Employees at an Apple Store in Oklahoma City’s Penn Square Mall have voted to ratify their first collectively-bargained contract. The store’s workers are part of the Communications Workers of America, operating as Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016. The employees’ three-year agreement with Apple includes the following, according to a press release from CWA:
“Wage increases of up to 11.5% over the next three years.”
“Worker involvement in scheduling and guaranteed paid time off to vote.”
“A safer and more democratic workplace with a grievance and arbitration process and the establishment of joint Safety and Health and Working Relations committees.”
“Job protection in the event of a store closure or relocation and severance pay.”
“Guaranteed paid time off, health and other benefits.”
Today’s news caps off years of preparation to unionize and secure a contract for the Penn Square Mall Apple Store, which began organizing in early 2022. The parties reached a tentative agreement in early September after a unanimous strike authorization vote in August and a store picket.
The Oklahoma City employees are the second group of Apple retail workers to reach a contract through their union. An Apple Store in Maryland was the first of the tech company’s retail stores to unionize, joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in June 2022.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-store-employees-in-oklahoma-city-ratify-their-first-union-contract-190218680.html?src=rss
The website lets you check how much sea levels have risen in a given region, and even has predictions of how much the sea level will rise in the future. According to the home page, the data is federally supported and has “explanations and science education to help communities prepare for challenges that will affect our coastal environments.”
We tested the sea level explorer and selected Pennsylvania as our target state. It showed that the sea level in PA is nine inches higher than in 1970, and from 2020 to 2050, it’s expected to rise by 11 inches. Following these statistics are explanations and charts.
The site is a project from the Interagency Task Force on Sea Level Change, which is comprised of representatives from the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency and NASA, among others. The site itself, besides showing specific sea level numbers, contains a variety of information for kids and adults on the causes of climate change (hint: it’s people).
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/new-government-website-shows-how-much-sea-levels-have-risen-173042808.html?src=rss
HP just announced HP Print AI, which is being advertised as “the industry’s first intelligent print” experience. Beyond squeezing in tech’s two favorite letters (AI), the software looks to “simplify and enhance printing from setup to support.” There are several tools here, but the most interesting aspect is something called Perfect Output.
This could actually solve the problem of printing from web pages, which typically produces something just a hair above absolute garbage. The company says the embedded algorithms will reduce all of that unnecessary white space and will get rid of ads.
Image size will also be optimized, so printing from a website should look about as good as something that came from a word processor. HP says everything will “fit perfectly on the page for the first time.” Perfect Output isn’t just for websites, as the company says it’ll also make short work of spreadsheets, which are another frustrating thing to print out.
This feature begins rolling out today, but only to select customers as a beta. HP told Engadget that Perfect Output will work with any of the company’s printers, so long as the correct driver is installed and it’s connected to a Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine. Once some customer feedback comes in, it should go into a wider release.
HP Print AI will also use artificial intelligence to customize support for each user, with the company saying that its “intelligent technology anticipates” the needs of consumers. HP says this will be especially useful when it comes to setup and for remembering user preferences. There’s also a chatbot in there that allows for language-based queries, which runs off of a proprietary LLM the company calls a “print language model.” So it’s technically a, sigh, PLM.
For now, these tools are tied to driver software. HP says that they’ll be featured prominently in a forthcoming app update scheduled for next year.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/hps-print-ai-will-offer-a-better-way-to-print-websites-170523565.html?src=rss
It’s certainly taken a while, but Pokémon Sleepnow offers smartwatch support for sleep tracking. This is fantastic news because, look, smartphones are good at many things, but tracking sleep from underneath a pillow isn’t really one of them. Using a smartwatch should make for more accurate tracking which, in turn, will make Snorlax and his friends happy.
The app works with all of the major smartwatch models, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch. It also integrates with certain Fitbit devices. The sleep data syncs with Apple Health and the Android Health Connect app, for later perusal.
