Sep 3, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://blog.ctms.me/posts/2024-07-26-i-want-to-be-left-alone/">https://blog.ctms.me/posts/2024-07-26-i-want-to-be-left-alone/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45111179">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45111179</a></p> <p>Points: 61</p> <p># Comments: 25</p>

Sep 3, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://github.com/Tortured-Metaphor/LightCycle">https://github.com/Tortured-Metaphor/LightCycle</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110748">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110748</a></p> <p>Points: 7</p> <p># Comments: 2</p>

Sep 3, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://www.brendanlong.com/cpu-utilization-is-a-lie.html">https://www.brendanlong.com/cpu-utilization-is-a-lie.html</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110688">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110688</a></p> <p>Points: 62</p> <p># Comments: 28</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://joegm.github.io/blog/indices-not-pointers/">https://joegm.github.io/blog/indices-not-pointers/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110386">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110386</a></p> <p>Points: 19</p> <p># Comments: 5</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://blog.ctms.me/posts/2024-08-29-running-this-blog-on-a-pixel-5/">https://blog.ctms.me/posts/2024-08-29-running-this-blog-on-a-pixel-5/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110209">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45110209</a></p> <p>Points: 58</p> <p># Comments: 21</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://idiallo.com/blog/performing-for-the-job-title">https://idiallo.com/blog/performing-for-the-job-title</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45109324">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45109324</a></p> <p>Points: 68</p> <p># Comments: 37</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p><a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.223205/gov.uscourts.dcd.223205.1436.0_1.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.223...</a></p> <hr> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45108548">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45108548</a></p> <p>Points: 466</p> <p># Comments: 301</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://dgross.ca/blog/linux-home-server-auto-sleep">https://dgross.ca/blog/linux-home-server-auto-sleep</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45108066">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45108066</a></p> <p>Points: 134</p> <p># Comments: 53</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://www.sanity.io/blog/first-attempt-will-be-95-garbage">https://www.sanity.io/blog/first-attempt-will-be-95-garbage</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107962">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107962</a></p> <p>Points: 218</p> <p># Comments: 143</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/amazon-must-face-us-nationwide-class-action-over-third-party-sales-2025-09-02/">https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/amazon-must-face-us-nationwide-class-action-over-third-party-sales-2025-09-02/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107891">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107891</a></p> <p>Points: 199</p> <p># Comments: 76</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://queue.acm.org/detail.cfm?id=3703126">https://queue.acm.org/detail.cfm?id=3703126</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107505">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107505</a></p> <p>Points: 49</p> <p># Comments: 39</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Hi HN! Excited to share early access to Amber.<p>I’ve tried every all-in-one messenger out there (Beeper included) but they always fell short. No real folders, no AI, clunky UI, no CRM features… As a founder who speaks with hundreds of people every quarter, I needed something better. So I decided to rebuild the entire experience from ground up.<p>Thoughts from one of our users: "The app I've been searching for for a looong time."<p>Check it out for free today!<p>Demo: <a href="https://www.loom.com/share/8b5bc80b9893436b9190ae41fc3f0f50" rel="nofollow">https://www.loom.com/share/8b5bc80b9893436b9190ae41fc3f0f50</a><p>Features: - All messages (Whatsapp, Telegram, iMessage) unified in a beautifully crafted interface. - Split inboxes (folders) to effortlessly focus on work, friends, a particular project.. whatever matters the most right now. - Mark read – no read receipts (even on Whatsapp and Telegram), mark done only when you’re done. - Personal CRM: a lightweight private database of knowledge about each person with (optional) AI pulling important facts straight from conversations. (the latter is coming soon) - Command bar + shortcuts. - Send later + reminders.<p>Everything is securely stored on-device. All messages are end-to-end encrypted and go straight from your device to the network of choice – never touching our servers.</p> <hr> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107364">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45107364</a></p> <p>Points: 49</p> <p># Comments: 64</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://openai.com/index/vijaye-raji-to-become-cto-of-applications-with-acquisition-of-statsig/">https://openai.com/index/vijaye-raji-to-become-cto-of-applications-with-acquisition-of-statsig/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106981">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106981</a></p> <p>Points: 130</p> <p># Comments: 49</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://imadr.me/pbr/">https://imadr.me/pbr/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106846">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106846</a></p> <p>Points: 139</p> <p># Comments: 