Apple’s ninth-generation iPad hits an all-time low of $199

If you’re looking for an iPad that’s more affordable than cutting-edge, Amazon has the 2021 base model for only $199. Although that’s a generation behind the current version, this ninth-generation edition could be great for kids, seniors or those wanting a HomeKit-based smart home hub.

The three-year-old model is still a capable tablet for anyone content with forgoing the latest and greatest hardware. The ninth-gen iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display and Apple’s old home button-based Touch ID sensor. It runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which has a six-core processor, quad-core GPU and octal-core Neural Engine. This isn’t the model to get if you want screaming-fast speeds, the most eye-popping display or the upcoming Apple Intelligence, but it’s hard to nitpick too much about any of that when you look at the price.

Engadget’s 2021 review found this model to be “a modest update” over the previous version. Nathan Ingraham described it as “a fast, lightweight tablet with a nice display and tons of apps, without having to spend too much.” In our battery test, we found that it outperformed Apple’s 10-hour estimate, lasting about 14 hours of video streaming.

This model runs iPadOS 17 and will support iPadOS 18 when it launches this fall. It isn’t known how many annual updates it will be eligible for after that, but the upcoming 2024 software will still run on two hardware generations behind this model, hinting that it may not be approaching the end of the line just yet.

It’s also well-suited for video chat, and its 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera supports Center Stage. Apple’s machine learning-based feature tracks your and anyone else’s faces in the shot, adjusting the call’s framing accordingly through automatic pans and zooms.

If you want to add accessories for a more laptop-like experience, the ninth-gen iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Smart Keyboard.

The ninth-gen iPad sitting on a desk with keyboard attached.
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget

It’s worth keeping in mind that this model uses a Lightning connector rather than the USB-C that Apple has shifted its product lineup toward. It includes a charger in the box, but you may want to consider that if you’ve already chucked all your old Lightning cables. On the other hand, some may consider it a bonus that it still includes Apple’s now-defunct headphone jack.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/apples-ninth-generation-ipad-hits-an-all-time-low-of-199-191018362.html?src=rss

Apple’s ninth-generation iPad hits an all-time low of $199

If you’re looking for an iPad that’s more affordable than cutting-edge, Amazon has the 2021 base model for only $199. Although that’s a generation behind the current version, this ninth-generation edition could be great for kids, seniors or those wanting a HomeKit-based smart home hub.

The three-year-old model is still a capable tablet for anyone content with forgoing the latest and greatest hardware. The ninth-gen iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display and Apple’s old home button-based Touch ID sensor. It runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which has a six-core processor, quad-core GPU and octal-core Neural Engine. This isn’t the model to get if you want screaming-fast speeds, the most eye-popping display or the upcoming Apple Intelligence, but it’s hard to nitpick too much about any of that when you look at the price.

Engadget’s 2021 review found this model to be “a modest update” over the previous version. Nathan Ingraham described it as “a fast, lightweight tablet with a nice display and tons of apps, without having to spend too much.” In our battery test, we found that it outperformed Apple’s 10-hour estimate, lasting about 14 hours of video streaming.

This model runs iPadOS 17 and will support iPadOS 18 when it launches this fall. It isn’t known how many annual updates it will be eligible for after that, but the upcoming 2024 software will still run on two hardware generations behind this model, hinting that it may not be approaching the end of the line just yet.

It’s also well-suited for video chat, and its 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera supports Center Stage. Apple’s machine learning-based feature tracks your and anyone else’s faces in the shot, adjusting the call’s framing accordingly through automatic pans and zooms.

If you want to add accessories for a more laptop-like experience, the ninth-gen iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Smart Keyboard.

The ninth-gen iPad sitting on a desk with keyboard attached.
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget

It’s worth keeping in mind that this model uses a Lightning connector rather than the USB-C that Apple has shifted its product lineup toward. It includes a charger in the box, but you may want to consider that if you’ve already chucked all your old Lightning cables. On the other hand, some may consider it a bonus that it still includes Apple’s now-defunct headphone jack.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/apples-ninth-generation-ipad-hits-an-all-time-low-of-199-191018362.html?src=rss

Apple’s ninth-generation iPad hits an all-time low of $199

If you’re looking for an iPad that’s more affordable than cutting-edge, Amazon has the 2021 base model for only $199. Although that’s a generation behind the current version, this ninth-generation edition could be great for kids, seniors or those wanting a HomeKit-based smart home hub.

