Gadgets, Game & Mobile News

Hyperloop One is shutting down

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 22:00

Hyperloop One had once dreamed of building a high-speed freight link between Europe and China, one that could take cargo from one end to the other in a single day. That will, however, remain one of the many goals the company won’t be able to fulfill. Hyperloop One is shutting down, a staff member has confirmed to Engadget after Bloomberg published a report about its closure. It was founded in 2014 following the release of Elon Musk’s paper about his vision for hyperloop transportation technologies.

The company originally aimed to provide transportation for both cargo and people in the form of pods traveling through sealed metal tubes across long distances in airplane-like speeds. From 2017 until 2022, it was known as Virgin Hyperloop One due to an investment from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. But Virgin quietly pulled its branding last year when the company decided to abandon its plans of transporting passengers to focus on building a cargo-only service. Hyperloop One laid off over 100 staff members early last year due to its change in priorities.

According to Bloomberg, the company has been having financial troubles for a while and has notably never secured a contract to build a working hyperloop system. It has now laid off most of its remaining employees, the news organization said, and the ones left will be let go on December 31. Until then, they’re reportedly overseeing the sales of Hyperloop One’s assets, including its machineries and test tracks.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hyperloop-one-is-shutting-down-030049106.html?src=rss

The 5 Best Multivitamins for Women Over 50 of 2023 - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 21:00
Women over 50 need key vitamins and nutrients to maintain a clean bill of health -- a nutritious diet doesn't do it alone. Here are the five best multivitamins to keep you happy and healthy.

The FTC wants to strengthen COPPA to make it harder for companies to monetize kids’ data

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 16:44

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) to make it harder for tech companies to track and monetize children’s data. Some of the proposed changes include placing limits on how long companies can retain data they collect from minors and forcing parents to consent to, or opt out of, targeted marketing.

COPPA has been around since April 2000 and currently requires some level of transparency from online services and websites. Before collecting data from minors, providers need to obtain “verifiable parental consent.” In 2013, the FTC tried to narrow the definition of what a provider is to any digital service that weaves an advertising network into its platform and collects personal data — regardless of whether or not a website or online service is particularly directed toward children. At the time, they also expanded the scope of what constitutes ‘personal information’ to include geolocation and any photos or videos that depict a child’s image, among other things.

In its new proposal, the FTC wants to expand the scope of personal information in COPPA again to include biometric data. The proposal will also scrutinize digital service providers for sending push notifications that encourage kids to keep using their service and attempt to close any loopholes for data collection to “support for internal operations.”

FTC proposes strengthening children’s privacy rule to further limit companies’ ability to monetize children’s data: https://t.co/A4cbbX0Sn2 /1

— FTC (@FTC) December 20, 2023

“When we consider the harms of online behavioral advertising to children, we cannot forget one of the original reasons COPPA was envisioned and enacted: A desire to ensure that companies cannot build a commercial relationship with children that preys on their immaturity, honesty, and trust,” FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya said in a statement.

The FTC also wants to make it harder to monetize children’s data generated in the classroom in an effort to enhance privacy safeguards for students. If passed, COPPA will allow schools to gain more control over whether or not to allow educational tech providers the option to collect or use students’ personal information.

Lina Khan, the chair of the FTC, took to X to voice support for the proposal, writing: “Our proposed changes to COPPA are much-needed, especially in an era where online tools have become essential for navigating daily life,” adding that companies are deploying increasingly sophisticated ways to collect kids’ data. The FTC will collect public comments on the proposal for 60 days before taking any further regulatory action.

The public will have 60 days to submit a comment on the proposed changes to the COPPA Rule after the notice is published in the Federal Register /3

— FTC (@FTC) December 20, 2023

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ftc-wants-to-strengthen-coppa-to-make-it-harder-for-companies-to-monetize-kids-data-214459097.html?src=rss

Best 3D Printer Deals: 11 Deals to Get You Printing ASAP - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 16:30
Any day you can shave a bit off the price of a 3D printer is a good day. Today is that day.