38</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://blog.adacore.com/introduction-to-ada-a-project-based-exploration-with-rosettas">https://blog.adacore.com/introduction-to-ada-a-project-based-exploration-with-rosettas</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106314">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106314</a></p> <p>Points: 140</p> <p># Comments: 33</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://tonybaloney.github.io/posts/why-isnt-python-async-more-popular.html">https://tonybaloney.github.io/posts/why-isnt-python-async-more-popular.html</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106189">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106189</a></p> <p>Points: 214</p> <p># Comments: 197</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Reference/Elements/template">https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Reference/Elements/template</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106049">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45106049</a></p> <p>Points: 152</p> <p># Comments: 55</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org/world-models-an-old-idea-in-ai-mount-a-comeback-20250902/">https://www.quantamagazine.org/world-models-an-old-idea-in-ai-mount-a-comeback-20250902/</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45105710">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45105710</a></p> <p>Points: 139</p> <p># Comments: 50</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Hey HN! We’re Abhi, Venkat, Tom, and Nick and we are building Datafruit (<a href="https://datafruit.dev/">https://datafruit.dev/</a>), an AI DevOps agent. We’re like Devin for DevOps. You can ask Datafruit to check your cloud spend, look for loose security policies, make changes to your IaC, and it can reason across your deployment standards, design docs, and DevOps practices.<p>Demo video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FitSggI7tg" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FitSggI7tg</a>.<p>Right now, we have two main methods to interact with Datafruit:<p>(1) automated infrastructure audits— agents periodically scan your environment to find cost optimization opportunities, detect infrastructure drift, and validate your infra against compliance requirements.<p>(2) chat interface (available as a web UI and through slack) — ask the agent questions for real-time insights, or assign tasks directly, such as investigating spend anomalies, reviewing security posture, or applying changes to IaC resources.<p>Working at FAANG and various high-growth startups, we realized that infra work requires an enormous amount of context, often more than traditional software engineering. The business decisions, codebase, and cloud itself are all extremely important in any task that has been assigned. To maximize the success of the agents, we do a fair amount of context engineering. Not hallucinating is super important!<p>One thing which has worked incredibly well for us is a multi-agent system where we have specialized sub-agents with access to specific tool calls and documentation for their specialty. Agents choose to “handoff” to each other when they feel like another agent would be more specialized for the task. However, all agents share the same context (<a href="https://cognition.ai/blog/dont-build-multi-agents" rel="nofollow">https://cognition.ai/blog/dont-build-multi-agents</a>). We’re pretty happy with this approach, and believe it could work in other disciplines which require high amounts of specialized expertise.<p>Infrastructure is probably the most mission-critical part of any software organization, and needs extremely heavy guardrails to keep it safe. Language models are not yet at the point where they can be trusted to make changes (we’ve talked to a couple of startups where the Claude Code + AWS CLI combo has taken their infra down). Right now, Datafruit receives read-only access to your infrastructure and can only make changes through pull requests to your IaC repositories. The agent also operates in a sandboxed virtual environment so that it could not write cloud CLI commands if it wanted to!<p>Where LLMs <i>can</i> add significant value is in reducing the constant operational inefficiencies that eat up cloud spend and delay deadlines—the small-but-urgent ops work. Once Datafruit indexes your environment, you can ask it to do things like:<p><pre><code> "Grant @User write access to analytics S3 bucket for 24 hours" -> Creates temporary IAM role, sends least-privilege credentials, auto-revokes tomorrow "Find where this secret is used so I can rotate it without downtime" -> Discovers all instances of your secret, including old cron-jobs you might not know about, so you can safely rotate your keys "Why did database costs spike yesterday?" -> Identifies expensive queries, shows optimization options, implements fixes </code></pre> We charge a straightforward subscription model for a managed version, but we also offer a bring-your-own-cloud model. All of Datafruit can be deployed on Kubernetes using Helm charts for enterprise customers where data can’t leave your VPC. For the time being, we’re installing the product ourselves on customers' clouds. It doesn’t exist in a self-serve form yet. We’ll get there eventually, but in the meantime if you’re interested we’d love for you guys to email us at [email protected].<p>We would love to hear your thoughts! If you work with cloud infra, we are especially interested in learning about what kinds of work you do which you wish could be offloaded onto an agent.</p> <hr> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45104974">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45104974</a></p> <p>Points: 45</p> <p># Comments: 32</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Article URL: <a href="https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-raises-series-f-at-usd183b-post-money-valuation">https://www.anthropic.com/news/anthropic-raises-series-f-at-usd183b-post-money-valuation</a></p> <p>Comments URL: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45104907">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45104907</a></p> <p>Points: 473</p> <p># Comments: 479</p>

Sep 2, 2025

It addresses two scourges of modern TV viewing—but maybe not in the way we want.

