Hasta La Gadget!

The NFC Forum, the non-profit org made up of big tech companies promoting the NFC standard, envisions a future wherein one tap is all you need for multiple actions at once. With a single tap, for instance, you could pay for your purchase, get points on your rewards account and receive a digital receipt on your phone. The organization released a document that can give you an overview of what the NFC multi-purpose tap capability is and how it can potentially be used. 

It explains that the multi-purpose tap “leverages the capability of NFC devices to allow both reading and writing of data across a connection.” That enables several actions, which typically requires multiple stages, to be accomplished at one time. If you’re buying alcohol, tapping to pay for it would also verify your identity and your age. You could also get a product’s sustainability information, including ways its packaging can be recycled, on your phone the moment you pay for it.

For public transit, the technology could ensure you’re getting charged the correct fare, taxes and concessions every time. If the ride you’re taking requires a ticket that you’ll need to show a conductor, operators will be able to automatically issue you an e-ticket when you pay with the new multi-purpose tap experience. 

As The Verge notes, the capability does raise some privacy concerns, seeing as it automates everything, including identity verification. In addition, it will allow companies to trigger targeted marketing communications that you’ll then get straight on your smartphone. Multi-purpose tap is still in its very early stages at the moment, though, and the NFC Forum is seeking contributions as it looks at market use cases for the technolog. The organization — which includes Apple, Google and Huawei, among other tech companies and manufacturers — still has to conduct tests to make sure the NFC technology is working as intended, as well, and to define standards to “enable mass market delivery.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nfc-forum-wants-to-bundle-age-verification-and-payment-receipts-in-tap-to-pay-043046883.html?src=rss

Who has time for summertime sadness when there are new gadget releases to check out? This month, we got an update on the Insta360 GO and a new mini-LED QLED from Sony. We also went hands-on with the ROG Ally X, which boasts a bigger battery than the Steam Deck. These waterproof JBL speakers are affordable and perfect…

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The new Lovestruck expansion pack for The Sims 4 gives the decade-old sequel a shot of life by turning it into a full-fledged dating sim — including non-monogamous WooHoo-ing for the first time. In addition to polyamory, the $40 DLC adds an in-game dating app, an encounter-planning system, turn-ons and turn-offs and a swanky singles club where Leisure Suit Larry (apologies for the dated reference) would feel right at home.

The expansion pack takes your Sim to Ciudad Enamorada, “a gorgeous city in love and the perfect place for all of your romantic encounters.” It includes three neighborhoods for all the dangerous (if you’re into that) liaisons your Sim’s gibberish-speaking heart can handle.

Your Sim can meet, flirt, spark romance or even rent a room at “Beso Rápido” for a quickie WooHoo. They’re no longer boxed into monogamy, letting you set up dates with as many partners as your Sim wants.

EA

The Cupid’s Corner app (in the game, not on your phone) lets your Sim snap selfies, create a profile and set preferences for compatible partners. Potential connections will appear in the app’s Matches tab, where you can tap a heart to save and spark a chat.

The date planner lets you craft a night to remember with customizable date types, venues, group invites (ha-cha-cha), activities and goals. When you meet your match for the date, you can test the chemistry by playing games, chatting over a picnic, sharing food or cuddling (or something like that) in bed. Most importantly, EA added new options for kisses, sultry dances and three new WooHoo spots… because variety is the spice of life.

The expansion adds four romance types that will vary depending on the partners: wholesome, steamy, strained and unpredictable. Your Sim can level up their romance skills as they mingle and unlock spicy new interactions.

EA

The Sims’ representation has evolved significantly since the base game’s inception. EA added gender customization in 2016, followed by Pride-themed content three years later. The ability to change your Sim’s sexual orientation finally arrived two years ago, not long after EA incorporated a pronoun customization option.

