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2654.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-is-the-new-zephyrus-g16-any-good-111508697.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  2657.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Daniel Cooper]]></dc:creator>
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  2694.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget]]></media:credit>
  2695.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Image of the new 2024 Zephyrus G16 deck taken from overhead.]]></media:description>
  2696.                                <media:title><![CDATA[ROG Zephyrus G16]]></media:title>
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  2700.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2701.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Nothing's Ear and Ear (a) earbuds with active noise cancellation are now available for pre-order]]></title>
  2702.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Carl Pei&#39;s Nothing has revealed two new wireless earbuds at an event in Tokyo. It calls the Ear, the more expensive model of the two with prices starting at $149 and £129, a refinement of its older model the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/nothing-ear-2-wireless-buds-price-release-date-impressions-153040749.html?_fsig=pFz2WR_dhL6LsmOaykZZWQ--%7EA">Ear (2)</a>. The Ear retains the brand&#39;s transparent design and looks very similar to the previous model. But it&#39;s powered by a new custom 11 mm dynamic driver and comes with a dual chamber design that allows it to deliver clearer sounds compared to its predecessor.&nbsp;</p>
  2703. <p>It also features a new smart active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithm that can check for noise leakage between the earbuds and the ear canal and then add more noise cancellation accordingly. Plus, it can automatically apply the level of noise cancellation needed — high, medium or low — appropriate for the environment the user is in. Nothing says the model&#39;s noise cancellation rated at 45 dB is almost twice that of the Ear (2), as well.&nbsp;</p>
  2704. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>When it comes to battery life, the Ear&#39;s was also designed to last longer. It can last for up to 40-and-a-half hours after a full charge with its charging case, or up to eight-and-a-half hours of non-stop playback. In addition, the model comes with a new mic that enables less obstruction and interference, support for LHDC 5.0 and LDAC codec for high-resolution streaming over Bluetooth and the ability to quickly switch between connected devices.&nbsp;</p>
  2705. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/37db56b0-fd70-11ee-9fdc-9186f9abeb7b" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/37db56b0-fd70-11ee-9fdc-9186f9abeb7b" style="height:1083px;width:1600px;" alt="Yellow earbuds." data-uuid="392c3b3c-697a-3ed0-86b2-83ef88981226"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Nothing</div></figure>
  2706. <p>Meanwhile, the Ear (a) is the more fun and more affordable model between the two new releases. It&#39;s the first Nothing model that isn&#39;t just black or white — though those colors are also available — with one version&#39;s non-transparent parts and case colored in vivid egg yolk-yellow. Even though its prices start lower than the Ear at $99 and £99, it also features the same ANC technology and the brand&#39;s new smart ANC algorithm that can check for sound leakages. It even supposedly has a better battery life than its more expensive sibling and can last for up to 42-and-a-half hours of music playback after a full charge with its charging case.</p>
  2707. <p>Both Ear and Ear (a) are now available for pre-order from <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://nothing.tech/">Nothing&#39;s website</a>. They&#39;ll start making their way to buyers and will be available for general purchase on April 22.&nbsp;</p>
  2708. <p><core-commerce id="d3cfadcb43be4443843571c489b9887f" data-type="product-list"></p>
  2709. <p><core-commerce id="2ea911806e6d4ab2af09e085efa1da40" data-type="product-list"></p>
  2710. <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nothings-ear-and-ear-a-earbuds-with-active-noise-cancellation-are-now-available-for-pre-order-104546636.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2711.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/nothings-ear-and-ear-a-earbuds-with-active-noise-cancellation-are-now-available-for-pre-order-104546636.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2712.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2714.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mariella Moon]]></dc:creator>
  2715.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  2716.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  2717.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  2718.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:45:46 +0000</pubDate>
  2719.                    <ingested>1713441603</ingested>
  2720.                    <modified>2024-04-18T12:00:08+00:00</modified>
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  2722.                            <![CDATA[Audio Technology]]>
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  2739.                                        
  2740.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fs.yimg.com%2Fos%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F1608d340-fd67-11ee-aef7-22fc3bfa9917&amp;resize=1400%2C787&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=54ecc7b6dc2bbdc146df661745e87da8b0ce1f46" width="1400" height="787" medium="image">
  2741.                                                                    <media:keywords>headline</media:keywords>
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  2748.                                                                                                                                                                                                            <media:content url="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?image_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcreatr-uploaded-images%2F2024-04%2F0a6b1b20-fd70-11ee-80ca-e31a14e7f918&amp;resize=1400%2C906&amp;client=19f2b5e49a271b2bde77&amp;signature=9301c3905734671ddafd2a8c57a844737cac0268" width="1400" height="906" medium="image">
  2749.                                                                <media:media_html><![CDATA[]]></media:media_html>
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  2751.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Nothing]]></media:credit>
  2752.                                <media:description><![CDATA[White earbuds.]]></media:description>
  2753.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Nothing Ear]]></media:title>
  2754.                                                        </media:content>
  2755.                                                                                        
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  2757.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2758.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[EU criticizes Meta's 'privacy for cash' business model]]></title>
  2759.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The European Union doesn&#39;t think you should have to choose between giving Meta and other major players your data or your money. In a statement, the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2024/edpb-consent-or-pay-models-should-offer-real-choice_en">European Data Protection Board</a> (EDPB) stated that &quot;consent or pay&quot; models often don&#39;t &quot;comply with the requirements for valid consent&quot; when a person must choose between providing their data for behavioral advertising purposes or pay for privacy.</p>