We don’t know why smartwatch integration took so long, but it’s worth noting that the app itself took four years from the first announcement until an official release. It’s likely Pokémon Sleep has a small team, as it doesn’t have the same cultural footprint as its walking-based cousin Pokémon Go.
Also, Pokémon Sleep is now on Spotify. You read that right. All of the app’s music tracks are available for daytime (or nighttime) listening via a 34-song playlist. These include three songs that have yet to be added to the app, for the real Snorlax-heads out there. Each track includes a matching visual that showcases the sleep styles of a specific Pokémon. Gotta. Catch. Em. All.
The Spotify tracks are available to anyone, even those with a free account. Pokémon Sleep is available for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/pokemon-sleep-now-supports-smartwatches-for-more-accurate-tracking-152113397.html?src=rss
Rode, a company best known for its microphones, managed to successfully break into the creator tool market last year with its Duo podcast mixer. Today, the company is expanding its creator ambitions with the new Rodecaster Video production console. The Rodecaster Video doesn’t only handle video production, as its audio production capabilities are also top-notch.
First, though, let’s look at the device’s video production features. Those who want to capture video from multiple sources will be delighted to hear that the Rodecaster Video has four HDMI ports and two USB-C ports, all of which can be used simultaneously. The console can also perform green screen or blue screen background replacement to eliminate backgrounds. By using the Rode Central companion software, creators can customize the input-switching experience, as the console can automatically switch to an input covering whoever is speaking.
Of course, there are physical keys on the console. These keys are easily customized as well, allowing users to create their preferred workflows. Powering these video features is a proprietary video engine built by Rode around a powerful eight-core CPU, which also handles the audio features.
Rode
As for audio, the Rodecaster Video has two studio-grade Neutrik combo jacks promising extremely low noise levels, both linked to Revolution preamps to capture audio from XLR microphones, instruments and more. Those who own Rode wireless microphones can also seamlessly connect them to the Rodecaster Video.
The console also boasts an array of audio effects, including a de-esser, noise gates and the Aural Exciter powered by the well-regarded audio signal processor Aphex. The Aural Exciter helps add some high-end frequencies to a muddy mix. It’s also not the only Aphex-powered effect, as the Big Bottom and Compellor effects are also present. Plus, the console can capture nine stereo tracks at once.
While Rode dropped plenty of details on what the Rodecaster Video is capable of, we don’t yet know when it’ll be on sale or how much it’ll cost.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/the-rodecaster-video-packs-audio-and-video-production-features-into-one-mighty-console-160015714.html?src=rss
Monitor makers today compete with each other to create the best esports-worthy displays that are fit for competition use. Sony is no exception, as it introduced its Inzone headsets and displays in 2022, beginning with the M3 and M9. Today, the company is introducing the new Inzone M9 II and M10S gaming monitors to solidify its place in the competitive display space.
The Inzone M9 II is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the M9. It shares many features but improves upon some weaknesses the older model had. This 27-inch 4K IPS display has a 160Hz refresh rate compared to the M9’s 144Hz. The response time remains the same at 1ms GtG, but the maximum brightness is now 750 nits (up from 600 nits). In addition, the monitor has VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, which means it can play HDR content at 600 nits of brightness.
The M9 gaming monitor suffered from having a tripod that didn’t allow for much adjustment. For the M9 II, Sony has replaced the tripod with a small disc stand with 180 degrees of rotation. This new stand doesn’t require much desk room and allows for height, tilt and swivel changes.
PS5 consoles can automatically recognize Inzone gaming monitors, which swap from Game Mode to Cinema Mode if users halt their gaming sessions and pop a movie in. Those who enjoyed the M9 will hopefully find the M9 II a significant improvement, something that could be especially true for PS5 owners.