Sep 2, 2025

The Phase 2 trial is not definitive, but it comes as vaccine access is severely restricted.

Sep 2, 2025

Google's penalty for being a search monopoly does not include selling Chrome.

Sep 2, 2025

A structure like those found on water striders' legs keeps a robot out of the water.

Sep 2, 2025

Did an AI write this? Because it reads like an AI wrote this.

Sep 2, 2025

Ex-senator Cory Gardner replaces ex-FCC Chairman Michael Powell as head of NCTA.

Sep 2, 2025

This Ars Live session is over, but our recap is coming next week.

Sep 2, 2025

You don't have to track down pricey retro hardware to play the Pioneer LaserActive anymore.

Sep 2, 2025

Google refutes claims that all 2.5 billion Gmail users are at risk.

Sep 2, 2025

SpaceX has flirted with the idea of propellant generation plants at Starbase before.

Sep 2, 2025

New miniseries is a spinoff of the 2021 <em>What If...?</em> episode featuring several Avengers in zombified form.

Sep 2, 2025

"We need better than just window dressing."

Sep 2, 2025

Many Framework Desktop mods are cosmetic, but this is a functional improvement.

Sep 2, 2025

As Tesla sales fall in China, Musk says robots will save the company.

Sep 2, 2025

Promised protections follow reports of vulnerable users misled in extended chats.

Sep 2, 2025

The Blank Slate will be made from just 600 parts, with no paint or infotainment.

Sep 2, 2025

A day driving camouflaged prototypes revealed some rather neat features.

Sep 2, 2025

FCC speeds up rule-cutting, giving public as little as 10 days to file objections.

Aug 31, 2025

A 3D reconstruction of the Shroud of Turin, "jelly ice," regenerating snail eyes, and more

Aug 31, 2025

One of the world’s foremost climate models now faces funding threats.

Sep 3, 2025

The ollama open-source software that makes it easy to run AI large language models (LLMs) across different operating systems, hardware, and models is about to enjoy a nice speed boost...

Sep 2, 2025

It looks like the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library widely used by cross-platform games for software/hardware abstractions isn't done enhancing its support for running on the X.Org/X11 Server. Similarly, Valve is still committing resources to enhancing the support...

Sep 2, 2025

Due to a "significant portion" of Red Hat's internal QA team responsible for Fedora QA leaving the company or switching to other teams at Red Hat, there are some Fedora ARM release changes coming to deal with the reduced abilities of their quality assurance team...

Sep 2, 2025

Two years ago the AMD Linux CPU temperature driver was updated to handle negative temperature reporting. That's for some users with exotic cooling systems and then also use within some industrial applications where the systems may be subject to sub-zero temperatures. The AMD sbtsi_temp driver is also now being similarly updated for handling freezing CPU temperatures...

Sep 2, 2025

NVIDIA just released the 580.82.07 stable Linux driver as their newest R580 driver series update...

Sep 2, 2025

With LLVM 21.1 having been released last week as the newest half-year feature update to this open-source compiler stack, I have begun benchmarking Clang 21 on a variety of systems for getting a feel for the performance over Clang 20. Eventually it will be extended as well to looking at the Clang 21 performance against GCC and vendor compilers. For some initial Clang 21 benchmarking, here is a look at how the Clang 21 C/C++ compiler is performing on 5th Gen AMD EPYC "Turin" Zen 5 processors compared to the prior release.

Sep 2, 2025

Arch Linux's convenient text-based OS installer "archinstall" is out with a new release today that promotes Logical Volume Manager (LVM) based installs no longer as "beta" quality...

Sep 2, 2025

Earlier this year Canonical announced plans for using sudo-rs as the Rust-written sudo implementation by default for Ubuntu 25.10 along with Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components. The sudo-rs goal has been achieved with the newest Ubuntu 25.10 daily ISOs now using this sudo implementation by default...