  2760. <p>The EDPB argues that only offering a paid alternative to data collection shouldn&#39;t be the default for large online platforms. It doesn&#39;t issue a mandate but stresses that these platforms should &quot;give significant consideration&quot; to providing a free option that doesn&#39;t involve data processing (or at least not as much). &quot;Controllers should take care at all times to avoid transforming the fundamental right to data protection into a feature that individuals have to pay to enjoy,&quot; EDPB Chair Anu Talus said. &quot;Individuals should be made fully aware of the value and the consequences of their choices.&quot;</p>
  2761. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Currently, EU users must pay €10 ($11) monthly for an ad-free subscription or be forced to share their data. <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-eu-is-investigating-apple-meta-and-google-over-fees-and-self-preferencing-124147179.html">The EU is already investigating</a> if this system complies with the <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-just-outlined-exactly-how-its-changing-ahead-of-thursdays-dma-deadline-174518625.html">Digital Markets Act</a>, which went into effect at the beginning of March.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/eu-criticizes-metas-privacy-for-cash-business-model-103042528.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2762.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/eu-criticizes-metas-privacy-for-cash-business-model-103042528.html?src=rss]]></link>
  2763.                                        <source_id>engadget_479</source_id>
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  2765.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sarah Fielding]]></dc:creator>
  2766.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
  2767.                                                                                            <dc:publisher><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:publisher>
  2768.                                                                            <dc:rightsHolder><![CDATA[Engadget]]></dc:rightsHolder>
  2769.                                                                <pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:30:42 +0000</pubDate>
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  2771.                    <modified>2024-04-18T10:17:52+00:00</modified>
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  2790.                                        
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  2792.                                                                    <media:keywords>headline</media:keywords>
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  2802.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[SOPA Images via Getty Images]]></media:credit>
  2803.                                <media:description><![CDATA[UKRAINE - 2022/02/09: In this photo illustration, Meta Platforms logo is seen on a smartphone screen and the EU ( European Union) or the flag of Europe in the background. (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)]]></media:description>
  2804.                                <media:title><![CDATA[In this photo illustration, Meta Platforms logo is seen on a...]]></media:title>
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  2806.                                                                                        
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  2808.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2809.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[The best Bluetooth speaker for 2024: 15 portable options for every price range]]></title>
  2810.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>One thing became apparent after testing dozens of Bluetooth speakers: there are plenty of good options out there for most people. While that variety is great to have, it can also lead to confusion and overwhelm when you go to buy a new one ahead of your next camping trip, beach outing or backyard barbecue. I set out to try some of the best Bluetooth speakers available now, at all different price points, to see which are worth your money. I’m happy to report that most of them sounded pretty good upon first listen. But in comparing them head-to-head, that’s when I began to suss out the nuances among the best-sounding ones. Ultimately, out of all of the portable speakers out there, you won’t find a single “best” one. But there are a number of solid choices out there that should fit most use cases. These are our favorites.</p>
  2811. <h2>Factors to consider</h2>
  2812. <h3>Weather-proofing</h3>
  2813. <p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings">IP ratings</a> (Ingress Protection) are the alphanumeric indicators you often see in a product’s spec sheet that define water and dust resistance. It’s usually a combo of two numbers with the first indicating solid object ingress and the second being water. The former goes from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dustproof). The water-resistance rating goes from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against immersion and high pressure jets). When an X is used instead of a number, that means the product wasn’t tested for resistance. If it’s waterproof, it may have some innate resistance to solids, but there’s no guarantee.</p>
  2814. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>IP67 is a common rating these days indicating highly resistant and potentially rugged speakers suitable for outdoor adventures. These are safe for quick dunks in the pool or tub and should be more than OK in the rain or in the shower. They’re also good options for the beach, playground and other rough environs.</p>
  2815. <p>Additionally, speakers with ports <em>and</em> a high rating will often include a tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports. If you plan on using the ports, that may limit the product's rated ability to fend off the elements.</p>
  2816. <p>Consider the IP rating and also how you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker when making your decision. It may be worth splurging on a better sounding model with a lower IP rating if you’ll mostly be using it indoors, for instance.</p>
  2817. <h3>Battery life</h3>
  2818. <p>The focus of this guide is on portable Bluetooth speakers, and while “portable” can be a relative term, these devices are generally for people who are likely to find themselves far from a power outlet. These days, around 12 hours of runtime seems to be the baseline but obviously, the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.</p>
  2819. <p>That said, be careful when looking at battery specs, as they frequently list a maximum runtime (“up to” x amount of hours). This usually means they tested at a low to mid volume. If you like your tunes loud, it can often end up cutting the expected usage time in half or more. Luckily, some manufacturers also list the expected hours of battery life when used at full volume and that transparency is appreciated.</p>
  2820. <p>Additionally, if your Bluetooth speaker also happens to have WiFi connectivity, they're usually designed for always-on functionality. Unlike normal Bluetooth speakers that go to sleep after a short period without use, these will usually stay awake (to listen for your commands) and slowly run down the battery. If you're out and about, you'll want to remember to turn these speakers off manually when not in use to maximize battery life.</p>
  2821. <h3>Range</h3>
  2822. <p>Bluetooth range is tricky business. Some companies list their product’s longest possible range, usually outdoors and in an unobstructed line-of-sight test environment. Other companies stick with a 30-foot range on the spec sheet and leave it at that, even though they may be running Bluetooth 4.x or 5.x. That’s likely underselling the speaker's potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range and there’s little point in promising the moon only to get complaints.</p>