But the star of the Sony’s show is the Inzone M10S. This new powerhouse of a gaming monitor features a 27-inch 1440p OLED panel. The refresh rate of 480Hz is impressive (though there aren’t exactly a ton of games that support it), and the 0.03ms GtG response time is nothing to scoff at. Moreover, the HDR peak brightness of 1,300 nits and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification are two cherries on top of this monitor cake.
Sony brought Fnatic’s Valorant esports team in as consultants on the Inzone M10S, asking them to provide feedback. Their expertise contributed to the creation of the FPS Pro+ and FPS Pro picture modes. The former mode highlights enemies with an outline color, while the latter simulates LCD monitors for those who are more used to older esports LCD monitors. In other words, FPS Pro mode is a solution for esports athletes who want to use new gear but are too accustomed to older equipment characteristics.
Sony
Another feature the M10S has is a new heat sink design. It’s made up of a multilayer passive cooling system consisting of multiple aluminum plates and thermal pads. This heat removal system is designed to reduce burn-in.
Both 27-inch monitors feature a 24.5-inch display mode that slightly reduces the resolution, though the refresh rates and response times remain the same. The mode is intended to replicate the feel of using a TN 24.5-inch 1080p monitor and enjoy fast speeds and improved picture quality.
The M9 II is available now on the official Sony website and from authorized dealers for $800, which is $100 cheaper than the M9’s launch price. As for the M10S, you can get it for $1,100.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/sonys-latest-inzone-monitors-are-made-for-fps-and-ps5-gamers-160045831.html?src=rss
Fall is officially here, and it’s time to get cozy on the couch with some tea and a portable game console. If you’re looking for a new one or have yet to pick one up, check out the Nintendo Switch OLED. The device is currently on sale for $300, down from $350 — a 14 percent discount. The markdown is available on Woot for five days or until supplies last. Amazon owns Woot, so Prime members get free standard shipping (though Amazon’s return policy doesn’t apply).
The Nintendo Switch OLED came out in 2021 as a minor upgrade to the original 2017 model. We gave it an 89 in our review thanks to upgrades such as its 7-inch OLED screen, increased from 6.2 inches. It also touts a better battery life, with greater efficiency pushing its lifespan to about seven hours rather than four to five. Plus, its stand makes tabletop mode easier to use.
The big caveat here is that the Nintendo Switch 2 should — emphasis on should — be coming out soon. Rumors have circulated for years about the second-generation console, but multiple signs point to an announcement before the end of the month. This is all speculative, of course, so it’s your choice whether to take this deal or wait and see what Nintendo might do. Keep in mind that The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom does come out later this week.
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/the-nintendo-switch-oled-model-is-50-off-right-now-143759481.html?src=rss
We own many devices that run on batteries, and recharging them can be a pain. It’s always welcome when a new device offers plenty of battery life. As if answering these prayers, Marshall has now released its new Monitor III ANC headphones, and you can expect them to run all day.
Marshall says that you can enjoy up to 70 hours of playtime with active noise canceling (ANC) on. Deactivating ANC increases the maximum battery up to a whopping 100 hours. That’s more than four days of continuous playback. It takes two hours and thirty minutes to fully recharge the headphones, a rather long time that’s a necessary trade-off for the long battery life they offer. The ANC has also been significantly upgraded to block out sounds better than previous iterations of the technology.
Besides long battery life, the Monitor III ANC headphones have an Adaptive Loudness feature that reacts to your surroundings and makes sound adjustments without quality loss. For those who want to mess around with the EQ settings, there’s the M-button and Marshall Bluetooth app you can get on Android and iOS.
The M-button is a physical button that users can customize to switch between three EQ presets or activate a smartphone’s voice assistant. The app also has separate settings for voice assistants and Spotify Tap. The experience is similar to using Marshall’s $179 Major V headphones, which the company released earlier this year. For the uninitiated, Spotify Tap is a feature that lets supported audio devices start a Spotify listening session with a single tap of the button.