Sep 2, 2025

Separate from yesterday's upstream new GIMP 3.2 development release, open-source developer Josh Ellithorpe announced the creation of a new GIMP plug-in dubbed "Dream Prompter" for bringing the power of Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Preview model to this open-source photo/image editing software...

Sep 2, 2025

Now that FFmpeg 8.0 has shipped for this widely-used multimedia library, development is back on of major feature work toward the next major release. Landing on Monday was the initial code for a major rewrite to the swscale code in providing a new framework that is faster and more maintainable/extensible moving forward...

Sep 2, 2025

Last month Intel posted new Linux patches for a "SoC power slider" feature premiering with upcoming Intel Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" laptops. That SoC Power Slider support for the Intel int340x is now expected to be upstreamed with the Linux 6.18 kernel later this year...

Sep 2, 2025

To help in accelerating the development of kernel graphics drivers and any other NPU/accelerator drivers written in the Rust programming language, the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem is creating its own DRM-Rust development tree for drivers and associated Rust infrastructure...

Sep 2, 2025

For the Steam Survey results published last month for July it showed Steam on Linux use approaching 3%. With hitting 2.89% in July there was hope that perhaps in August it would breach the elusive 3.0% threshold not seen since the original days of Steam on Linux when the overall Steam user base was also much smaller than it is today. But that didn't pan out and Steam on Linux numbers for August are showing a small dip...

Sep 1, 2025

GIMP 3.1.4 is out today as the second development release treking toward GIMP 3.2. Most notable with GIMP 3.1.4 are the initial implementations of two of the main features planned for GIMP 3.2: link layers and vector layers...

Sep 1, 2025

With the Rust 1.90 release due out in mid-September, the Rust compiler on Linux x86_64 will begun using the LLD linker by default in order to "significantly reduce" linking times...

Sep 1, 2025

On Friday AMD sent out their initial batch of kernel graphics driver feature changes intended for merging to the Linux 6.18 kernel later this year...

Sep 1, 2025

Not your typical review on Phoronix today but rather a brief look at the Gentex PLACE Any Space smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. For those facing ten years on their Nest Protect smoke detectors and looking for an end-of-life replacement to these smoke detectors discontinued by Google, the Gentex PLACE smart smoke detectors are an interesting and capable alternative. Being faced by needing to find a replacement to Nest Protects myself that have now expired and finding many others in the same boat with no clear winning smart smoke detector right now, I decided to go with the Gentex PLACE and figured it worthwhile to share a bit of my experience.

Sep 1, 2025

A patch queued up into the Linux exFAT driver's development tree optimizes the allocation bitmap loading time. For cases of small cluster sizes on large partitions this can yield around 16x faster loading times...

Sep 1, 2025

The open-source Redox OS operating system project written in the Rust programming language is out with its status update covering August 2025...

Sep 1, 2025

For those using the upstream open-source NVIDIA Linux driver "Nouveau", with a pending fix coming for Linux 6.17 and existing kernel releases it should be a much more stable and reliable experience...

Sep 1, 2025

Over the course of August on Phoronix were 267 original news articles and 17 featured Linux hardware reviews / multi-page benchmark articles. Coming somewhat as a surprise, AMD Linux testing articles and hardware reviews managed to capture all top 10 spots for the most viewed content... Something no single vendor has pulled off in the past 21 years of Phoronix. But with the launch of the Framework Desktop, AMD Krackan Point Linux testing for sub-$500 laptops, Threadripper 9000 series, and other hardware excitement, that feat happened in August...

Sep 1, 2025

In addition to working on new OpenCL performance optimizations, Red Hat engineer Karol Herbst just landed another important feature into Rusticl: OpenCL semaphores...

Sep 1, 2025

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen6 is one of the best supported Snapdragon X Elite laptops under Linux thus far. Thanks to active developer engagement and cooperation from Lenovo there are firmware files in upstream linux-firmware.git and Lenovo's generally robust Linux support make it one of the better choices for the Snapdragon X laptops currently out there. In further enhancing the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen6 on Linux, a new EC driver has been posted for supporting this Snapdragon powered laptop...

Sep 1, 2025

For those looking at assembling an AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO workstation and interested in having working system sensor monitoring support, the ASUS EC Sensors hardware monitoring (HWMON) driver is in the process of introducing support for the Pro WS WRX90E-SAGE SE motherboard...