  2823. <p>I’ve seen signal drop issues when crouching down, with my phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and barely 30 feet away from a speaker inside my apartment. I ran into this issue across several devices regardless of their listed Bluetooth connectivity range.</p>
  2824. <p>If you’re hosting a patio party and duck inside, it’s wise to keep any wireless Bluetooth speakers relatively close by just in case. It’s hard to gauge what aspects of any environment may interfere with a Bluetooth signal. In general, take range specs around 100 feet or more as a perfect-world scenario.</p>
  2825. <h3>Latency</h3>
  2826. <p>This is a minor mention for those out there who use a speaker for their computer output, or as a mini soundbar solution for setups like a monitor and streaming box. It’s annoying to find that your speaker’s latency isn’t low enough to avoid lip sync issues. Luckily, it seems that <em>most</em> speakers these days don’t often have these problems. Only a handful of the few dozen speakers I tried had persistent, noticeable lip-sync issues. Aside from occasional blips, all of our picks worked well in this regard.</p>
  2827. <p>If you plan to frequently use a speaker for video playback, look for devices with the most recent Bluetooth versions (4.x or 5.x) and lower latency codecs like aptX. Also make sure the speaker is close to the source device as distance can be a factor. To avoid the issue altogether, though, consider getting one with a wired auxiliary input.</p>
  2828. <h2><strong>Best Bluetooth speakers: $50 to $200</strong></h2>
  2829. <p><core-commerce id="59342dcbd97b433eb4b0cea2601d2269" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2830. <p><core-commerce id="3e5e37ee8a1040a3b3e2566c4c45b6a2" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2831. <p><core-commerce id="9eba7be9a300458cbc5a9ef08d53a35b" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2832. <p><core-commerce id="2e6fb4f492d94edeb7053651d4479f22" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2833. <p><core-commerce id="14990fc7abe94758b0870f3ba81461fc" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2834. <p><core-commerce id="e0d483dd120849fdae84c8ae92a11da4" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2835. <p><core-commerce id="b0644be326724fba81d9d5b58d617f67" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2836. <p><core-commerce id="c6c17a92051446edb7be99c2b492b2c1" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2837. <h2>Best Bluetooth speakers: $200 to $450</h2>
  2838. <p><core-commerce id="0993f6e2fab64a6f926258f6194d7d61" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2839. <p><core-commerce id="da2d8ec39b19416aa16ca4727852f9cc" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2840. <p><core-commerce id="3d43fa45128640ed9ad840f17af27721" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2841. <p><core-commerce id="53819155bc8446a5a072a6968a4f9f4c" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2842. <p><core-commerce id="0ec85ef504b54ce3b02743213ce9362a" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2843. <h2>Best high-range portable bluetooth speakers: $450 and higher</h2>
  2844. <p><core-commerce id="c2c455281697497496b888a10f494fc7" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2845. <p><core-commerce id="158a2d42a514406a85b7d3acf2039e6e" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2846. <p><core-commerce id="a0731d1938ed48e3ada7e9b7392dcdc8" data-type="product-list"></core-commerce></p>
  2847. <h2>Other portable Bluetooth speakers we tested</h2>
  2848. <h3>Sonos Roam</h3>
  2849. <p>While there's a lot to like about the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9yb2FtIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIxYmQzYTBiZC03Y2ExLTQ1NGItYjRjZC0zYWZhNTVkNTE4NTAifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAdyStP7QZNGAJGSTvV6xrCV6PlJz7L8X959ROacbeFtz&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Froam" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/roam">Sonos Roam</a>, there are plenty of other Bluetooth speakers with more features and better battery life. In <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/sonos-roam-review-130039811-130039862.html">our review</a>, we gave the Roam a score of 87, praising it for its good sound quality, durable waterproof design and ability to work well within an existing Sonos speaker ecosystem. But the price is just fine at $180, and we found Bluetooth speakers that offer more at lower price points. Plus, the Roam taps out at 10 hours of battery life, and all of our top picks can run for longer than that on a single charge.</p>
  2850. <h3>Monoprice Soundstage3</h3>
  2851. <p>The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Monoprice;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c481f8c7-0c3b-4dbb-afc6-0373c0dea6e3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Monoprice&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tb25vcHJpY2UuY29tL3Byb2R1Y3Q_cF9pZD00MzY2NiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMWJkM2EwYmQtN2NhMS00NTRiLWI0Y2QtM2FmYTU1ZDUxODUwIn0&amp;signature=AQAAATTeJx7rbPFe3V8H9DUiWs_P0-DrguvdolPhYV62Ser0&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.monoprice.com%2Fproduct%3Fp_id%3D43666" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=43666">Monoprice Soundstage3</a> offers relatively big sound at a midrange $250 price, with a variety of inputs rarely found on a portable Bluetooth speaker. The boxy, minimalist design is no nonsense, even if it's more of a less-rugged, bookshelf-styled homebody. While the speaker puts out crisp highs alongside booming lows, we found the bass can overpower the rest of the output, so it's not for everyone. And after using the speaker for many months, we also found the low-slung, poorly labeled button panel along the top can be a bit annoying to use. If you want a speaker for road trips, favor mids and highs, and plan on using physical buttons for volume control and input selections, there are better options out there.</p>
  2852. <h3>JBL Boombox 3</h3>
  2853. <p>Fans of JBL’s bluetooth speaker sound profile who want to crank up the volume, but also want a rugged and portable option, may enjoy the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0pCTC1Cb29tYm94LVdhdGVycHJvb2YtUGFydHlCb29zdC1lY28tRnJpZW5kbHkvZHAvQjA5WURTOEJISz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby1meC0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMWJkM2EwYmQtN2NhMS00NTRiLWI0Y2QtM2FmYTU1ZDUxODUwIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAbCsL9rI8GD7NwdyFlYoZty0tMOIbkbuIiCUnqph0_54&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FJBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly%2Fdp%2FB09YDS8BHK" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Waterproof-PartyBoost-eco-Friendly/dp/B09YDS8BHK">JBL Boombox 3</a>. It’s a decent grab-and-go speaker with a very loud output, although it's not as good as some of the loud-speaker styled options for long-throw sound and big outdoor areas. However, the price for this speaker line remains prohibitively expensive compared to other options with big sound that cover a bit more ground. If the JBL brand is your thing and you like the rugged, portable form factor, we recommend looking for discounts, or shopping around and exploring the available options including the (less portable) JBL PartyBox series.</p>
  2854. <h3>Soundcore Motion X500</h3>