The Apple Watch ban is here: Why Apple is no longer selling the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 15:37

You can't buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 from Apple's online store anymore — and after December 24, they'll also no longer be available from the company's retail outlets. Here's why.

Why is there an Apple Watch ban?

Apple has pulled the watch models from its website after the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ordered the company to stop selling them in the US.

The ITC issued the Apple Watch ban after siding with Masimo, a medical technology company, which sued Apple in 2021 for allegedly infringing on five patents related to light-based blood oxygen monitoring. In October, the ITC upheld a judge's ruling from earlier this year that the Apple Watch did violate Masimo's patents.Both the affected models come with the feature, but older models with the capability are not included in the sales ban. Apple started offering blood oxygen monitoring with the Watch Series 6. 

The ITC had upheld a judge’s previous ruling from earlier this year that Apple did violate Masimo’s patents. Apple is appealing the decision and tried to convince the commission to put a pause on the ban until it’s done. However, the ITC has denied the request, meaning the ban is pushing through unless the president himself steps in and vetoes the order. The US Trade Representative is reviewing the ITC’s decision, as well, and could choose to disapprove it due to policy reasons.

Masimo originally sued Apple in 2020 for allegedly stealing trade secrets. It alleged that Apple hired several Masimo employees and used their knowledge of Masimo's products to develop the Apple Watch's blood oxygen monitoring capabilities. That case is still ongoing.

What is Apple doing about it?

Apple previously told Engadget that it’s pulling the watch models from its websites on December 21 and from its retail outlets on December 24 as a preemptive measure should the ruling stand. The import ban won’t be taking effect until December 26, and the Presidential Review Period is currently ongoing until December 25.

"Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features," the company said earlier this month. "Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers." The company added that it will "continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the US as soon as possible.”

In 2022, Apple itself filed two patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo that accuse it of releasing a smartwatch that copies its watches’ features. If neither the president nor the US Trade Representative overturns the ban, however, the company may have to wait for the results of its appeal. 

Apple could also come to an agreement with Masimo, which most likely means money will be changing hands. The company's CEO has said he is open to a financial settlement, but told Bloomberg that Apple has not tried to negotiate an agreement. Bloomberg also reports that Apple is working on a software update that it believes will resolve the ITC dispute.

How can I buy an Apple Watch now?

You can still get the brand’s older watches, or the Apple SE, which doesn’t have a blood oxygen monitor. If you’re looking to buy either of the affected models this holiday season, they will still be available from third-party retailers. 

With the Apple Watch import ban taking effect on December 26, retailers will only be able to sell through their existing stock. So your best bet for buying these models would be a reputable retailer like Amazon, Best Buy, Target or Walmart. If they're out of stock, you'll just have to wait for this mess to get sorted out — or take it as an excuse to vacation in Mexico or Canada.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-watch-ban-is-here-why-apple-is-no-longer-selling-the-watch-series-9-and-watch-ultra-203706971.html?src=rss

Best iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Cases of 2023 - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 15:02
Don't risk destroying your iPhone 13 with one accidental drop. Here are our picks for the best iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max cases for 2023.

Best Credit Cards for Groceries for December 2023 - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:55
These credit cards offer benefits for regular grocery shopping, delivery and more.

Teen GTA 6 hacker sentenced to an indefinite hospitalization after mental health assessment

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:42

A London judge has sentenced the teenage hacker who infiltrated Rockstar Games, leaking Grand Theft Auto VI footage, to an indefinite hospitalization, as reported by The BBC. The 18-year-old, Arion Kurtaj, breached Rockstar’s servers from a Travelodge hotel while under police custody, using only an Amazon Fire TV Stick, smartphone, keyboard and mouse. (He was promptly re-arrested.) Kurtaj was a central member of the Lasus$ international hacking group.

Doctors declared Kurtaj unfit to stand trial because he has acute autism. Following the judgment, the jury was instructed to determine if he committed the alleged crimes, not whether he had criminal intent. Following a mental health assessment suggesting he “continued to express the intent to return to cybercrime,” the judge decided he remained too high a risk to the public. The court also heard accounts of Kurtaj’s allegedly violent behavior while in custody, including reports of injury and property damage. And so Kurtaj will now be committed to a hospital prison.

