House votes in favor of bill that could ban TikTok, sending it onward to Senate

The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Saturday that could either see TikTok banned in the country or force its sale. A revised version of the bill, which previously passed the House in March but later stalled in Senate, was roped in with a foreign aid package this time around, likely meaning it will now be treated as a higher priority item. The bill originally gave TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, six months to sell the app if it’s passed into law or TikTok would be banned from US app stores. Under the revised version, ByteDance would have up to a year to divest.

The bill passed with a vote of 360-58 in the House, according to AP. It’ll now move on to the Senate, which could vote on it as soon as days from now. President Joe Biden has previously said he would support the bill if Congress passes it. The bill paints TikTok as a national security threat due to its ties to China. There are roughly 170 million US users on the app, at least according to TikTok, and ByteDance isn’t expected to let them go without a fight. 

In a statement posted on X earlier this week, the TikTok Policy account said such a law would “trample the free speech rights” of these users, “devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually.” Critics of the bill have also argued that banning TikTok would do little in the way of actually protecting Americans’ data.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/house-votes-in-favor-of-bill-that-could-ban-tiktok-sending-it-onward-to-senate-185140206.html?src=rss

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Power, Portability, And Performance Starting At $399.99

Acer has unveiled its latest addition to the Chromebook Plus lineup with the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T), catering to users seeking a combination of performance, portability, and durability while leveraging the AI-powered capabilities of ChromeOS.

James Lin, General Manager of Notebooks at Acer Inc., emphasized the device’s portable design, 14-inch Full HD display, and performance-oriented technology as key features addressing the evolving needs of students, businesses, families, and individuals.

The Chromebook Plus 514 builds upon Acer’s commitment to enhancing Chromebook performance and user experiences. It boasts upgraded hardware designs, including improved displays and cameras, alongside powerful productivity, creativity, and multimedia capabilities.

Powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Chromebook Plus 514 offers responsive performance and efficient multitasking, ideal for running AI-powered apps like Google Docs and Photos, streaming content in full HD, or engaging in multimedia tasks such as movie-making with LumaFusion. The device ensures prolonged usage with up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Featuring a 14-inch Full HD display with IPS technology and wide viewing angles, the Chromebook delivers vibrant visuals, making it suitable for graphic design, photo editing, and multimedia consumption. Additionally, users have the option of touch- and non-touch models with anti-glare coating for enhanced usability in various lighting conditions.

The Chromebook Plus 514 prioritizes connectivity and conferencing with Wi-Fi 6E support and advanced webcam features like Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) and AI-powered enhancements for clarity and lighting. It also offers privacy features such as a physical shutter for the webcam and microphone mute.

In line with Acer’s sustainability initiatives, the Chromebook Plus 514 incorporates eco-friendly features, including recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and energy-efficient design. It is also compliant with U.S. MIL-STD 810H standards for durability.

Specs

Name

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Model

CB514-4H/T

Operating System

ChromeOS

Screen

14.0″ display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, Full HD (1920×1080), high brightness Acer ComfyView LED-backlit TFT LCD, integrated multi-touch optional

Processors

Intel Core i3-N305 processor (6 MB Smart Cache, 1.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 up to 3.8 GHz)

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

Memory

8 GB of onboard LPDDR5 SDRAM system memory

Storage

Up to 512 GB, PCIe Gen 3, 8 Gb/s, NVMe

Dimensions (mm & inch)

326.87 (W) x 224.93 (D) x 20.5 (H) mm (12.87 x 8.86 x 0.81 inches)

Weight

1.43 kg (3.15 lbs.)

Battery

53 Wh 3-cell Li-ion battery, fast charging

Battery life

11 hours

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E Wireless LAN

Features

OceanGlass touchpad

Ports

Two USB Type-C ports (supporting DisplayPort, and USB charging), two USB Type-A ports, MicroSD card reader

Camera

Full HD camera with privacy shutter, Facial Auto Exposure, Temporal Noise Reduction

Disclaimer

Specs may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models subject to availability

Availability and Price

For education and enterprise users, the Chromebook Plus 514 is available with Chrome Education Upgrade and Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, respectively, offering seamless device management and enhanced security features.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) will be available in North America starting at $399.99 in May and EMEA starting at EUR 479 in June. Specific configurations, prices, and availability may vary by region. For more information, interested individuals can contact their nearest Acer office or visit the Acer website.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Power, Portability, And Performance Starting At $399.99

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Destiny Might Have Lost Its Chance to Become a TV Show

There’s a lot of video games set to get TV or film adaptations in the next few years, and even more that seem like they’d be ripe for the picking. Bungie’s Destiny franchise seemed like a viable candidate, especially after the studio was acquired by PlayStation in 2022, but it sounds like any plans to bring the games…

Read more…

Tesla cuts Model Y, X and S prices in the US and says it’s ending the referral program

Another round of price cuts has shaved $2,000 off the starting prices of Tesla’s Model Y, Model X and Model S for buyers in the US. The company’s North America branch posted on X about the change Friday night, at the same time announcing that Tesla is ditching its referral program benefits in all markets. According to Tesla, the “current referral program benefits will end after April 30.”