  2855. <p>Soundcore speakers have generally been good and often reasonably priced. The <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzLnNvdW5kY29yZS5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvbW90aW9uLXg1MDAtYTMxMzEwMTEiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjFiZDNhMGJkLTdjYTEtNDU0Yi1iNGNkLTNhZmE1NWQ1MTg1MCJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAWvfExksVJixA4YmSmedP2sBkqfeDsck0NfKU2gnW7Uq&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fus.soundcore.com%2Fproducts%2Fmotion-x500-a3131011" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://us.soundcore.com/products/motion-x500-a3131011">Motion X500</a> loosely falls into that category. It has a tall, metallic lunchbox vibe with a fixed handle and pumps out a respectable 40 watts of crisp, clear sound for its size. It can get pretty loud and serves up a good dose of bass, although its primarily a front-facing speaker.</p>
  2856. <p>There’s LDAC hi-res audio support for Android users, but the main selling point on this is spatial audio. This is done through an EQ change and the activation of a small, up-firing driver. There’s a slight benefit from this if you’re up close and directly in front of it, but it’s not a total game changer for your listening experience. The original pre-order price of $130 made it a decent option in terms of bang for your buck. But it went up to $170 at launch, making it less appealing even if it’s still a good middle-of-the-road option if you want small-ish, clear and loud. If you can find one on sale for the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1NvdW5kY29yZS1Qb3J0YWJsZS1CbHVldG9vdGgtSW1tZXJzaXZlLTMtQ2hhbm5lbC9kcC9CMENIRkRXS1dIP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLWZ4LTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIxYmQzYTBiZC03Y2ExLTQ1NGItYjRjZC0zYWZhNTVkNTE4NTAifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAaS8-ovV2Q55HzPOe4zPSdYCf4BfJ28daHb1LUf25Owi&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSoundcore-Portable-Bluetooth-Immersive-3-Channel%2Fdp%2FB0CHFDWKWH" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Portable-Bluetooth-Immersive-3-Channel/dp/B0CHFDWKWH">lower price</a>, it’s definitely worth considering. There’s also the larger and louder <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzLnNvdW5kY29yZS5jb20vcHJvZHVjdHMvbW90aW9uLXg2MDAtYTMxMzAwMTEiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjFiZDNhMGJkLTdjYTEtNDU0Yi1iNGNkLTNhZmE1NWQ1MTg1MCJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAWTsXA6JQm_rA9ocS8WaK1ki4nMoI0WlYcqm1BT36gvx&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fus.soundcore.com%2Fproducts%2Fmotion-x600-a3130011" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://us.soundcore.com/products/motion-x600-a3130011">X600</a> ($200) if the overall concept is working for you.</p>
  2857. <h2>FAQs</h2>
  2858. <h3>How does a Bluetooth speaker work?</h3>
  2859. <p>Bluetooth technology lets devices connect and exchange data over short distances using ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves. It’s the frequency range that’s carved out for industrial, scientific and medical purposes, called the 2.4GHz ISM spectrum band. This range is available worldwide, making it easy for companies to use with devices for global markets.</p>
  2860. <p>Bluetooth speakers include this tech, which lets them communicate with source devices like smartphones, tablets or computers in order to exchange data. The two devices pair by sharing a unique code and will work within the proscribed range for the device and Bluetooth version.&nbsp;</p>
  2861. <p>Ever since Bluetooth 4.0 was released over a decade ago, new iterations usually improve on range, use less power and offer expanded connectivity with features like multipoint (allowing more than one device to be connected at the same time, for instance).</p>
  2862. <h3>Who should buy a Portable Bluetooth speaker?</h3>
  2863. <p>If you want to play music while you’re out-and-about on something other than headphones, a portable Bluetooth speaker is probably what you want. There’s a broad range of devices for all types of circumstances. Many adventurous people will want a relatively lightweight portable that’s rugged enough to handle the elements while also packing enough charge to play for hours on end. Others may simply need a speaker they can move around the house or use in the backyard. In this case, you can choose larger less rugged models that may offer better sound.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-portable-bluetooth-speakers-133004551.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  2867.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jon Turi]]></dc:creator>
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  2910.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget]]></media:credit>
  2911.                                <media:description><![CDATA[The best Bluetooth speakers]]></media:description>
  2912.                                <media:title><![CDATA[The best Bluetooth speakers]]></media:title>
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  2916.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2917.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Google fired 28 workers who protested Israeli government cloud contract]]></title>
  2918.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Google has fired 28 employees involved in protests against the company&#39;s &quot;Project Nimbus&quot; cloud contract with the Israeli government, according to an internal memo seen by <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/17/24133700/google-fires-28-employees-protest-israel-cloud-contract"><em>The Verge</em></a>. That follows the arrest and suspension of nine employees on April 16 and a <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-fires-engineer-who-protested-at-a-company-sponsored-israeli-tech-conference-090430890.html">previous firing</a> related to the same project last month.&nbsp;</p>
  2919. <p>Some of the fired workers were forcibly removed after occupying the office of Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian. Google head of global security Chris Rackow said that the company &quot;will not tolerate&quot; such incidences and warned that the company could take further action.&nbsp;</p>
  2920. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>&quot;If you’re one of the few who are tempted to think we’re going to overlook conduct that violates our policies, think again,&quot; he told employees in a letter. &quot;The company takes this extremely seriously, and we will continue to apply our longstanding policies to take action against disruptive behavior — up to and including termination.&quot;</p>
  2921. <blockquote><p>Behavior like this has no place in our workplace and we will not tolerate it. It clearly violates multiple policies that all employees must adhere to — including our Code of Conduct and Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation, Standards of Conduct, and Workplace Concerns.</p></blockquote>
  2922. <p>However, workers in the &quot;No Tech for Apartheid&quot; group organizing the protests called the dismissals &quot;a flagrant act of retaliation.&quot; It added that the Google saying protests largely involve people not working at the company is &quot;insulting,&quot; adding that the push to drop Project Nimbus is supported by &quot;thousands&quot; of their colleagues.&nbsp;</p>
  2923. <p>&quot;In the three years that we have been organizing against Project Nimbus, we have yet to hear from a single executive about our concerns,” it wrote in a <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://medium.com/@notechforapartheid/statement-from-google-workers-with-the-no-tech-for-apartheid-campaign-on-googles-indiscriminate-28ba4c9b7ce8">Medium</a> post. &quot;Google workers have the right to peacefully protest about terms and conditions of our labor. These firings were clearly retaliatory.”</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-fired-28-workers-who-protested-israeli-government-cloud-contract-084444878.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2924.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/google-fired-28-workers-who-protested-israeli-government-cloud-contract-084444878.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  2964.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[The Pancake of Heaven!/Wikimedia]]></media:credit>
