Sep 19

Black Mirror season 7 cast revealed in a cryptic computer message

Posted in: Today's Chili

Get ready to question humanity’s control over the technology that surrounds us because another season of Netflix’s Black Mirror is in the works. Earlier today, the official Black Mirror X page revealed the cast of the new season coming next year along with some other interesting clues and Easter eggs.

The video features an old, flickering computer screen that appears to unload a complete data dump of the entire cast for season 7. Some of the names that jumped out at us includes Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti, Doctor Who star and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi (he won in 1995 with his live action short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life), Awkwafina, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rashida Jones. 

The list also included some of the cast who played virtual crew members of the USS Callister from the iconic fourth season episode of the same name. The names from the USS Callister episode that appeared on the list include Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Billy Magnussen, Milanka Brooks and Osy Ikhile.

We’ve known for a while now that series creator Charlie Brooker has been planning to revisit the crew of the USS Callister. The season 4 opening episode starred Jesse Plemmons as the chief technology officer named Robert of a top tier game studio and a big fan of a Star Trek-esque TV show called Space Fleet. By day, he gets pushed around and little credit for the company’s success from his colleagues and staff. He uses immersive virtual reality technology to play as Space Fleet Capt. Robert Daly away from work on a virtual starship and takes out his frustrations and anger on the crew in increasingly cruel and inhumane ways. The crew members were replicated in the game using his boss and staff members’ DNA that Robert obtained without their permission or knowledge. The crew revolt and escape to the open Internet while leaving a seething “Capt. Robert” stranded in the game.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a true Black Mirror reveal if it didn’t contain some clues and hidden items in the teaser. The loading screen features the studio name Tuckersoft, a reference to the game studio in the interactive “Bandersnatch” movie. The cast names are listed in alphabetical order by first name but they’ve been broken into eight groups. There are some cryptic phrases between the scrolling group names like “Too soon?”, “A rose for a rose” and “Shields 58 percent.”

Could these be episode titles? The latter definitely sounds like a reference to the USS Callister and Brooker and company love symbolic episode titles taken from songs for their tech hell stories like “Shut Up and Dance” and “Hang the DJ.” The new Black Mirror episodes haven’t even landed yet and they’ve already screwing with our heads.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/black-mirror-season-7-cast-revealed-in-a-cryptic-computer-message-203343148.html?src=rss

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Sep 19

Brazil threatens daily fines for X and Starlink for 'non-compliance' with ban

Posted in: Today's Chili

One day after X started to come back online for some people in Brazil, the country’s Supreme Court is threatening the social media company and Elon Musk-owned Starlink with hefty daily fines. In a new order posted online, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered regulators to “reactivate” blocking of X and said that the two companies could be hit with close $1 million a day in fines for not complying.

The latest order from Moraes, who has been publicly sparring with Musk for months, comes after X became accessible again in Brazil for many users on Wednesday. The company said in an earlier statement the change was “an inadvertent and temporary service restoration” that happened as a result of changing network providers.

Following Brazil’s ban last month, X reportedly shifted to using Cloudflare’s servers in the region, which made it more difficult for Brazilian ISPs to carry out the block. The company said Wednesday it made the change in network providers in order to “to provide service to Latin America” and that it expected its service in Brazil to go offline again “soon.”

Now, Moraes says that X could be fined the equivalent of $921,000 a day, beginning September 19, for each day of “non-compliance” with the ban. Starlink, which previously saw its Brazilian bank accounts frozen amid the dispute, faces “joint liability” if X doesn’t pay, according to the order. Moraes also ordered the country’s internet regulator to “take immediate measures to prevent access to the platform by blocking the ‘CDN Cloudflare, Fastly and EdgeUno’ servers, and other similar ones, created to circumvent the court order that suspended the operation of the old Twitter in Brazil.”

X didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/brazil-threatens-daily-fines-for-x-and-starlink-for-non-compliance-with-ban-194542476.html?src=rss

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Sep 19

God Of War: Ragnarok's PC port is out and it fixes one of the game’s most annoying quirks

Posted in: Today's Chili

The long-awaited PC port of God of War: Ragnarok is out. This comes nearly two years after the game was released for PS4 and PS5 to positive reviews. This is a pretty big deal on its own, but the port has a feature that not even the original console release had. Players can finally tell Kratos’ son Atreus to shut the heck up, as first reported by Kotaku.

In the original release, Atreus was like Ocarina of Time’s Navi on Adderall. He was, in a word, talkative. Even worse? He tended to ruin puzzle solutions by offering up hints unprompted. Many players complained that this happened even when they weren’t attempting a puzzle. 

In any event, the settings tab includes an option to reduce puzzle hints. This applies to the babbling Atreus, but also other companions throughout the game. I’m no game designer, but adding a mute button to some characters doesn’t seem like a difficult fix. In other words, bring this to the console versions Sony. Digital children should be seen and not heard.

The PC port also brings some other features to the table. There are now audio descriptions for the game’s cinematics and a set of streamer gifs to use on Twitch or YouTube. Of course, the port integrates with both NVIDIA and AMD’s upscaling tools, with support for ultrawide monitors. Let’s hear it for playing games as nature intended, with a ridiculous aspect ratio of 32:9.

The port needs a massive amount of hard drive space, anywhere from 175GB to 190GB, so start the install early in the morning for an afternoon play session. It’s available now via Steam and the Epic Games Store. As a bit of bad news, the PC specs required to play this game are on the beefy side, so performance on the Steam Deck will likely be underwhelming. Redditors are saying that it runs, but is only playable in 30FPS on the lowest settings.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/god-of-war-ragnaroks-pc-port-is-out-and-it-fixes-one-of-the-games-most-annoying-quirks-185925455.html?src=rss

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Sep 19

Ubergizmo’s Best of IFA 2024

Posted in: Today's Chili

IFA celebrated its 100th anniversary at its 2024 Edition, showcasing its status as a hub of innovation in Berlin. This year’s electronics show demonstrated a broad range of new products and technologies. We’ve sifted through numerous innovations to select our Ubergizmo’s Best of IFA 2024 awards. Our selection highlights the most compelling devices that push technological boundaries and deliver real benefits to consumers.

Intel Core Ultra 200V (Series 2) processor – Lunar Lake architecture

Intel made a splash at IFA 2024 with the launch of its new  Core Ultra 200V (Series 2) processor series, with twice the number of cores and cache memory compared to the previous generation. Codenamed Lunar Lake, this new architecture (codename Lunar Lake) integrates the RAM directly into the processor package, significantly reducing the energy required for data transfer between the CPU and the RAM. Intel claims its Lunar Lake-based processors can achieve power efficiency levels comparable to Qualcomm. More info in our article

Qualcomm SnapDragon X Plus 8-core processor

Qualcomm came to IFA with the third processor of its Snapdragon X-series lineup dedicated to Windows laptops: the SnapDragon X Plus 8-core. The key advantage of using a SnapDragon X-series-powered laptop is its long battery life, a benefit previously solely delivered by Apple until recently.

The Snapdragon X Plus 8-core enables PC manufacturers to produce long-lasting and more affordable laptops priced around $700 to $800 without compromising on performance for productivity and entertainment. For further details, read our article.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 13 Carbon Aura Edition – (14” Intel) 

Weighing less than 1 kilogram (starting weight) and powered by the brand new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 (aka Lunar Lake), the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 13 Carbon Aura Edition – (14” Intel) is expected to deliver extended battery life in a super-light and thin package. Designed in collaboration with Intel, the new Lenovo ThinkPad laptop offers Smart Modes, a suite of AI-powered features directly accessible from a user-friendly interface located in a pop-menu in Windows Desktop. For more information in our article

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9 Aura Edition (15” Intel)