Tesla’s Model Y now starts at $42,990 for the rear-wheel drive base model, $47,990 for the Model Y Long Range or $51,490 for the Model Y Performance. The base Model S has dropped to $72,990 while the Model S Plaid now starts at $87,990. The Model X starts at $77,990 (base) or $92,990 (Plaid). The changes come during a rocky few weeks for the company, which just issued a recall for Cybertrucks over possible issues with the accelerator pedal, reportedly laid off 10 percent of its employees and reported a decline in deliveries for the first quarter.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-cuts-model-y-x-and-s-prices-in-the-us-and-says-its-ending-the-referral-program-172311662.html?src=rss

Tesla cuts Model Y, X and S prices in the US and says it’s ending the referral program

Another round of price cuts has shaved $2,000 off the starting prices of Tesla’s Model Y, Model X and Model S for buyers in the US. The company’s North America branch posted on X about the change Friday night, at the same time announcing that Tesla is ditching its referral program benefits in all markets. According to Tesla, the “current referral program benefits will end after April 30.”

Tesla’s Model Y now starts at $42,990 for the rear-wheel drive base model, $47,990 for the Model Y Long Range or $51,490 for the Model Y Performance. The base Model S has dropped to $72,990 while the Model S Plaid now starts at $87,990. The Model X starts at $77,990 (base) or $92,990 (Plaid). The changes come during a rocky few weeks for the company, which just issued a recall for Cybertrucks over possible issues with the accelerator pedal, reportedly laid off 10 percent of its employees and reported a decline in deliveries for the first quarter.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-cuts-model-y-x-and-s-prices-in-the-us-and-says-its-ending-the-referral-program-172311662.html?src=rss

Tesla cuts Model Y, X and S prices in the US and says it’s ending the referral program

Another round of price cuts has shaved $2,000 off the starting prices of Tesla’s Model Y, Model X and Model S for buyers in the US. The company’s North America branch posted on X about the change Friday night, at the same time announcing that Tesla is ditching its referral program benefits in all markets. According to Tesla, the “current referral program benefits will end after April 30.”

Tesla’s Model Y now starts at $42,990 for the rear-wheel drive base model, $47,990 for the Model Y Long Range or $51,490 for the Model Y Performance. The base Model S has dropped to $72,990 while the Model S Plaid now starts at $87,990. The Model X starts at $77,990 (base) or $92,990 (Plaid). The changes come during a rocky few weeks for the company, which just issued a recall for Cybertrucks over possible issues with the accelerator pedal, reportedly laid off 10 percent of its employees and reported a decline in deliveries for the first quarter.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tesla-cuts-model-y-x-and-s-prices-in-the-us-and-says-its-ending-the-referral-program-172311662.html?src=rss

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Power, Portability, And Performance Starting At $399.99

Acer has unveiled its latest addition to the Chromebook Plus lineup with the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T), catering to users seeking a combination of performance, portability, and durability while leveraging the AI-powered capabilities of ChromeOS.

James Lin, General Manager of Notebooks at Acer Inc., emphasized the device’s portable design, 14-inch Full HD display, and performance-oriented technology as key features addressing the evolving needs of students, businesses, families, and individuals.

The Chromebook Plus 514 builds upon Acer’s commitment to enhancing Chromebook performance and user experiences. It boasts upgraded hardware designs, including improved displays and cameras, alongside powerful productivity, creativity, and multimedia capabilities.

Powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Chromebook Plus 514 offers responsive performance and efficient multitasking, ideal for running AI-powered apps like Google Docs and Photos, streaming content in full HD, or engaging in multimedia tasks such as movie-making with LumaFusion. The device ensures prolonged usage with up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Featuring a 14-inch Full HD display with IPS technology and wide viewing angles, the Chromebook delivers vibrant visuals, making it suitable for graphic design, photo editing, and multimedia consumption. Additionally, users have the option of touch- and non-touch models with anti-glare coating for enhanced usability in various lighting conditions.

The Chromebook Plus 514 prioritizes connectivity and conferencing with Wi-Fi 6E support and advanced webcam features like Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) and AI-powered enhancements for clarity and lighting. It also offers privacy features such as a physical shutter for the webcam and microphone mute.

In line with Acer’s sustainability initiatives, the Chromebook Plus 514 incorporates eco-friendly features, including recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and energy-efficient design. It is also compliant with U.S. MIL-STD 810H standards for durability.

Specs

Name

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Model

CB514-4H/T

Operating System

ChromeOS

Screen

14.0″ display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, Full HD (1920×1080), high brightness Acer ComfyView LED-backlit TFT LCD, integrated multi-touch optional

Processors

Intel Core i3-N305 processor (6 MB Smart Cache, 1.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 up to 3.8 GHz)

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

Memory

8 GB of onboard LPDDR5 SDRAM system memory

Storage

Up to 512 GB, PCIe Gen 3, 8 Gb/s, NVMe

Dimensions (mm & inch)

326.87 (W) x 224.93 (D) x 20.5 (H) mm (12.87 x 8.86 x 0.81 inches)

Weight

1.43 kg (3.15 lbs.)