  2965.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Google workers Israel cloud contract]]></media:description>
  2966.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Google workers Israel cloud contract]]></media:title>
  2967.                                                        </media:content>
  2968.                                                                                        
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  2970.                                                                                                                            <item>
  2971.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Supergiant shows off Hades II's gameplay and new god designs]]></title>
  2972.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Supergiant Games just treated <em>Hades</em> fans to an extensive look at the game&#39;s upcoming sequel. Seriously — the developer <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.gamesradar.com/hades-2-gets-a-huge-gameplay-stream-out-of-nowhere-devs-reveal-new-features-characters-boons-and-more-in-the-roguelike-sequel-ahead-of-its-technical-test/">hosted</a> a <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/SupergiantGames/status/1780698449572413446">three-hour livestream</a> that showed off <em>Hades II&#39;s</em> gameplay, new features and mechanics, as well as the new designs for its characters based on the gods of Greek mythology. Supergiant&#39;s Creative Director Greg Kasavin and Studio Director Amir Rao demonstrated the abilities of the game&#39;s new protagonist, Melinoë. While she&#39;s the sister of Zagreus, the first title&#39;s protagonist, and <em>Hades II </em>is a direct sequel to the original, Kasavin and Rao said players don&#39;t need to have prior knowledge of the first game and of Greek mythology to enjoy it. Old fans, however, will catch &quot;delightful references&quot; here and there.&nbsp;</p>
  2973. <p>Melinoë is a witch and assassin, who&#39;s adept with her staff and can wield magic, and has a pretty different playstyle from Zagreus, as the gameplay footage showed. Kasavin and Roe also showed off new gods like Apollo, returning ones like Aphrodite and Demeter, new resources and various environments within the game. They played the technical test version of <em>Hades II</em>, however, which means certain environments and elements could still go through some changes before the final product is released.&nbsp;</p>
  2974. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The developer is hoping to fix any issues technical test players might find expeditiously so that the game can go into early access, which is expected to take place sometime this spring.&nbsp;</p>
  2975. <div id="ccea8f66b3134fc285344c5dce8ac096"><div style="left:0;width:100%;height:0;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XucgtuFqIec?rel=0&amp;start=434" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div></div>
  2976. <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/supergiant-shows-off-hades-iis-gameplay-and-new-god-designs-070033467.html?src=rss]]></description>
  2977.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/supergiant-shows-off-hades-iis-gameplay-and-new-god-designs-070033467.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  2980.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mariella Moon]]></dc:creator>
  2981.                                                                <source><![CDATA[Engadget]]></source>
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  3028.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Hades II]]></media:title>
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  3033.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Twitch is giving all users access to its discovery feed later this month]]></title>
  3034.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Twitch has been <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/twitch-is-finally-adding-stories-and-a-feed-for-discovering-new-streamers-to-watch-163846190.html">testing</a> a discovery feed for livestreams and Clips on mobile since last year, in hopes of giving users a new way to find new streamers to follow and, hence, spend more time on the platform. Now, the website has announced that it&#39;s rolling out the feature to all users later this month. The feed will first appear as a new tab in the mobile app and will allow viewers to switch between a scrollable feed for livestreams and another one for Clips. Like their names imply, the live feed will show users broadcasts from people they already follow and ongoing streams from people they don&#39;t based on their watch history. Meanwhile, the Clips feed will be filled with short snippets from live broadcasts.&nbsp;</p>
  3035. <p>Users will be able to join ongoing streams from the live feed by tapping on the streamers&#39; avatars to immediately go into theater mode. Twitch will also show when the streamer is live in the Clips feed, so viewers can check them out from there, as well. And just in case it isn&#39;t clear, Twitch explained in its announcement that the discovery feed will only be aggregating streams and clips from the service and that creators cannot upload to it directly. In other words, getting highlighted on the feed is a game of chance, though featured Clips will be given priority over non-featured ones.&nbsp;</p>
  3036. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The discovery feed launching this month isn&#39;t its final form, though. Some users might start seeing the feed as their actual home page sometime next month, which is what Twitch had in mind for the feature in the first place. In early March, company CEO Dan Clancy said the service is giving its mobile app its <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/twitch-will-overhaul-its-mobile-app-for-the-first-time-since-2019-195811175.html">first major redesign</a> in years and that the discovery feed will be its new landing page.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/twitch-is-giving-all-users-access-to-its-discovery-feed-later-this-month-041009070.html?src=rss]]></description>
  3037.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/twitch-is-giving-all-users-access-to-its-discovery-feed-later-this-month-041009070.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  3040.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mariella Moon]]></dc:creator>
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  3077.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Twitch]]></media:credit>
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  3083.                                                                                                                            <item>
  3084.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Media coalition asks the feds to investigate Google’s removal of California news links]]></title>
  3085.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>The News/Media Alliance, formerly the Newspaper Association of America, asked US federal agencies to investigate <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-a-197-trillion-company-is-protesting-californias-plan-to-pay-journalists-175706632.html">Google’s removal of links to California news media outlets</a>. Google’s tactic is in response to the proposed California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), which would require it and other tech companies to pay for links to California-based publishers’ news content.</p>