The three-year-old model is still a capable tablet for anyone content with forgoing the latest and greatest hardware. The ninth-gen iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display and Apple’s old home button-based Touch ID sensor. It runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which has a six-core processor, quad-core GPU and octal-core Neural Engine. This isn’t the model to get if you want screaming-fast speeds, the most eye-popping display or the upcoming Apple Intelligence, but it’s hard to nitpick too much about any of that when you look at the price.

Engadget’s 2021 review found this model to be “a modest update” over the previous version. Nathan Ingraham described it as “a fast, lightweight tablet with a nice display and tons of apps, without having to spend too much.” In our battery test, we found that it outperformed Apple’s 10-hour estimate, lasting about 14 hours of video streaming.

This model runs iPadOS 17 and will support iPadOS 18 when it launches this fall. It isn’t known how many annual updates it will be eligible for after that, but the upcoming 2024 software will still run on two hardware generations behind this model, hinting that it may not be approaching the end of the line just yet.

It’s also well-suited for video chat, and its 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera supports Center Stage. Apple’s machine learning-based feature tracks your and anyone else’s faces in the shot, adjusting the call’s framing accordingly through automatic pans and zooms.

If you want to add accessories for a more laptop-like experience, the ninth-gen iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Smart Keyboard.

The ninth-gen iPad sitting on a desk with keyboard attached.
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget

It’s worth keeping in mind that this model uses a Lightning connector rather than the USB-C that Apple has shifted its product lineup toward. It includes a charger in the box, but you may want to consider that if you’ve already chucked all your old Lightning cables. On the other hand, some may consider it a bonus that it still includes Apple’s now-defunct headphone jack.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/apples-ninth-generation-ipad-hits-an-all-time-low-of-199-191018362.html?src=rss

Apple’s ninth-generation iPad hits an all-time low of $199

If you’re looking for an iPad that’s more affordable than cutting-edge, Amazon has the 2021 base model for only $199. Although that’s a generation behind the current version, this ninth-generation edition could be great for kids, seniors or those wanting a HomeKit-based smart home hub.

The three-year-old model is still a capable tablet for anyone content with forgoing the latest and greatest hardware. The ninth-gen iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display and Apple’s old home button-based Touch ID sensor. It runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which has a six-core processor, quad-core GPU and octal-core Neural Engine. This isn’t the model to get if you want screaming-fast speeds, the most eye-popping display or the upcoming Apple Intelligence, but it’s hard to nitpick too much about any of that when you look at the price.

Engadget’s 2021 review found this model to be “a modest update” over the previous version. Nathan Ingraham described it as “a fast, lightweight tablet with a nice display and tons of apps, without having to spend too much.” In our battery test, we found that it outperformed Apple’s 10-hour estimate, lasting about 14 hours of video streaming.

This model runs iPadOS 17 and will support iPadOS 18 when it launches this fall. It isn’t known how many annual updates it will be eligible for after that, but the upcoming 2024 software will still run on two hardware generations behind this model, hinting that it may not be approaching the end of the line just yet.

It’s also well-suited for video chat, and its 12MP ultrawide front-facing camera supports Center Stage. Apple’s machine learning-based feature tracks your and anyone else’s faces in the shot, adjusting the call’s framing accordingly through automatic pans and zooms.

If you want to add accessories for a more laptop-like experience, the ninth-gen iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and Apple Smart Keyboard.

The ninth-gen iPad sitting on a desk with keyboard attached.
Nathan Ingraham for Engadget

It’s worth keeping in mind that this model uses a Lightning connector rather than the USB-C that Apple has shifted its product lineup toward. It includes a charger in the box, but you may want to consider that if you’ve already chucked all your old Lightning cables. On the other hand, some may consider it a bonus that it still includes Apple’s now-defunct headphone jack.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/apples-ninth-generation-ipad-hits-an-all-time-low-of-199-191018362.html?src=rss

Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous fleet has fewer sensors ‘without compromising safety’

Alphabet-owned Waymo unveiled its sixth-generation Driver system on Monday with a more efficient sensor setup. Despite having a reduced camera and LiDAR sensor count from the current platform, the self-driving ride’s new setup allegedly maintains safety levels. Once it’s ready for public rides, it will coexist with the current-gen lineup.