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9 Aura Edition, powered by the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, incorporates the Smart Modes also found in the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 13 Carbon Aura Edition. These AI-driven features include Attention Mode, Wellness Mode for eye health and posture monitoring, Collaboration Mode, and Shield Mode. Additionally, the Smart Share function enhances device integration by enabling seamless AI-assisted image sharing between smartphones and the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition. This feature supports both Android and iOS devices, allowing users to transfer photos by simply tapping their phone on the edge of the screen. The drag-and-drop interface further simplifies file sharing, improving efficiency for creators and professionals who work across multiple devices. More info in our article

Acer Project DualPlay

Acer unveiled Project DualPlay at its press conference at IFA in Berlin, presenting an innovative gaming laptop concept. This Predator device transforms gaming with its large touchpad that transforms into a detachable wireless controller. The controller, secured by an electromagnetic lock, can be easily detached for portable gaming. By pressing a release button, users unlock the controller and activate two high-fidelity, 5-watt pop-out speakers for immersive audio. Project DualPlay supports multiplayer gaming, allowing a second player to join the fun. The detachable controller can split into two joysticks, enhancing games like Street Fighter 6, and seamlessly switching between keyboard and controller modes. Read more details in our article.

Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC Concept

Lenovo presenting the Auto Twist AI PC Proof of Concept on stage on September 5th during IFA 2024

Lenovo’s Auto Twist AI PC Concept introduces a motorized hinge that adjusts the display based on the user’s movements, improving visibility across different scenarios. AI-powered, it switches between modes like “laptop” and “tablet” via voice commands. The PC includes security features such as auto-closing the lid when unattended and promotes ergonomic use to minimize strain. This design merges intelligent automation with user-centric functionality, aiming to redefine personal computing and set a new standard for interactive devices. 

HONOR Magic V3 – foldable smartphone

George Zhao, CEO, HONOR Device Co., presenting the HONOR Magic V3 on stage at IFA 2024

The Honor Magic V3 stands out in the foldable phone market with its impressive thinness and lightweight design. At just 9.2 mm thick, it surpasses last year’s Magic V2, which was already slim at 9.9 mm, and is notably thinner than competitors like Samsung’s and Google’s foldables, as well as the OnePlus Open. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, it delivers strong performance. The phone features dual LTPO OLED screens, IPX8 water resistance, and a 5150mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its camera system includes dual 20 MP front cameras and a triple rear setup with a 50 MP main shooter, 40 MP ultra-wide, and 50 MP periscope camera with a 3.5x optical zoom.

Withings ScanWatch NOVA Brilliant Edition

The ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition, launching in November 2024, follows the December release of the ScanWatch NOVA. It features a compact 39mm case ideal for smaller wrists. This premium model is available in titanium silver or a two-tone silver and gold finish, with a fluted bezel and durable sapphire glass. Water-resistant up to 50 meters (5ATM) and fitted with a 5-link bracelet, it combines style with functionality.

The hybrid smartwatch offers advanced health-tracking with medical-grade sensors, including ECG for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib), body temperature monitoring, and SpO2 tracking. It also tracks over 40 activities and assesses VO2 Max. Users can switch between metal and FKM wristbands, both included.

The ESR Geo Wallet

ESR unveiled the Geo Wallet at IFA 2024, the world’s first bi-fold wallet with built-in Apple Find My technology. Available on Kickstarter, it integrates with Apple’s Find My network for real-time tracking via the Find My app. The slim, rechargeable wallet features a 1.6 mm thick battery, lasts up to 5 months, and includes RFID protection. Made from vegan leather, it offers a spacious design with cash and card compartments and comes in seven colors. The early bird price is $38, with shipping starting in early September 2024. See our article.

Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System.