Sep 1, 2025

Ahead of the GNOME 49 release candidate being announced in the days ahead, today marked the "49.rc" tagging of the GNOME Shell and Mutter compositor components. Some last-minute user-facing changes have landed along with other improvements for polishing ahead of next month's GNOME 49 stable release...

Aug 31, 2025

Linus Torvalds just released Linux 6.17-rc4 as the newest weekly test release of Linux 6.17 in working toward the stable release in late September...

Aug 31, 2025

AerynOS 2025.08 ISOs are now available as the third release of the year for this innovative Linux distribution formerly known as Serpent OS...

Aug 31, 2025

This week a new Ubuntu X1E Concept ISO was published for Ubuntu 25.04 ARM64 with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite/Plus laptop optimizations. With this new ISO the Linux 6.17 kernel is now leveraged for the latest upstream kernel bits. Additionally, the new X1E ISO is finally working again on the Acer Swifth 14 AI laptop that I have used for my Snapdragon X Elite Linux testing...

Aug 31, 2025

The Krita digital painting and graphics editing application aligned with KDE/Qt could soon have color management support working on Wayland Linux desktops for enjoying a better creative experience on HDR (High Dynamic Range) displays...

Aug 31, 2025

This morning's "x86/urgent" pull request ahead of Linux 6.17-rc4 being released later today has a fix for old Intel Pentium 4 processors as well as an Attack Vector Controls update for handling the Speculative Store Bypass (SSB) mitigation...

Aug 31, 2025

Rusticl lead developer Karol Herbst of Red Hat has merged a set of patches for this Rust-written open-source OpenCL driver to reduce the amount of memory allocations that happen and in turn helping reduce CPU overhead...

Aug 31, 2025

IceWM Is out this weekend as the newest feature release to this X11 window manager known for its speedy and simplicity...

Sep 3, 2025

The remedies ruling in the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against Google finally landed on Tuesday. Last year, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google was a monopolist in the search and advertising markets, but while today’s ruling says that Google will have to share some search data with competitors, Google doesn’t have to spin off [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, the Democratic Federal Trade Commissioner fired by President Donald Trump without cause, can at least temporarily return to work while her legal case plays out. This happened once before when Slaughter briefly returned to her office months after Trump claimed to fire her, when US District Court Judge Loren AliKhan found her dismissal [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

On August 5th, 2024, Judge Amit Mehta ruled in the case of United States of America v. Google, saying, “&#8230;the court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly. It has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act.” Nearly a year later, the judge has [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series chips in a wide range of sizes and price points. It discontinued the M1 MacBook Air to make room for newer models, but some retailers are still selling the 2020 laptop starting at $599 ($50 off) at Walmart — a far cry from the $2,499 starting [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Google will be able to keep making search deals like its $20 billion agreement to be the default option in Apple’s Safari browser, a federal district court judge ruled in the US v. Google antitrust case on Tuesday. Executives from both Apple and Firefox-made Mozilla have defended their search deals with Google, with Mozilla’s CFO [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Amazon will now let you shop for products by pointing your camera at them. On Thursday, the company announced Lens Live, a new feature that uses your camera to scan things in the environment around you, while surfacing matching product listings. This feature, which is only rolling out to the Amazon Shopping app on iOS [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Google will not have to sell its Chrome browser in order to address its illegal monopoly in online search, DC District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled on Tuesday. Over a year ago, Judge Mehta found that the search giant had violated the Sherman Antitrust Act; his ruling now determines what Google must do in response. [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

After years of development and pent-up anticipation from fans, Hollow Knight: Silksong, the full sequel to the indie classic Hollow Knight, will finally be released on September 4th. It will cost $19.99 and include new zones, more than 200 enemies, over 40 bosses, and an orchestral score from the composer of the first game. Silksong [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Hello and welcome to Regulator. Today, I will attempt to regulate my own apoplexy. Recently, Wired published an article revealing the existence of a secret Democrat influencer incubator that trained liberal and progressive content creators to push coordinated messaging across their shared social media platforms and paid them handsomely to do so. The fallout has [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

President Donald Trump is moving US Space Command’s headquarters from Colorado to Alabama, he announced during a press conference on Tuesday. The change reverses former President Joe Biden’s 2023 decision to leave it in Colorado Springs, where its temporary headquarters have been established. During the press conference, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), chair of the House [&#8230;]

Sep 2, 2025

Get your tickets to Uncanny Valley’s first live show in San Francisco on September 9, featuring special guest Jack Conte, CEO of Patreon.