CNBC reports that the new system is built into Geely Zeekr electric vehicles. Waymo first said it would work with the Chinese EV maker in late 2021. The new platform’s rides are boxier than the current-gen lineup, built on Jaguar I-PACE SUVs. The Zeekr-built sixth-gen fleet is reportedly better for accessibility, including a lower step, higher ceiling and more legroom — with roughly the same overall footprint as the Jaguar-based lineup.

The sixth-gen Waymo Driver reduced its camera count from 29 to 13 and its LiDAR sensors from five to four. Alphabet says they work together with overlapping fields of view and safety-focused redundancies that let it perform better in various weather conditions. The company claims the new platform’s field of view extends up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) in daytime and nighttime and “a range of” weather conditions.

Three-pane image, showing the latest Waymo Driver EV in three conditions:
Waymo

Waymo says the new system has a modular aspect, allowing it to “swap out various sensing components to match the specific conditions of each operating environment,” like more stringent sensor cleaning for vehicles in colder cities. CNBC clarified that the cleaning system includes wipers that can clear most dirt and moisture.

The company says the sixth-gen Driver performs reliably even in extreme heat, fog, rain and hail, thanks to “regular road trips to newer cities.” That makes sense, given that its currently approved cities are all in relatively clear and dry climates. (CNBC reports that Waymo tested it in Detroit, Buffalo and NYC.) Currently, Waymo only operates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin. After launching in 2018, the company’s fleet serves around 50,000 paid autonomous trips weekly.

Waymo says the new generation already has thousands of miles of real-world driving experience (and “millions more” in simulations). The company expects it to be ready for consumers sooner than previous models — about half the time — thanks to learning from the system’s “shared knowledge” from its previous generations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/waymos-sixth-generation-autonomous-fleet-has-fewer-sensors-without-compromising-safety-175339320.html?src=rss

Zoom can now handle one million simultaneous participants

Zoom just announced that webinar calls can now support up to one million simultaneous participants. This is happening after various political groups used the video conferencing platform to raise money for Vice President Kamala Harris’ election campaign, often by hosting calls with hundreds of thousands of people.

The company now offers various tiers to accommodate large events. Customers can choose from webinars that feature max capacities of 10K, 50K, 100K, 250K, 500K, and, of course, 1M attendees. These are single-use webinar packages that come with support from Zoom’s Event Services team to ensure a “professional, engaging experience” for all.

“Now event organizers have the flexibility and power to host truly interactive experiences on an unprecedented scale and the ability to purchase large single-use webinars,” said Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom.

Despite being recently used for political fundraising, Zoom envisions a future in which these large-scale virtual events are common across the enterprise, entertainment and public sectors. The company says, for instance, that celebrities and entertainers can use these webinar capabilities to host fan meet-and-greets and other kinds of virtual events.

These events, however, don’t come cheap. Booking a one-time webinar for a million people will set you back a cool $100,000. That’s actually a good deal, as a webinar for 10,000 people costs $9,000, which is almost a dollar per person.

Before this change, Zoom only offered official support for up to 100,000 attendees. However, reporting by Bloomberg indicates that the company recently changed course so as to accommodate the aforementioned fundraising events.

This all started in July when an organization called Win with Black Women held a Zoom call with more than 40,000 attendees in which they raised $1.5 million for the Harris campaign. This was followed by White Dudes for Harris, with 190,000 attendees, and White Women for Harris, with 164,000 attendees.

This could be a lucrative new revenue source for Zoom. After all, it wasn’t so long ago that its stock sold for $560 per share before dropping to around $60 per share. This rapid decline was expected, as the world moved on from virtual meetings and started going outside again.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/zoom-can-now-handle-one-million-simultaneous-participants-170919609.html?src=rss

Amazon's new Echo Spot drops to $55

The latest incarnation of Amazon’s Echo Spot is back on sale. The smart alarm clock has dropped from $80 to $55. The device was available for $45 during an introductory/Prime Day sale in July, but this is the lowest that the Echo Spot has dipped to since then.