At IFA 2024, Jackery unveiled the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System, a portable and flexible solution for home energy storage. Featuring a durable aluminum design and integrated inverter, it offers an alternative to fixed power stations, suitable for use in balconies, gardens, tiny homes, and holiday properties. The key feature of the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System is its support of up to 1600 watts of solar power input, which can be powered by Jackery’s flexible 800-watt solar panels (not included in the package).

ViXion01

ViXion01, featured at Showstoppers during IFA 2024, is autofocus eyewear designed by Nendo. It automatically adjusts lens curvature for clear vision at all distances, benefiting people like me who need progressive glasses. Simple to use, it requires only an initial adjustment and offers up to 10 hours of continuous use without frequent recharging. I tried the glasses at Showstoppers and I was pleased with the performance, although the device is still a prototype and work in progress. I was able to perfectly read at close range and see objects at a distance, the focus was done well in real time.

DJI Neo – mini drone

At IFA 2024, DJI introduced its lightest and most compact drone, the DJI Neo, ideal for vlogging and daily recording. Weighing just 135g and palm-sized, it operates without a remote control, featuring AI subject tracking, QuickShots, and ultra-stabilized 4K video. It offers up to 18 minutes of flight time and can be controlled via a mode button or the DJI Fly app, with virtual joysticks and voice control options. The Neo includes a single-axis gimbal, RockSteady, and HorizonBalancing for smooth footage. It has 22GB of internal storage and supports 4K video recording. Priced at €199, with the Fly More Combo at €349, it also includes DJI Care Refresh for accidental damage replacement. More info in our article

Ringconn Gen 2

Unveiled at IFA 2024’s Showstoppers, the RingConn Gen 2 is a smart ring designed for comprehensive health tracking,  including sleep apnea.monitoring. This second-generation device boasts improved sensors, extended battery life, and measures key metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, body temperature, and detailed sleep analysis. Priced at $299, it also tracks daily activities such as steps and calories burned, and is water-resistant for various activities. More info in our article

Jackery Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System

At IFA 2024, Jackery unveiled the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System, a portable and flexible solution for home energy storage. Featuring a durable aluminum design and integrated inverter, it offers an alternative to fixed power stations, suitable for use in balconies, gardens, tiny homes, and holiday properties. The key feature of the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System is Its support of up to 1600 watts of solar power input, which can be powered by Jackery’s flexible 800-watt solar panels (not included in the package). Read further information in our article

Ubergizmo’s Best of IFA 2024

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

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Sep 19

The iOS 18.1 public beta is here, bringing Apple Intelligence (almost) to the masses

Posted in: Today's Chili

Apple Intelligence is edging closer to being ready for primetime. Apple has released the public beta of iOS 18.1, which includes some of the major generative AI features that the company has been talking up over the last few months.

We’ll have to wait a few more weeks for the public versions of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 18.1 to bring Apple Intelligence features to everyone with a compatible device. The public betas should be more stable and less risky to install than the developer betas, but it’s still definitely worth backing up your data to your computer and/or iCloud before putting this build of iOS 18.1 on your iPhone.

Right now, the only iPhones that support Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but that will change on Friday when Apple ships the iPhone 16 lineup. M-series iPads and Macs will support Apple Intelligence too.

For now, you’ll need to have your device and Siri language set to US English to access Apple Intelligence tools. If you want to use Apple Intelligence in a language other than English (or in a localized version of English), you may need to wait until at least December for the public versions of the operating systems that support it.

Apple is gradually rolling out Apple Intelligence tools over the coming months, so not all of them will be available right away. The initial wave of features includes the ability to transcribe phone calls (and audio notes in the Notes app) and get summaries of the key details. Writing tools (rewriting, proofreading and summarizing), email prioritization and smart replies, notification summaries and photo clean up features are also on the docket. You’ll be able to create memories in the revamped Photos apps and check out the first incarnation of the redesigned, glowing Siri (including the ability to type requests to the assistant).