Sep 2, 2025

The TT-inspired roadster debuts Audi’s new strategy for “radical simplicity”—and it looks terrific.

Sep 2, 2025

Peacemaker, Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence, and The Gilded Age are just a few of the shows you need to be watching on HBO Max this month.

Sep 2, 2025

If you don’t need the latest and greatest, you can get this still-excellent pair of Sony noise-canceling headphones for $300.

Sep 2, 2025

The traditional knock is that light roast espresso is bitter and sour. But new techniques mean that just plain isn’t true anymore.

Sep 2, 2025

From best bathing practices to tips on cutting nails, pet experts share their knowledge.

Sep 2, 2025

Sometimes you need more than a smartphone to stay safe on big adventures.

Sep 2, 2025

The Ivalice Chronicles updates the small things in the 28-year-old game but sticks to the original’s script. That’s by design, says its director.

Sep 2, 2025

We’ve spent years riding and testing extra-large ebikes, perfect for hauling both little ones and groceries around town.

Sep 2, 2025

Researchers are working on manipulating the digestive systems of wax worms to create a scalable way of disposing of plastic.

Sep 2, 2025

A year after relaunching The Onion as a newspaper, Collins visits Uncanny Valley to talk about why “going into something and not ruining it is bravery.”

Sep 2, 2025

As concerns grow about AI chatbots leading users into delusional spirals, prominent spiritual influencers are capitalizing on an emerging form of techno-spirituality.

Sep 2, 2025

The United States Constitution is clear: President Donald Trump can’t take control of the country’s elections. But he can sow confusion and fear.

Sep 2, 2025

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WIRED talks to the director of the Chilean National Center for Artificial Intelligence about Latam-GPT, the large-language model that aims to address the region’s specific needs and change the current technological dynamic.

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On September 3, China will hold a “Victory Day” military parade in Tiananmen Square to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan—and to send the West a message.