Despite Rockstar's claim that the hack cost it $5 million and thousands of hours of staff time, Kurtaj’s attorneys argued the success of the GTA 6 trailer, which racked up 128 million views in its first four days, meant his hack didn’t cause serious harm.

A second Lapsus$ member was found guilty in the same trial, but the 17-year-old’s name wasn’t made public because they’re a minor. The unnamed hacker was accused of working with Kurtaj and other Lapsus$ members to infiltrate Nvidia and phone company BT/EE, stealing data and demanding a $4 million ransom. The minor was sentenced to an 18-month youth rehabilitation order under “intense supervision,” including a ban on VPN use.

The two accomplices are the first Lapsus$ members to be convicted. Authorities believe other “digital bandits” in the group (suspected to be primarily teenagers in the UK and Brazil) are still at large. It isn’t clear what kind of payoff the hackers got from the ransom requests, if any, as none of the affected companies have admitted to ponying up.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gta-6-hacker-is-sentenced-to-an-indefinite-hospitalization-194251395.html?src=rss

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card for Your Post-Holiday Shopping Spree - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:27
There's no easier way to get funds added to your Amazon account.

Netflix milks 'Squid Game' again with a $39 in-person 'experience'

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:23

At its heart, Squid Game is a critique of capitalism and yet, Netflix can’t stop finding ways to squeeze money from it. After renewing the show for a second season and then debuting a reality show based on the series, Netflix opened a pop-up experience in Los Angeles where fans can pay to play games inspired by the show, eat Korean snacks and maybe even buy some costumes.

If you purchase general admission tickets (starting at $39), you are agreeing to participate as a contestant in a series of six games designed by Netflix inspired by the show's deadly challenges — from glass bridge, where players have to memorize which tiles light up, to a game of ‘Gganbu’, where you have to steal all of your opponent's marbles to win. Instead of dying, though, you're given a bracelet that buzzes when you lose a game — but you get to move on anyway and play all six games.

As you move from room to room or game to game, you’re competing against other players in the game for a title to win. In a bit of a gimmick, Netflix says that if a guest passes all six challenges within the 70-minute experience window, it will give interested patrons priority casting consideration for a spot on the reality TV offshoot of the show, which was recently renewed for a second season. For now, the experience is only available in Los Angeles and is running for a limited time through the new year. Netflix hinted that ‘Squid Game: The Trials’ will later come to another city.

Samsung devices at Netflix pop upSamsung

In building this in-person pop-up space, Netflix partnered with Samsung – of course, one of Korea’s premier hometown companies. For example, during Red Light, Green Light, the Galaxy S23 Ultra positioned in the game room captures key moments of gameplay with Hyperlapse video and still images. Samsung TVs and Galaxy mobile devices will be dotted throughout individual games and participants will have to navigate “experiential zones” that are surrounded by Samsung TV screens, including the flagship Neo QLED 8K, the 4K and The Frame.

Once a player is done with the games, general admission grants you access to a ‘Korean Night Market’ where you can purchase street food and soju-infused cocktails. You can also buy the signature green tracksuit worn by contestants (a Halloween costume for next year, maybe, if Squid Game costumes are still cool then?). There are also arcade-style and mini-games inspired by the show available for play.

Netflix pop upNetflix

More broadly, Netflix has been exploring ways to break free from its identity as a streaming-only service and has explored expanding into new categories outside its main service. From expanding its footprint in the gaming space (including VR) to launching brick-and-mortar branded retail stores and even dining space next year, Netflix seems determined to try to make some money selling goods and experiences inspired by its media library. The new Squid Game immersive live experience won't be the streaming company’s first bet on pop-up experiences either. It has already experimented with the format with other hit shows like Stranger Things and Bridgerton, where it invited fans to dress in ball gowns and try to win the Queen’s attention for the title of the ‘season's diamond.’