The new model has a sharper display and better sound compared with the original one, Amazon claims (the company canned the first Echo Spot in 2019, two years after its debut). The front face of the new Echo Spot is split almost in half with a display up top and speaker at the bottom. Unlike the original model, there’s no camera in this one, which is a welcome move. It always seemed odd for Amazon to include one in something many people use as a bedside device.

The Echo Spot has Alexa integration, of course. You can use the voice assistant to play music, control smart home devices and create a routine for waking up. The display can show you information such as the title of the song that’s playing, weather details and, naturally, the time of day.

There are a couple of other Echo devices on sale at the moment, including the Echo Show 5. The 2023 model is a third off at $60. It’s one of our favorite Alexa-powered smart displays, and it can work as an alarm clock too (the tap-to-snooze feature is very handy for those desiring a few more minutes of shut-eye). The Echo Show 5 does have a built-in camera, but there’s a physical shutter you can use to block it.

Meanwhile, an Echo Dot can be yours for $30. That’s 20 bucks off the regular price. This is our pick for the best smart speaker that costs under $50, so the value for money is even better thanks to this sale.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazons-new-echo-spot-drops-to-55-151842333.html?src=rss

Neptune Medical Raises $97M, Launches Jupiter Endovascular

Neptune Medical recently secured $97 million in Series D financing and launched a subsidiary, Jupiter Endovascular Inc., marking a strategic move to enhance its focus on gastrointestinal (GI) robotics while enabling Jupiter to advance in endovascular treatments. Neptune’s founder and CEO, Alex Tilson, emphasized that these developments will allow both companies to innovate within their respective fields.

The formation of Jupiter Endovascular follows Neptune’s recent appointment of Dr. Fred Moll, a surgical robotics pioneer, as chair of its board. Moll described the spinout as a strategic decision that will provide Jupiter with the resources and leadership needed to revolutionize endovascular therapies, while Neptune continues to focus on breakthroughs in GI robotics.

Jupiter Endovascular is pioneering a new generation of endovascular procedures with its Endoportal Control technology. (Source: Jupiter Endovascular)

Jupiter Endovascular exited stealth mode with $21 million in new financing and is developing the Endoportal Control platform. This technology aims to provide the precision of direct surgical access in catheter-based surgeries, enhancing the stability and control required in complex cardiovascular procedures. The company plans to use its new funding for an upcoming pivotal trial focused on pulmonary embolism, as well as for expanding the clinical applications of its technology.

Carl J. St. Bernard, recently appointed CEO of Jupiter Endovascular, highlighted the potential of the Endoportal Control technology to transform cardiovascular treatment by offering a minimally invasive yet highly controlled approach to delivering therapies.

The financing rounds for Neptune and Jupiter were supported by investors such as Sonder Capital and Olympus Corporation of the Americas. Sonder Capital’s managing partner, Kate Garrett, noted that Jupiter’s innovative approach could address significant unmet clinical needs, particularly in treating diseases in complex cardiovascular anatomies. Sonder Capital, co-founded by Moll, has a history of investing in healthcare technology companies, including Intuitive Surgical and Auris Medical.

Use case scenarios

The Endoportal Control technology from Jupiter Endovascular could have several impactful use case scenarios:

  • Pulmonary Embolism Treatment: The technology could offer precise control in catheter-based procedures to remove blood clots in the lungs, reducing risks associated with traditional surgeries.
  • Aortic Aneurysm Repair: By enhancing stability and precision, Endoportal Control could improve the accuracy of stent placements in the treatment of aortic aneurysms.
  • Coronary Artery Disease: The technology could allow for more controlled and minimally invasive interventions in treating blocked coronary arteries, potentially improving outcomes for patients with heart disease.
  • Complex Cardiovascular Procedures: It could be used in challenging cases involving intricate or hard-to-reach cardiovascular anatomies, providing the precision needed to safely deliver treatments.
  • Stroke Intervention: Endoportal Control might facilitate the removal of clots from the brain’s arteries, improving the effectiveness of stroke interventions and reducing the risk of damage during the procedure.