Battery

53 Wh 3-cell Li-ion battery, fast charging

Battery life

11 hours

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E Wireless LAN

Features

OceanGlass touchpad

Ports

Two USB Type-C ports (supporting DisplayPort, and USB charging), two USB Type-A ports, MicroSD card reader

Camera

Full HD camera with privacy shutter, Facial Auto Exposure, Temporal Noise Reduction

Disclaimer

Specs may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models subject to availability

Availability and Price

For education and enterprise users, the Chromebook Plus 514 is available with Chrome Education Upgrade and Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, respectively, offering seamless device management and enhanced security features.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) will be available in North America starting at $399.99 in May and EMEA starting at EUR 479 in June. Specific configurations, prices, and availability may vary by region. For more information, interested individuals can contact their nearest Acer office or visit the Acer website.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Power, Portability, And Performance Starting At $399.99

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Destiny Might Have Lost Its Chance to Become a TV Show

There’s a lot of video games set to get TV or film adaptations in the next few years, and even more that seem like they’d be ripe for the picking. Bungie’s Destiny franchise seemed like a viable candidate, especially after the studio was acquired by PlayStation in 2022, but it sounds like any plans to bring the games…

Read more…

Destiny Might Have Lost Its Chance to Become a TV Show

There’s a lot of video games set to get TV or film adaptations in the next few years, and even more that seem like they’d be ripe for the picking. Bungie’s Destiny franchise seemed like a viable candidate, especially after the studio was acquired by PlayStation in 2022, but it sounds like any plans to bring the games…

Read more…

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Power, Portability, And Performance Starting At $399.99

Acer has unveiled its latest addition to the Chromebook Plus lineup with the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T), catering to users seeking a combination of performance, portability, and durability while leveraging the AI-powered capabilities of ChromeOS.

James Lin, General Manager of Notebooks at Acer Inc., emphasized the device’s portable design, 14-inch Full HD display, and performance-oriented technology as key features addressing the evolving needs of students, businesses, families, and individuals.

The Chromebook Plus 514 builds upon Acer’s commitment to enhancing Chromebook performance and user experiences. It boasts upgraded hardware designs, including improved displays and cameras, alongside powerful productivity, creativity, and multimedia capabilities.

Powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Chromebook Plus 514 offers responsive performance and efficient multitasking, ideal for running AI-powered apps like Google Docs and Photos, streaming content in full HD, or engaging in multimedia tasks such as movie-making with LumaFusion. The device ensures prolonged usage with up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Featuring a 14-inch Full HD display with IPS technology and wide viewing angles, the Chromebook delivers vibrant visuals, making it suitable for graphic design, photo editing, and multimedia consumption. Additionally, users have the option of touch- and non-touch models with anti-glare coating for enhanced usability in various lighting conditions.

The Chromebook Plus 514 prioritizes connectivity and conferencing with Wi-Fi 6E support and advanced webcam features like Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) and AI-powered enhancements for clarity and lighting. It also offers privacy features such as a physical shutter for the webcam and microphone mute.

In line with Acer’s sustainability initiatives, the Chromebook Plus 514 incorporates eco-friendly features, including recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and energy-efficient design. It is also compliant with U.S. MIL-STD 810H standards for durability.

Specs

Name

Acer Chromebook Plus 514

Model

CB514-4H/T

Operating System

ChromeOS

Screen

14.0″ display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, Full HD (1920×1080), high brightness Acer ComfyView LED-backlit TFT LCD, integrated multi-touch optional

Processors

Intel Core i3-N305 processor (6 MB Smart Cache, 1.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 up to 3.8 GHz)

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

Memory

8 GB of onboard LPDDR5 SDRAM system memory

Storage

Up to 512 GB, PCIe Gen 3, 8 Gb/s, NVMe

Dimensions (mm & inch)

326.87 (W) x 224.93 (D) x 20.5 (H) mm (12.87 x 8.86 x 0.81 inches)

Weight

1.43 kg (3.15 lbs.)

Battery

53 Wh 3-cell Li-ion battery, fast charging

Battery life

11 hours

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 6E Wireless LAN

Features

OceanGlass touchpad

Ports

Two USB Type-C ports (supporting DisplayPort, and USB charging), two USB Type-A ports, MicroSD card reader

Camera

Full HD camera with privacy shutter, Facial Auto Exposure, Temporal Noise Reduction

Disclaimer

Specs may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models subject to availability

Availability and Price

For education and enterprise users, the Chromebook Plus 514 is available with Chrome Education Upgrade and Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, respectively, offering seamless device management and enhanced security features.

The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) will be available in North America starting at $399.99 in May and EMEA starting at EUR 479 in June. Specific configurations, prices, and availability may vary by region. For more information, interested individuals can contact their nearest Acer office or visit the Acer website.

Acer Chromebook Plus 514: Power, Portability, And Performance Starting At $399.99

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.