  3086. <p>The News/Media Alliance, which <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/about-us/" data-original-link="https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/about-us/">represents</a> over 2,200 publishers, <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/release-news-media-alliance-calls-on-justice-department-california-attorney-general-to-open-investigation-into-googles-blocking-of-news-in-california/" data-original-link="https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/release-news-media-alliance-calls-on-justice-department-california-attorney-general-to-open-investigation-into-googles-blocking-of-news-in-california/">sent letters</a> to the <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="http://www.newsmediaalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alliance-Request-to-Investigate-Legal-Implications-of-Googles-Decision-to-Block-News-in-California.pdf">Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="http://www.newsmediaalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CNPA-and-NMA-letter-to-Attorney-General-of-California.pdf" data-original-link="http://www.newsmediaalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CNPA-and-NMA-letter-to-Attorney-General-of-California.pdf">California State Attorney General</a> on Tuesday. It says the removal “appears to be either coercive or retaliatory, driven by Google’s opposition to a pending legislative measure in Sacramento.”</p>
  3087. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The CJPA would require Google and other tech platforms to pay California media outlets in exchange for links. The proposed bill <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/release-news-media-alliance-applauds-california-state-assembly-for-passing-california-journalism-preservation-act/" data-original-link="https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/release-news-media-alliance-applauds-california-state-assembly-for-passing-california-journalism-preservation-act/">passed</a> the state Assembly last year.</p>
  3088. <p>In a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:7;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://blog.google/products/news/california-journalism-preservation-act-puts-news-ecosystem-at-risk/" data-original-link="https://blog.google/products/news/california-journalism-preservation-act-puts-news-ecosystem-at-risk/">blog post</a> last week announcing the removal, Google VP of Global News Partnerships Jaffer Zaidi warned that the CJPA is “the wrong approach to supporting journalism” (because Google’s current approach totally hasn’t left the industry in smoldering ruins!). Zaidi said the CJPA “would also put small publishers at a disadvantage and limit consumers’ access to a diverse local media ecosystem.” Nothing to see here, folks: just your friendly neighborhood multi-trillion-dollar company looking out for the little guy!</p>
  3089. <p>Google described its link removal as a test to see how the bill would impact its platform:</p>
  3090. <p>“To prepare for possible CJPA implications, we are beginning a short-term test for a small percentage of California users,” Zaidi wrote. “The testing process involves removing links to California news websites, potentially covered by CJPA, to measure the impact of the legislation on our product experience. Until there’s clarity on California’s regulatory environment, we’re also pausing further investments in the California news ecosystem, including new partnerships through Google News Showcase, our product and licensing program for news organizations, and planned expansions of the Google News Initiative.”</p>
  3091. <p>In its letters, The News/Media Alliance lists several laws it believes Google may be breaking with the “short-term” removal. Potential federal violations include the Lanham Act, the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. The letter to California’s AG cites the state’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, regulations against false advertising and misrepresentation, the California Consumer Privacy Act and California’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL).</p>
  3092. <p>“Importantly, Google released no further details on how many Californians will be affected, how the Californians who will be denied news access were chosen, what publications will be affected, how long the compelled news blackouts will persist, and whether access will be blocked entirely or just to content Google particularly disfavors,” News/Media Alliance President / CEO Danielle Coffey wrote in the letter to the DOJ and FTC. “Because of these unknowns, there are many ways Google’s unilateral decision to turn off access to news websites for Californians could violate laws.”</p>
  3093. <p>Google has a mixed track record in dealing with similar legislation. It <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-news-spain-european-copyright-directive-eu-publishers-135511123.html">pulled Google News from Spain</a> for seven years in response to local copyright laws that would have required licensing fees to publishers. However, it <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:9;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.cjr.org/business_of_news/australia-pressured-google-and-facebook-to-pay-for-journalism-is-america-next.php" data-original-link="https://www.cjr.org/business_of_news/australia-pressured-google-and-facebook-to-pay-for-journalism-is-america-next.php">signed</a> deals worth around $150 million to pay Australian publishers and <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:10;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/11/google-to-pay-canadas-link-tax-drops-threat-of-removing-news-from-search/" data-original-link="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/11/google-to-pay-canadas-link-tax-drops-threat-of-removing-news-from-search/">retreated</a> from threats to pull news from search results in Canada, instead spending the $74 million required by the Online News Act.</p>
  3094. <p>Google made more than $73 billion in profits in 2023. The company currently has a $1.94 trillion market cap.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/media-coalition-asks-the-feds-to-investigate-googles-removal-of-california-news-links-212052979.html?src=rss]]></description>
  3095.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/media-coalition-asks-the-feds-to-investigate-googles-removal-of-california-news-links-212052979.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  3147.                                                                                                                            <item>
  3148.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[TikTok is trying to clean up its ‘For You’ recommendations]]></title>
  3149.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>TikTok is ramping up penalties for creators who post potentially “problematic” content and tightening its rules around what can be recommended in the app. The <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/more-updates-to-help-the-tiktok-community-create-and-share-safely" data-original-link="https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/more-updates-to-help-the-tiktok-community-create-and-share-safely"><ins>updates</ins></a> arrive as TikTok is fighting for its future in the United States and trying to convince lawmakers and regulators that its app is safe for teens.</p>
  3150. <p>Under its updated community guidelines, set to take effect in May, TikTok has added <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/community-guidelines/en/fyf-standards?cgversion=2024H1update" data-original-link="https://www.tiktok.com/community-guidelines/en/fyf-standards?cgversion=2024H1update"><ins>a long list</ins></a> of content that’s not eligible to be recommended in the app’s coveted “For You” feed. The list includes some obvious categories, like sexually suggestive or violent content, but it also adds topics that have previously been a source of controversy for the app. For example, the new guidelines bar videos showing “dangerous activity and challenges,” as well as many types of weight loss or dieting content. It also prohibits any clips from users under the age of 16 from appearing in “For You.”</p>