These scenarios highlight the potential for Endoportal Control to transform how complex cardiovascular conditions are treated, making procedures safer and more effective.

Neptune Medical Raises $97M, Launches Jupiter Endovascular

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

How to watch Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024

Gamescom 2024 is almost here. Exhibitors from over 60 countries will descend on Cologne, Germany, for what is now the industry’s biggest gaming event following E3’s demise. An opening night presentation will kick off the festivities with new game announcements, trailers, footage and other surprises (like the obligatory awkward celebrity cameos). You can watch the showcase right here on Tuesday, August 20.

As usual, industry stalwart Geoff Keighley will host the Opening Night Live festivities, which begin at 2PM ET on Tuesday. E-sports MC Eefje “sjokz” Depoortere will join as co-host.

Keighley has confirmed the showcase will include the following:

You can bookmark this page and tune in here to stream the event on August 20 at 2PM ET.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/how-to-watch-gamescom-opening-night-live-2024-130033275.html?src=rss

Neptune Medical Raises $97M, Launches Jupiter Endovascular

Neptune Medical recently secured $97 million in Series D financing and launched a subsidiary, Jupiter Endovascular Inc., marking a strategic move to enhance its focus on gastrointestinal (GI) robotics while enabling Jupiter to advance in endovascular treatments. Neptune’s founder and CEO, Alex Tilson, emphasized that these developments will allow both companies to innovate within their respective fields.

The formation of Jupiter Endovascular follows Neptune’s recent appointment of Dr. Fred Moll, a surgical robotics pioneer, as chair of its board. Moll described the spinout as a strategic decision that will provide Jupiter with the resources and leadership needed to revolutionize endovascular therapies, while Neptune continues to focus on breakthroughs in GI robotics.

Jupiter Endovascular is pioneering a new generation of endovascular procedures with its Endoportal Control technology. (Source: Jupiter Endovascular)

Jupiter Endovascular exited stealth mode with $21 million in new financing and is developing the Endoportal Control platform. This technology aims to provide the precision of direct surgical access in catheter-based surgeries, enhancing the stability and control required in complex cardiovascular procedures. The company plans to use its new funding for an upcoming pivotal trial focused on pulmonary embolism, as well as for expanding the clinical applications of its technology.

Carl J. St. Bernard, recently appointed CEO of Jupiter Endovascular, highlighted the potential of the Endoportal Control technology to transform cardiovascular treatment by offering a minimally invasive yet highly controlled approach to delivering therapies.

The financing rounds for Neptune and Jupiter were supported by investors such as Sonder Capital and Olympus Corporation of the Americas. Sonder Capital’s managing partner, Kate Garrett, noted that Jupiter’s innovative approach could address significant unmet clinical needs, particularly in treating diseases in complex cardiovascular anatomies. Sonder Capital, co-founded by Moll, has a history of investing in healthcare technology companies, including Intuitive Surgical and Auris Medical.

Use case scenarios

The Endoportal Control technology from Jupiter Endovascular could have several impactful use case scenarios:

  • Pulmonary Embolism Treatment: The technology could offer precise control in catheter-based procedures to remove blood clots in the lungs, reducing risks associated with traditional surgeries.
  • Aortic Aneurysm Repair: By enhancing stability and precision, Endoportal Control could improve the accuracy of stent placements in the treatment of aortic aneurysms.
  • Coronary Artery Disease: The technology could allow for more controlled and minimally invasive interventions in treating blocked coronary arteries, potentially improving outcomes for patients with heart disease.
  • Complex Cardiovascular Procedures: It could be used in challenging cases involving intricate or hard-to-reach cardiovascular anatomies, providing the precision needed to safely deliver treatments.
  • Stroke Intervention: Endoportal Control might facilitate the removal of clots from the brain’s arteries, improving the effectiveness of stroke interventions and reducing the risk of damage during the procedure.

These scenarios highlight the potential for Endoportal Control to transform how complex cardiovascular conditions are treated, making procedures safer and more effective.

Neptune Medical Raises $97M, Launches Jupiter Endovascular

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