You’ll need to wait longer for certain other features, including ChatGPT integration, Genmoji, Image Playground (i.e. image generation) and Siri’s ability to better understand personal context. Apple will roll those out over the coming months.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the iOS 18 public beta option. Once the iOS 18.1 public beta is available for your device, you’ll be able to see it on the software update page. You might need to free up some space before you can install the beta. To enable Apple Intelligence, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Join the Apple Intelligence waitlist.

The public beta installation process is almost identical on iPad. On your Mac, you’ll need to go to System Settings > General > Software Update. Click the info symbol next to the ”Beta updates” option and you should be able to install the iOS 18.1 public beta from there when it’s available.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-ios-181-public-beta-is-here-bringing-apple-intelligence-almost-to-the-masses-175248580.html?src=rss

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Sep 19

Ubergizmo’s Best of IFA 2024

Posted in: Today's Chili

IFA celebrated its 100th anniversary at its 2024 Edition, showcasing its status as a hub of innovation in Berlin. This year’s electronics show demonstrated a broad range of new products and technologies. We’ve sifted through numerous innovations to select our Ubergizmo’s Best of IFA 2024 awards. Our selection highlights the most compelling devices that push technological boundaries and deliver real benefits to consumers.

Intel Core Ultra 200V (Series 2) processor – Lunar Lake architecture

Intel made a splash at IFA 2024 with the launch of its new  Core Ultra 200V (Series 2) processor series, with twice the number of cores and cache memory compared to the previous generation. Codenamed Lunar Lake, this new architecture (codename Lunar Lake) integrates the RAM directly into the processor package, significantly reducing the energy required for data transfer between the CPU and the RAM. Intel claims its Lunar Lake-based processors can achieve power efficiency levels comparable to Qualcomm. More info in our article

Qualcomm SnapDragon X Plus 8-core processor

Qualcomm came to IFA with the third processor of its Snapdragon X-series lineup dedicated to Windows laptops: the SnapDragon X Plus 8-core. The key advantage of using a SnapDragon X-series-powered laptop is its long battery life, a benefit previously solely delivered by Apple until recently.

The Snapdragon X Plus 8-core enables PC manufacturers to produce long-lasting and more affordable laptops priced around $700 to $800 without compromising on performance for productivity and entertainment. For further details, read our article.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 13 Carbon Aura Edition – (14” Intel) 

Weighing less than 1 kilogram (starting weight) and powered by the brand new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 (aka Lunar Lake), the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 13 Carbon Aura Edition – (14” Intel) is expected to deliver extended battery life in a super-light and thin package. Designed in collaboration with Intel, the new Lenovo ThinkPad laptop offers Smart Modes, a suite of AI-powered features directly accessible from a user-friendly interface located in a pop-menu in Windows Desktop. For more information in our article

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9 Aura Edition (15” Intel)

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9 Aura Edition, powered by the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, incorporates the Smart Modes also found in the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 13 Carbon Aura Edition. These AI-driven features include Attention Mode, Wellness Mode for eye health and posture monitoring, Collaboration Mode, and Shield Mode. Additionally, the Smart Share function enhances device integration by enabling seamless AI-assisted image sharing between smartphones and the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition. This feature supports both Android and iOS devices, allowing users to transfer photos by simply tapping their phone on the edge of the screen. The drag-and-drop interface further simplifies file sharing, improving efficiency for creators and professionals who work across multiple devices. More info in our article

Acer Project DualPlay

Acer unveiled Project DualPlay at its press conference at IFA in Berlin, presenting an innovative gaming laptop concept. This Predator device transforms gaming with its large touchpad that transforms into a detachable wireless controller. The controller, secured by an electromagnetic lock, can be easily detached for portable gaming. By pressing a release button, users unlock the controller and activate two high-fidelity, 5-watt pop-out speakers for immersive audio. Project DualPlay supports multiplayer gaming, allowing a second player to join the fun. The detachable controller can split into two joysticks, enhancing games like Street Fighter 6, and seamlessly switching between keyboard and controller modes. Read more details in our article.

Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC Concept

Lenovo presenting the Auto Twist AI PC Proof of Concept on stage on September 5th during IFA 2024

Lenovo’s Auto Twist AI PC Concept introduces a motorized hinge that adjusts the display based on the user’s movements, improving visibility across different scenarios. AI-powered, it switches between modes like “laptop” and “tablet” via voice commands. The PC includes security features such as auto-closing the lid when unattended and promotes ergonomic use to minimize strain. This design merges intelligent automation with user-centric functionality, aiming to redefine personal computing and set a new standard for interactive devices. 

HONOR Magic V3 – foldable smartphone

George Zhao, CEO, HONOR Device Co., presenting the HONOR Magic V3 on stage at IFA 2024

The Honor Magic V3 stands out in the foldable phone market with its impressive thinness and lightweight design. At just 9.2 mm thick, it surpasses last year’s Magic V2, which was already slim at 9.9 mm, and is notably thinner than competitors like Samsung’s and Google’s foldables, as well as the OnePlus Open. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage, it delivers strong performance. The phone features dual LTPO OLED screens, IPX8 water resistance, and a 5150mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. Its camera system includes dual 20 MP front cameras and a triple rear setup with a 50 MP main shooter, 40 MP ultra-wide, and 50 MP periscope camera with a 3.5x optical zoom.

Withings ScanWatch NOVA Brilliant Edition

The ScanWatch Nova Brilliant Edition, launching in November 2024, follows the December release of the ScanWatch NOVA. It features a compact 39mm case ideal for smaller wrists. This premium model is available in titanium silver or a two-tone silver and gold finish, with a fluted bezel and durable sapphire glass. Water-resistant up to 50 meters (5ATM) and fitted with a 5-link bracelet, it combines style with functionality.

The hybrid smartwatch offers advanced health-tracking with medical-grade sensors, including ECG for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib), body temperature monitoring, and SpO2 tracking. It also tracks over 40 activities and assesses VO2 Max. Users can switch between metal and FKM wristbands, both included.

The ESR Geo Wallet

ESR unveiled the Geo Wallet at IFA 2024, the world’s first bi-fold wallet with built-in Apple Find My technology. Available on Kickstarter, it integrates with Apple’s Find My network for real-time tracking via the Find My app. The slim, rechargeable wallet features a 1.6 mm thick battery, lasts up to 5 months, and includes RFID protection. Made from vegan leather, it offers a spacious design with cash and card compartments and comes in seven colors. The early bird price is $38, with shipping starting in early September 2024. See our article.

Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System.

At IFA 2024, Jackery unveiled the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System, a portable and flexible solution for home energy storage. Featuring a durable aluminum design and integrated inverter, it offers an alternative to fixed power stations, suitable for use in balconies, gardens, tiny homes, and holiday properties. The key feature of the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System is its support of up to 1600 watts of solar power input, which can be powered by Jackery’s flexible 800-watt solar panels (not included in the package).

ViXion01

ViXion01, featured at Showstoppers during IFA 2024, is autofocus eyewear designed by Nendo. It automatically adjusts lens curvature for clear vision at all distances, benefiting people like me who need progressive glasses. Simple to use, it requires only an initial adjustment and offers up to 10 hours of continuous use without frequent recharging. I tried the glasses at Showstoppers and I was pleased with the performance, although the device is still a prototype and work in progress. I was able to perfectly read at close range and see objects at a distance, the focus was done well in real time.