These Monitor III ANC headphones are comfortable and lighter than their predecessor, the Monitor II ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They even have built-in Bluetooth LE and Auracast support, which lets users connect to Auracast broadcasts nearby and listen in.
Even the packaging is premium. The headphones come in a hard case with red velvet insides, an obvious tribute to Marshall’s guitar amp-making heritage. The Monitor III ANC headphones are on sale now at Marshall’s site and at selected retailers for $350.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/marshalls-latest-bluetooth-headphones-promise-improved-noise-cancellation-and-extreme-battery-life-140027657.html?src=rss
The 2024 Roku Ultra is the latest update to the streaming player, announced today at the company’s developer conference. The original version of this device was one of our top picks for a streaming device. The new model promises some nice quality of life upgrades, such as 30 percent faster performance in content loading and interface navigation thanks to a new quad-core processor. It comes with Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision for 4K and HDR10+ picture quality. The Ultra now supports Wi-Fi 6 and can also be directly connected via ethernet.
This streaming device is also getting an updated controller. The Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition) has backlit buttons, USB-C charging, and direct access to a Live TV Guide and to a new feature called Quick Launch. This introduces a personalized screen of a viewer’s most-used apps and voice commands. The remote also provides all the usual features for selecting content and controlling playback.
Roku is also rolling out a new version of its operating system. Roku OS 14 is getting more customization, with thumbs up and thumbs down icons to provide feedback on programming, which should lead to users receiving better recommendations. The company is also making its Kids & Family content accessible from the main home screen and adding additional voice controls. The update will be applied to supported devices in the US “in the coming months.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/roku-says-its-new-ultra-streaming-box-is-30-percent-faster-130038051.html?src=rss
Portable monitors have been around for years, but their importance skyrocketed during the pandemic. And with the continuation of remote and hybrid work positions, they’re going to be staples for the foreseeable future. But picking one isn’t as simple as it seems. At this point, almost every major PC maker has its own take on travel-friendly displays, with prices ranging from as little as $100 to nearly $1,000. So to help sort through the confusion, I tested out a bunch of options to put together a short list of the best portable monitors on sale today.
Things to consider before buying a portable monitor
Before you start looking at specific products, it’s super important to think about how and where you plan on using a portable display. Larger panels are great for home use where you may only need to move it or put it away when you have company over. Meanwhile, smaller screens are great for travel and whipping out at a coffee shop or shared workspace. But if you go too small, you may be adding extra weight to your bag without providing a ton of extra utility.
It’s also important to consider your typical workload, as artists may get extra value out of monitors with higher brightness and wider color gamuts. Those who spend all day looking at spreadsheets won’t get as much value from more vibrant displays.
What to look for in a portable monitor
Aside from price and the size of the screen, some of the most important specs in a portable monitor include panel type, brightness, refresh rate and connectivity. Most portable monitors use IPS LCD displays, which generally offer good viewing angles, strong brightness and good power efficiency. However, there are a few models sporting OLED screens that support wider color gamuts, which can be a major benefit for artists and content creators. Some budget models may use TN panels, as that can help cut costs and reduce energy consumption. That said, we generally try to stay away from those as they often have worse image quality compared to IPS screens.
For brightness, 300 nits is the lowest we recommend — anything less can make the monitor hard to use even in some indoor environments. Ideally, we look for screens that are closer to 350 or 400 nits and above.
Connectivity is also important because if you can’t easily hook your phone or laptop to a monitor, it becomes an oversized paperweight. Most travel displays include HDMI or USB-C ports (or both), which cover the large majority of devices. However, we also like models that support passthrough power over USB-C, which reduces the complexity of your setup and decreases the number of cords and adapters you have to carry around.
Finally, most portable monitors feature 60Hz refresh rates, which is fine for most use cases. However, there are a handful of models that go up to 120Hz or even 240Hz. Panels that fast are especially good for gaming, especially for those planning to bring the console or gaming PC on the go.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-portable-monitor-120050851.html?src=rss
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