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflix-keeps-milking-squid-game-this-time-with-an-in-person-experience-starting-at-39-192303172.html?src=rss

Steam’s winter sale is live, offering major discounts on thousands of games

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:07

Steam’s annual winter sale is upon us, offering discounts on everything from AAA titles to overlooked indie gems. The bonanza starts today and ends on January 4 at 1PM ET. Steam offers several big yearly sales, but winter is usually the best one. In other words, break out that three-digit card security code and start browsing.

There are literally thousands of titles on sale, so it can be tough to stumble upon exactly what you’re looking for. We are here to help. Here are some of the more tantalizing deals to separate you from your money this holiday season.

The acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3 gets a teensy discount of 10 percent, bringing the price down to $54. Sure, a $6 price slash won’t set the internet on fire, but this is a GOTY pick for many, and any discount is welcome. Larian Studios chief recently said that the title would never release on Game Pass, so this is the best price you’ll get this season for The Game Awards winner.

Speaking of TGA winners, 2022 GOTY Elden Ring is $36, a discount of 40 percent from the MSRP of $60. Arkane’s Deathloop, which was nominated for nine TGA statues in 2021, is a whopping 80 percent off, bringing the price down to $12. If you haven’t played this unique time-bending masterpiece, now’s the perfect chance.

The once-reviled and currently-beloved Cyberpunk 2077 is half off, at $30, and the same goes for Forza Horizon 5. Recent (ish) Rockstar titles Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V are 67 percent and 63 percent off respectively. Heck, even this year's Star Wars: Jedi Survivor is on sale for $35, though this is the disappointing PC port. As always with Steam sales, you can also pick up The Witcher 3 for the ridiculously low price of $10.

It’s not just AAA games taking the spotlight. If you’ve heard of a recent indie gem, it’s likely currently on sale. Dave the Diver is 20 percent off, at $16, and the same goes for the Stardew Valley meets Pokémon sim Moonstone Island. Stardew itself is, of course, also heavily discounted to $10. The Metroidvania classic Hollow Knight is $8 and the puzzle-platformer Cocoon is $20. The Lovecraftian fishing sim Dredge is 25 percent off and JRPG-inspired Sea of Stars 20 percent off.

Seriously. It’s a lot. Head to Steam and start browsing. If you don’t feel like spending any money, just treat the browsing experience itself as a game. At least, that’s what I do sometimes.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/steams-winter-sale-is-live-offering-major-discounts-on-thousands-of-games-190746589.html?src=rss

'Short Sleep:' How Losing Even a Little Rest Adds Up Over Time - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:00
Pulling an all-nighter feels terrible, but skimping on sleep just a bit each night may be affecting you in ways you don't realize.

UniFormation GKTwo 3D Printer Review: 8K Printing in One Solid Package - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 14:00
The GKTwo is good resin 3D printer elevated by the ecosystem surrounding it.

Beeper says it's done playing cat and mouse with Apple over its iMessage for Android app

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 13:22

Beeper versus Apple has been our own little David and Goliath matchup, but it looks like the saga’s coming to a close. The Beeper Mini chat app has issued yet another fix after Apple once again disabled access to the iMessage platform. The company says this will be the last fix released. Beeper wrote in a blog post today that it's done “playing a cat-and-mouse game with the largest company" on the planet. 

“With our latest software release, we believe we’ve created something that Apple can tolerate existing. We do not have any current plans to respond if this solution is knocked offline,” the company wrote.

So what’s the latest workaround? It’s certainly not a simple patch. It involves pairing your current mobile device with a Mac or an old iPhone. Mac users with Beeper Cloud should be able to simply update and reconnect, though not all macOS versions will support the software update. You can also ask a friend with a Mac and Beeper Cloud to share their iMessage registration code, which can be used with the desktop app.

Finally, you can jailbreak an old iPhone (6/6s/7/8/X), install Beeper’s tool to generate an iMessage registration code and update to the latest Beeper Mini app to enter the code and access the service. The company’s also renting and selling jailbroken iPhones for this task. Jailbreaking an iPhone, after all, can be confusing for beginners.