DJI Neo – mini drone

At IFA 2024, DJI introduced its lightest and most compact drone, the DJI Neo, ideal for vlogging and daily recording. Weighing just 135g and palm-sized, it operates without a remote control, featuring AI subject tracking, QuickShots, and ultra-stabilized 4K video. It offers up to 18 minutes of flight time and can be controlled via a mode button or the DJI Fly app, with virtual joysticks and voice control options. The Neo includes a single-axis gimbal, RockSteady, and HorizonBalancing for smooth footage. It has 22GB of internal storage and supports 4K video recording. Priced at €199, with the Fly More Combo at €349, it also includes DJI Care Refresh for accidental damage replacement. More info in our article

Ringconn Gen 2

Unveiled at IFA 2024’s Showstoppers, the RingConn Gen 2 is a smart ring designed for comprehensive health tracking,  including sleep apnea.monitoring. This second-generation device boasts improved sensors, extended battery life, and measures key metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, body temperature, and detailed sleep analysis. Priced at $299, it also tracks daily activities such as steps and calories burned, and is water-resistant for various activities. More info in our article

Jackery Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System

At IFA 2024, Jackery unveiled the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System, a portable and flexible solution for home energy storage. Featuring a durable aluminum design and integrated inverter, it offers an alternative to fixed power stations, suitable for use in balconies, gardens, tiny homes, and holiday properties. The key feature of the Navi 2000 Balcony Solar System is Its support of up to 1600 watts of solar power input, which can be powered by Jackery’s flexible 800-watt solar panels (not included in the package). Read further information in our article

Ubergizmo’s Best of IFA 2024

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

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Sep 19

Google passkeys can now sync across devices on multiple platforms

Posted in: Today's Chili

Google is rolling out a really useful update for Google Password Manager, allowing users to sync passkeys across their many devices. Up until this point, folks could only save passkeys to Google Password Manager on Android, so the cross-device utility was limited. It was possible to use the passkeys on other devices, but it would require users to scan a QR code. 

The update allows for passkey saving via Google Password Manager on Windows, macOS, Linux and, of course, Android. ChromeOS is currently being beta tested, so that functionality should come sooner rather than later. Google also says that iOS support is “coming soon.”

Once saved, the passkey automatically syncs across other devices using Google Password Manager. The company says this data is end-to-end encrypted, so it’ll be pretty tough for someone to go in and steal credentials. 

For the uninitiated, a passkey is slightly different from a password. A passkey is a digital credential that allows users to sign in to an account without using a password. The company’s been using passkeys across its software suite since last year.

Today’s update also brings another layer of security to passkeys on Google Password Manager. The company has introduced a six-digit PIN that will be required when using passkeys on a new device. This would likely stop nefarious actors from logging into an account even if they’ve somehow gotten ahold of the digital credentials. Just don’t leave the PIN number laying on a sheet of paper directly next to the computer.

Google passkeys can already be used with the company’s productivity software, of course, but also with Amazon, PayPal and WhatsApp. Google Password Manager is built right into Chrome and Android devices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-passkeys-can-now-sync-across-devices-on-multiple-platforms-160056596.html?src=rss

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Sep 19

Scientists Discover Gene Removal Boosts Calorie Burning Without Dieting

Posted in: Today's Chili

Scientists have discovered that removing a single gene from fat tissue can significantly boost the body’s metabolism, leading to increased calorie burning without the need for dieting. The research focused on a protein called PHD2, which is found in brown adipose tissue—a type of fat that is activated in cold conditions to generate heat by breaking down blood sugar and fat molecules.

The study, led by scientists from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Edinburgh, aimed to explore the connection between colder environments, faster metabolic rates, and weight loss, a phenomenon observed at higher altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. The researchers found that by removing the PHD2 protein, fat cells could burn calories in both mice and human cells without being exposed to cold temperatures.

Dr. Zoi Michailidou, the lead author, explained that reducing the effects of the PHD2 protein could potentially break the link between being overweight and the development of type 2 diabetes. The study’s findings suggest that targeting this protein could help develop new strategies to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism, potentially protecting against obesity-related metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Although the research is still in its early stages, the scientists are optimistic that further studies in humans could lead to alternative weight loss approaches that do not require continuous dieting.