  3151. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>There’s also a lengthy section dedicated to a wide range of misinformation and conspiratorial content. From the guidelines:</p>
  3152. <blockquote><p>-Conspiracy theories that are unfounded and claim that certain events or situations are carried out by covert or powerful groups, such as "the government" or a "secret society"</p></blockquote>
  3153. <blockquote><p>-Moderate harm health misinformation, such as an unproven recommendation for how to treat a minor illness</p></blockquote>
  3154. <blockquote><p>-Repurposed media, such as showing a crowd at a music concert and suggesting it is a political protest</p></blockquote>
  3155. <blockquote><p>-Misrepresenting authoritative sources, such as selectively referencing certain scientific data to support a conclusion that is counter to the findings of the study</p></blockquote>
  3156. <blockquote><p>-Unverified claims related to an emergency or unfolding event</p></blockquote>
  3157. <blockquote><p>-Potential high-harm misinformation while it is undergoing a fact-checking review</p></blockquote>
  3158. <p>In addition to the eligibility changes, TikTok says it will also begin to penalize creators who repeatedly disregard this guidance by making their entire account ineligible for recommendations, not just the specific offending posts. The company will also make their account “harder to find” in search.</p>
  3159. <p>Additionally, the app is getting a new “account status” feature, which will help users track if they are running afoul of these rules. Much like the feature of the same name <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/instagram-account-status-recommendations-shadowbans-180937137.html" data-original-link="https://www.engadget.com/instagram-account-status-recommendations-shadowbans-180937137.html"><ins>in Instagram</ins></a>, TikTok’s account status will alert creators to strikes on their account and posts that run afoul of the app’s rules. And an “account check” feature will allow users to track if they are currently being blocked from recommendations or otherwise unable to access features like messaging or commenting as a result of breaking the app’s rules.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-is-trying-to-clean-up-its-for-you-recommendations-210057825.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  3206.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[TikTok]]></media:credit>
  3207.                                <media:description><![CDATA[TikTok is rolling out a new "account status" feature.]]></media:description>
  3208.                                <media:title><![CDATA[TikTok account status]]></media:title>
  3209.                                                        </media:content>
  3210.                                                                                        
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  3212.                                                                                                                            <item>
  3213.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Nintendo emulator Delta hits the iOS App Store, no sideloading required]]></title>
  3214.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>It hasn't been long since Apple started allowing <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-officially-allows-retro-game-emulators-on-the-app-store-130044937.html"><ins>retro game emulators on the App Store</ins></a>. We've already seen one notable controversy after the company <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/15/apple-removes-igba-from-app-store/" data-original-link="https://www.macrumors.com/2024/04/15/apple-removes-igba-from-app-store/"><ins>pulled Game Boy emulator iGBA</ins></a> from the storefront. It turned out that iGBA, which hit the top of the download charts, was a near carbon copy of another emulator submitted for review.</p>
  3215. <p>GBA4iOS developer Riley Testut claimed that iGBA was a "knock-off of GBA4iOS" that was packed with ads and trackers. As it turns out, Testut's Delta, a successor to GBA4iOS, is now available for free in the App Store.</p>
  3216. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The original emulator picked up some buzz a decade ago after Testut found a way for iPhone users to <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2013-07-16-how-a-game-boy-emulator-app-snuck-past-apple-restrictions.html"><ins>sideload the Game Boy Advance emulator</ins></a> without <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/tag/gba4ios/"><ins>having to jailbreak their device</ins></a>. Apple eventually <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-10-08-ios-update-will-block-emulators.html"><ins>closed the iOS loophole</ins></a> and, of course, Nintendo was <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-05-14-nintendo-nails-gba4ios-with-takedown-notice.html"><ins>none too happy about the emulator</ins></a>. However, you can now download Delta free <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:7;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688" data-original-link="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/delta-game-emulator/id1048524688">from the App Store</a> directly without having to worry about sideloading.</p>
  3217. <p>Along with GBA titles, the app supports NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color and Nintendo DS games, with the promise of more platforms to come. The app supports third-party controllers, as well as quick saves, cheat codes and data syncing between devices using Google Drive or Dropbox. There's even local multiplayer for up to four players, though you'll probably want to use an iPad or mirror your phone to your TV in that case.</p>
  3218. <p>You'll need to <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:8;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://faq.deltaemulator.com/getting-started/importing-games" data-original-link="https://faq.deltaemulator.com/getting-started/importing-games"><ins>supply any games</ins></a> you want to play on the emulator. To stay on the right side of the law, you'll need to <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:9;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.retrogameboards.com/t/the-ripping-thread-how-to-build-your-own-legit-retro-rom-library/98" data-original-link="https://www.retrogameboards.com/t/the-ripping-thread-how-to-build-your-own-legit-retro-rom-library/98"><ins>dump games that you already own</ins></a> into ROM files.</p>
  3219. <p>While iPhone and iPad users <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:10;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://twitter.com/altstoreio/status/1780635918589669861" data-original-link="https://twitter.com/altstoreio/status/1780635918589669861">outside of the EU</a> can snag Delta from the App Store directly, the process is a little different for those who live in the bloc. Testut is also behind <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-26-altstore-alternative-ios-app-store.html">a third-party app marketplace called AltStore</a>, which iPhone users in the EU can now more <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://rileytestut.com/blog/2024/04/17/introducing-altstore-pal/"><ins>easily install a version of.</ins></a></p>
  3220. <div id="244ec6a6563b40779feb82e6bf784e3a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Europe’s coolest alternative app marketplace\x9d is HERE!<br><br>Introducing AltStore PAL — an Apple-approved version of AltStore exclusive to the EU<br><br>Download now from our website for just €1.50/year (+ VAT) 🇪🇺 <a href="https://t.co/3ZfYbq4QNU">https://t.co/3ZfYbq4QNU</a> <a href="https://t.co/D5cbkWhi7l">pic.twitter.com/D5cbkWhi7l</a></p>— AltStore.io (@altstoreio) <a href="https://twitter.com/altstoreio/status/1780634838187315358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
  3222.  