On the upside, the company says these fixes work well and even bring blue phone numbers back to the Beeper Mini experience. However, if you don’t have a Mac or an old iPhone, or access to either, you’re pretty much out of luck. Beeper says it’ll hold onto your chat history if you happen upon an old gadget at some point in the future. 

This has been a month-long battle between the two companies, which started with the launch of the Beeper Mini app. This app offered true iMessage support to Android devices via a software exploit. Just a few days later, the app went on the fritz after Apple blocked the exploit. This led to more complicated fixes on Beeper’s part, with one requiring an official Apple ID and another requiring a Mac computer. Apple found ways around all of them, which actually spurred US lawmakers to call for a DOJ probe.

If Apple blocks this final fix, that’ll be it for Beeper Mini, but the company has made the software open-source for other folks looking to give it a go. Beeper may be giving up on iMessage integration, but it's powering full-steam ahead with its primary chat app. The company promises it’ll work throughout 2024 to turn it into the “best chat app on Earth.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/beeper-says-its-done-playing-cat-and-mouse-with-apple-over-its-imessage-for-android-app-182213320.html?src=rss

Google tweaks Memory Saver and tab group features in latest Chrome update

Engadget - Thu, 2023-12-21 13:00

Google Chrome is getting new security and performance features. The web browser’s latest version (M12) upgrades Safety Check and Memory Saver while adding the ability to save tab groups.

Safety Check is Chrome’s security hub that checks for updates and compromised passwords and displays whether Safe Browsing is turned on. With the browser’s latest version, Safety Check becomes more proactive, running automatically in the background. “You’ll get proactively alerted if passwords saved in Chrome have been compromised, any of your extensions are potentially harmful, you’re not using the latest version of Chrome, or site permissions need your attention,” Chrome Group Product Manager Sabine Borsay wrote in an announcement post. The feature will provide alerts at the top of Chrome’s three-dot menu.

Safety Check can also now revoke sites’ permissions to access things like location, microphone or camera if you haven’t visited them in a while. In addition, it highlights when sites you rarely engage with spam you with notifications, suggesting you turn them off.

Screenshot from an upcoming version of Chrome with more detailed Memory Saver. Three tabs are open. The highlighted one shows a website called Magazine Glam using 271 MB of memory.Google

Memory Saver mode, introduced in 2022 and rolled out to everyone early this year, frees memory from open tabs you aren’t using. When you hover over one while in Memory Saver mode, the tool shows more detail about the active tab’s usage. This includes how much memory you could potentially save by making it inactive.

Google says it’s also now easier to specify sites you want Memory Saver always to keep active. After installing the update, you can check out the new options in the Performance section of Chrome’s settings.

Screenshot from an upcoming version of Chrome with saved tab groups. Several tabs are open, and the user is saving them under the name Google

Finally, Chrome will soon let you save tab groups. For example, suppose you have a project with 25 opened tabs, but you need to step away or work on something else. Saved tab groups allow you to give them an appropriate name, shut them down and pick them up later where you left off.

Google says Chrome’s security and performance updates will roll out this week. However, saved tab groups will launch “over the next few weeks.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-tweaks-memory-saver-and-tab-group-features-in-latest-chrome-update-180049704.html?src=rss

DreamCloud Mattress Memory Foam Review 2023: An Expert Analysis of a Premium All-Foam Bed - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 13:00
Taking a look at DreamCloud's most affordable all-foam mattress? Here's what you need to know before you buy, including who this mattress should work for best.

Best Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids to Try in 2023 - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 12:00
Treating your hearing loss is easier than ever, thanks to over-the-counter hearing aids. Here's what to know about price, performance and accessibility.

HelloFresh Is Slashing Subscription Costs and Throwing In Freebies for New Customers - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 11:51
Our favorite meal delivery service for families is now offering 16 free meals and free breakfast for life for new subscribers.

iOS 17.2.1: What You Should Know About Apple's iPhone Update - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 11:47
Apple recommends everyone download the update now.

Best Internet Providers in Redding, California - CNET

CNET News - Thu, 2023-12-21 11:46
Almost everyone in Redding has access to fast internet from at least one provider, but choices are limited at most addresses.

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