Scientists Discover Gene Removal Boosts Calorie Burning Without Dieting

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

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Sep 19

Sweeping FTC study finds that social media sites engage in ‘vast surveillance’ of its users

Posted in: Today's Chili

The FTC just published results of a sweeping study of social media sites that has been going on for four years. The organization said that many social media sites and streaming services engage in “vast surveillance of consumers in order to monetize their personal information.” This mass surveillance impacts adult users, but also children and teens.

This isn’t exactly surprising. After all, the old saying goes “if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” Still, the study suggests a level of surveillance that could shock even the most cynical among us. According to the FTC, these entities collect and “indefinitely retain troves of data.” The companies also engage in “broad data sharing” with “woefully inadequate” security measures.

The report also found that some companies didn’t delete all user data in response to deletion requests. That’s not a good look. Additionally, some companies were found to be using privacy-invasive technologies like tracking pixels to “facilitate advertising to users based on preferences and interests.”

But wait, there’s more. The report found that users (and even non-users) had little or no way to opt out of how their data was used by automated systems, like algorithms, data analytics and AI. The FTC found that these companies employed “different, inconsistent and inadequate approaches to monitoring and testing the use” of these automated systems.

Finally, the report found that “social media and video streaming services didn’t adequately protect children and teens on their sites.” The study goes on to suggest that social media, and digital technology as a whole, contributes to “negative mental health impacts on young users.” This is nothing new, though some social media companies are putting tools in place to protect kids. Instagram just made it mandatory for teen accounts to include parental controls.

The FTC says that all of these issues boil down to the profit models of the big social media and streaming companies. These business models mandate the “mass collection of user data to monetize, especially through targeted advertising.” This is in “tension” with privacy concerns as, well, privacy doesn’t make money.

The study concludes that “self-regulation has been a failure.” To that end, the FTC has issued several recommendations to help solve these problems. It wants Congress to pass comprehensive privacy legislation to limit surveillance and to offer “baseline protections.” It also wants social media and streaming companies to limit data collection and data sharing with third parties.

The FTC also recommends that these companies actually delete consumer data when it’s no longer needed or upon request and to stop using invasive ad tracking technologies like pixels. It also wants these entities to address the overall lack of transparency regarding their methods. As for kids and teens, the FTC says these organizations should “recognize teens are not adults and provide them greater privacy protections.” Finally, it urges Congress to pass federal privacy legislation for teens over the age of 13.

Again, none of this information is new, but it’s pretty damning to see it all laid out this way. You can read the full report right here. The services involved in the study include X, TikTok, Reddit, Discord, Twitch, YouTube, Instagram and several others.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/sweeping-ftc-study-finds-that-social-media-sites-engage-in-vast-surveillance-of-its-users-155846997.html?src=rss

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Sep 19

Scientists Discover Gene Removal Boosts Calorie Burning Without Dieting

Posted in: Today's Chili

Scientists have discovered that removing a single gene from fat tissue can significantly boost the body’s metabolism, leading to increased calorie burning without the need for dieting. The research focused on a protein called PHD2, which is found in brown adipose tissue—a type of fat that is activated in cold conditions to generate heat by breaking down blood sugar and fat molecules.

The study, led by scientists from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Edinburgh, aimed to explore the connection between colder environments, faster metabolic rates, and weight loss, a phenomenon observed at higher altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. The researchers found that by removing the PHD2 protein, fat cells could burn calories in both mice and human cells without being exposed to cold temperatures.

Dr. Zoi Michailidou, the lead author, explained that reducing the effects of the PHD2 protein could potentially break the link between being overweight and the development of type 2 diabetes. The study’s findings suggest that targeting this protein could help develop new strategies to promote weight loss by increasing metabolism, potentially protecting against obesity-related metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Although the research is still in its early stages, the scientists are optimistic that further studies in humans could lead to alternative weight loss approaches that do not require continuous dieting.

Scientists Discover Gene Removal Boosts Calorie Burning Without Dieting

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