  3223. </div>
  3224. <p>AltStore PAL is an open-source marketplace that includes Delta as well as another app that Testut developed called Clip, which is a clipboard manager. The latter requires a small donation of at least one Euro to use. Testut noted that he and his business partner Shane Gill plan to open up AltStore PAL to other third-party apps after making sure that everything runs smoothly.</p>
  3225. <p>That said, AltStore PAL costs users €1.50 per year. That covers the <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/pple-details-how-third-party-app-stores-and-payments-will-work-in-europe-183931334.html">Core Technology Fee</a> Apple charges for each download of an app marketplace, as well as payment processing. Alternatively, you can use the previous version of AltStore, but you'll still need to use a computer to sideload apps and refresh them once per week.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-emulator-delta-hits-the-ios-app-store-no-sideloading-required-201158987.html?src=rss]]></description>
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  3229.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Kris Holt]]></dc:creator>
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  3275.                                <media:credit><![CDATA[Riley Testut/Shane Gill ]]></media:credit>
  3276.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Screenshots of the Delta emulator, showing games running on emulated Nintendo devices.]]></media:description>
  3277.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Screenshots of the Delta emulator, showing games running on emulated Nintendo devices.]]></media:title>
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  3282.                                                                                                    <title><![CDATA[Amazon says a whopping 140 third-party stores in four countries use its Just Walk Out tech]]></title>
  3283.                                        <description type="html"><![CDATA[<p>Amazon published a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-just-walk-out-dash-cart-grocery-shopping-checkout-stores" data-original-link="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-just-walk-out-dash-cart-grocery-shopping-checkout-stores">blog post</a> on Wednesday providing an update about its Just Walk Out technology, which it reportedly <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-just-walked-out-on-its-self-checkout-technology-191703603.html">pulled from its Fresh grocery stores</a> earlier this month. While extolling Just Walk Out’s virtues as a sales pitch to potential retail partners, the article lists a startlingly minuscule number of (non-Amazon) stores using the tech. There are now “more than 140 third-party locations with Just Walk Out technology in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada.”</p>
  3284. <p>Mind you, that isn’t the number of companies or retail chains licensing the tech; that’s the total number of locations. Nor is that the tally in one state or even one country. In four countries combined — with a total population of about 465 million — Just Walk Out is being used in “more than 140 third-party locations.”</p>
  3285. <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>On average, that means there’s one third-party Just Walk Out store for every 3.3 million people in those four countries. (They must be busy!) By contrast, there <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1079239/brick-and-mortar-retail-store-count-us/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20preliminary%20estimates%20showed,Dollar%20General%20and%20Dollar%20Tree." data-original-link="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1079239/brick-and-mortar-retail-store-count-us/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20preliminary%20estimates%20showed,Dollar%20General%20and%20Dollar%20Tree.">are</a> over one million retail locations in the US, and, as of 2019, Starbucks <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/306896/cities-with-the-largest-number-of-starbucks-stores-us/" data-original-link="https://www.statista.com/statistics/306896/cities-with-the-largest-number-of-starbucks-stores-us/">had</a> 241 locations in New York City alone, and there are over one million</p>
  3286. <p>Amazon had <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://qz.com/amazon-just-walk-out-layoffs-checkout-shopping-1851391441" data-original-link="https://qz.com/amazon-just-walk-out-layoffs-checkout-shopping-1851391441">reportedly</a> already planned to remove Just Walk Out tech from its Fresh grocery stores for roughly a year because it was too expensive and complicated for larger retail spaces to run and maintain. The company now pitches its tech as ideal for smaller convenience stores with fewer customers and products — like its own Amazon Go stores, which it has <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-shutting-down-eight-cashierless-go-stores-100102563.html">been busy shutting down</a> over the last couple of years.</p>
  3287. <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/b2db9340-fcec-11ee-bfff-cdb85cfe5496" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-04/b2db9340-fcec-11ee-bfff-cdb85cfe5496" style="height:743px;width:1320px;" alt="A medical workers scans a badge at an Amazon-powered Just Walk Out kiosk in a hospital." data-uuid="e87bc7ef-ca42-3490-9ed4-1ce546eb58d3"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Amazon</div></figure>
  3288. <p>The company reportedly <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:7;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://qz.com/amazon-just-walk-out-layoffs-checkout-shopping-1851391441" data-original-link="https://qz.com/amazon-just-walk-out-layoffs-checkout-shopping-1851391441">gutted</a> the team of developers working on Just Walk Out tech earlier this month. (You get one guess as to how the laid-off workers were instructed to leave the office.) As part of recent layoffs from Amazon’s AWS unit and Physical Stores Team, the company allegedly left only “a skeleton crew” to work on the tech moving forward. A skeleton crew to maintain a skeleton sounds about right.</p>
  3289. <p>In fairness, some of those locations are at high-traffic venues. That includes nine merch stores at Seattle’s Lumen Field (home to the Seahawks and Sounders), near Amazon’s headquarters. Delaware North, a large hospitality and entertainment company, has opened “more than a dozen” stores using the tech. Amazon says stores adopting Just Walk Out have reported increased transactions, sales and customer satisfaction.</p>
  3290. <p>Despite the reported gutting of Just Walk Out’s development team, Amazon says it “continues to invent the next generation of this technology to improve the checkout experience for large-format stores.” Its next steps include improving latency for “faster and more reliable receipts,” new algorithms to recognize customer actions and new sensors better.</p>
  3291. <p>If the reports about layoffs are accurate, the handful of remaining Just Walk Out developers will have their work cut out for them.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-says-a-whopping-140-third-party-stores-in-four-countries-use-its-just-walk-out-tech-191649492.html?src=rss]]></description>
  3292.                                                                                         <link><![CDATA[https://www.engadget.com/amazon-says-a-whopping-140-third-party-stores-in-four-countries-use-its-just-walk-out-tech-191649492.html?src=rss]]></link>
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  3295.                                                                                        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Will Shanklin]]></dc:creator>
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  3339.                                <media:description><![CDATA[Customers use Amazon’s Just Walk Out tech in a merch store at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Three customers walk smiling as they prepare to exit through turnstiles.]]></media:description>
  3340.                                <media:title><![CDATA[Amazon Just Walk Out]]></media:title>
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