The Lovestruck expansion for The Sims 4 costs $40 and launches on July 25. Those who pre-order the DLC will get digital bonuses like a Cry Me a River Eyeliner (it wouldn’t be dating without a few broken hearts), Herbert Heart Plushie and, everyone’s favorite, the Basic Breakup Double Bed.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-sims-4s-lovestruck-expansion-lets-you-dive-into-a-steamy-polyamory-sandbox-193545470.html?src=rss

The new Lovestruck expansion pack for The Sims 4 gives the decade-old sequel a shot of life by turning it into a full-fledged dating sim — including non-monogamous WooHoo-ing for the first time. In addition to polyamory, the $40 DLC adds an in-game dating app, an encounter-planning system, turn-ons and turn-offs and a swanky singles club where Leisure Suit Larry (apologies for the dated reference) would feel right at home.

The expansion pack takes your Sim to Ciudad Enamorada, “a gorgeous city in love and the perfect place for all of your romantic encounters.” It includes three neighborhoods for all the dangerous (if you’re into that) liaisons your Sim’s gibberish-speaking heart can handle.

Your Sim can meet, flirt, spark romance or even rent a room at “Beso Rápido” for a quickie WooHoo. They’re no longer boxed into monogamy, letting you set up dates with as many partners as your Sim wants.

EA

The Cupid’s Corner app (in the game, not on your phone) lets your Sim snap selfies, create a profile and set preferences for compatible partners. Potential connections will appear in the app’s Matches tab, where you can tap a heart to save and spark a chat.

The date planner lets you craft a night to remember with customizable date types, venues, group invites (ha-cha-cha), activities and goals. When you meet your match for the date, you can test the chemistry by playing games, chatting over a picnic, sharing food or cuddling (or something like that) in bed. Most importantly, EA added new options for kisses, sultry dances and three new WooHoo spots… because variety is the spice of life.

The expansion adds four romance types that will vary depending on the partners: wholesome, steamy, strained and unpredictable. Your Sim can level up their romance skills as they mingle and unlock spicy new interactions.

EA

The Sims’ representation has evolved significantly since the base game’s inception. EA added gender customization in 2016, followed by Pride-themed content three years later. The ability to change your Sim’s sexual orientation finally arrived two years ago, not long after EA incorporated a pronoun customization option.

The Lovestruck expansion for The Sims 4 costs $40 and launches on July 25. Those who pre-order the DLC will get digital bonuses like a Cry Me a River Eyeliner (it wouldn’t be dating without a few broken hearts), Herbert Heart Plushie and, everyone’s favorite, the Basic Breakup Double Bed.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-sims-4s-lovestruck-expansion-lets-you-dive-into-a-steamy-polyamory-sandbox-193545470.html?src=rss

YouTube quietly added a new policy last month that lets you request the removal of AI-generated content featuring your likeness. The new privacy violation policy, first spotted by TechCrunch’s Sarah Perez, allows you to flag videos that “used AI to alter or create synthetic content that looks or sounds like you.”

YouTube says several factors will determine whether it considers a removal, including whether the content is altered or synthetic (and whether it’s disclosed as such), easily identifiable as the person in question or realistic.

The company will also weigh whether it could be considered a parody or satire. Another factor is whether it includes a public figure (or other well-known individual) “engaging in a sensitive behavior,” like crime, violence or endorsing a product or political candidate. TechCrunch notes the paramount importance of the latter during this pivotal election year.

The new policy falls under YouTube’s privacy violations, not misleading content. The company now requires first-party claims in most cases. The most notable exceptions are when the individual is a minor, doesn’t have access to a computer or is deceased.

YouTube will give the alleged violator 48 hours to act on the complaint. If it’s removed during that window, it’s case closed. If not, YouTube will review it.

The documentation clarifies that removal means fully removing it (and removing the individual’s name and personal info from the title, description and tags, if applicable). Blurring out faces is another option. It also explains that making the clip private isn’t allowed since that would let the poster easily make it public again.

YouTube didn’t make noise about the change, but it did hint at it earlier this year when it laid out its policies for AI-generated video. At the time, it promised, “In parallel, as we previously announced, we’re continuing to work towards an updated privacy process for people to request the removal of AI-generated or other synthetic or altered content that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/new-youtube-policy-lets-you-request-the-removal-of-ai-generated-content-that-uses-your-likeness-211522438.html?src=rss