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Google will not have to divest its Chrome browser but will have to change some of its business practices, a federal judge has ruled. The ruling comes more than a year after the same judge ruled that Google had <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-a-monopolist-in-search-us-judge-rules-in-antitrust-case-193358356.html">acted illegally</a> to maintain a monopoly in internet search.</p> <p>Following the ruling last year, the Department of Justice had <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/department-of-justice-confirms-that-it-wants-google-to-sell-off-chrome-094929822.html">proposed</a> that Google should be forced to sell Chrome. But in a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.223205/gov.uscourts.dcd.223205.1436.0.pdf">230-page decision</a>, Judge Amit Mehta said the government had "overreached" in its request. "Google will not be required to divest Chrome; nor will the court include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment," Mehta wrote. "Plaintiffs overreached in seeking forced divesture of these key assets, which Google did not use to effect any illegal restraints."</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Google will, however, no longer be permitted to strike exclusive deals around the distribution of search, Google Assistant, Gemini or Chrome, Mehta ruled. For example, Google can't require device makers to pre-load its apps in order to get access to the Play Store. It also can't condition revenue-sharing arrangements on the placement of its apps. But Google will be able to continue to pay partners — like Apple — for pre-loading search and other apps into their products. Mehta said that ending these arrangements could cause "downstream harms to distribution partners, related markets, and consumers."</p> <p>Mehta also ruled that Google will need to share some of its search data with competitors going forward. "Making data available to competitors would narrow the scale gap created by Google’s exclusive distribution agreements and, in turn, the quality gap that followed," he wrote. The company is not required to hand over data related to its ads.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mehta's ruling is largely a win for the search giant, which had argued that divesting Chrome or Android "would harm Americans and America’s global technology leadership." In <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/public-policy/doj-search-decision-sept-2025/">a statement</a> Tuesday, Google said it had "concerns" about some aspects of the ruling.&nbsp;</p> <p>"Today’s decision recognizes how much the industry has changed through the advent of AI, which is giving people so many more ways to find information," the company said. "Now the Court has imposed limits on how we distribute Google services, and will require us to share Search data with rivals. We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and we’re reviewing the decision closely."</p> <p>The company previously indicated it plans <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-plans-to-appeal-the-antitrust-ruling-against-its-search-engine-dominance-171748836.html">to appeal</a> Mehta's original decision, but said in June it would wait for a final decision in the case.</p> <p><strong>Update, September 2, 2025, 4:28PM PT:</strong> This post has been updated to add a statement from Google on the ruling.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-doesnt-have-to-sell-chrome-judge-in-monopoly-case-rules-211032326.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Waymo is preparing to launch in two more markets. The company announced today that it will expand into both <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://waymo.com/blog#short-were-elevating-the-waymo-experience-in-the-mile-high-city"><ins>Denver</ins></a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://waymo.com/blog#short-were-heading-north-the-pacific-northwest"><ins>Seattle</ins></a>. It will begin testing with humans behind the wheel this week, bringing up to a dozen vehicles to each location, according to <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:CNBC;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=c3864841-2942-4572-978f-2465483a9d02&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=CNBC&amp;linkText=CNBC&amp;custData=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_dGFpZD02OGI3NjJkYjFkYzA0NDAwMDE3ZmUyMWEmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXRydWVhbnRoZW0mdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9bWFpbiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPXNvY2lhbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPXR3aXR0ZXIifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAYNtcJufeur7mghDpjFV9C9sit36GZuMiIhBK6YxDxNs&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F09%2F02%2Fwaymo-starts-testing-in-denver-seattle-expands-us-robotaxi-service.html%3Ftaid%3D68b762db1dc04400017fe21a%26utm_campaign%3Dtrueanthem%26utm_content%3Dmain%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/waymo-starts-testing-in-denver-seattle-expands-us-robotaxi-service.html?taid=68b762db1dc04400017fe21a&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_content=main&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter"><em><ins>CNBC</ins></em></a>. The rollout will include a mix of the brand&#39;s fully electric Jaguar iPace and Geely Zeekr autonomous vehicles.</p> <p>&quot;We will begin driving manually before validating our technology and operations for fully autonomous services in the future,&quot; a representative told <em>CNBC</em>.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>This has been a busy year for the Alphabet-owned Waymo, which said in January that it planned to introduce its autonomous vehicles to <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-to-test-its-driverless-system-in-ten-new-cities-in-2025-193852446.html"><ins>ten new cities</ins></a> during 2025. The company partnered with Uber for its <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-and-uber-launch-robotaxi-service-in-atlanta-110056091.html"><ins>Atlanta</ins></a> launch in June and also rolled out a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-is-adding-teen-accounts-for-autonomous-vehicle-rides-without-parents-225205185.html">teen account option</a> in July. Waymo received permits to begin testing its cars in <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:7;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-can-now-test-its-self-driving-vehicles-in-new-york-city-150015938.html">New York City</a> last month.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymos-next-stops-for-its-robotaxis-are-denver-and-seattle-225125605.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>The Federal Trade Commission <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/disney-pay-10-million-settle-ftc-allegations-company-enabled-unlawful-collection-childrens-personal"><ins>announced</ins></a> that Disney will pay $10 million to settle allegations that the entertainment giant allowed data collection on YouTube videos meant for children. Under the Children&#39;s Online Privacy Protection Rule, also known as <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-senate-just-passed-two-landmark-bills-aimed-at-protecting-minors-online-170935128.html"><ins>COPPA</ins></a>, companies are required to notify parents and obtain parental consent if they collection information from minors. According to the FTC complaint, Disney failed to properly label some YouTube videos as &quot;Made for Kids,&quot; which allowed the company to collect data and deliver targeted ads to viewers younger than 13.</p> <p>The proposed order from the FTC would also require Disney to create a review process for determining when and how videos are correctly designated with YouTube&#39;s Made for Kids label. YouTube rolled out the Made for Kids tags following a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-04-google-youtube-ftc-settlement-coppa.html"><ins>$170 million</ins></a> settlement in 2019 on charges that the video platform had violated COPPA. Google faced an additional settlement of <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/google-to-pay-30-million-to-settle-class-action-suit-over-childrens-privacy-193903510.html"><ins>$30 million</ins></a> last month from a similar class-action lawsuit.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/disney-will-pay-10-million-to-settle-ftc-complaint-that-it-collected-childrens-data-on-youtube-213646745.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Amazon is shutting down the Prime Invitee program which allowed members to extend free shipping to people outside their household. An updated <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e3fd87a7-201d-4f17-9263-24f75f99f8ba&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=support+page&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL2hlbHAvY3VzdG9tZXIvZGlzcGxheS5odG1sP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImUzZmQ4N2E3LTIwMWQtNGYxNy05MjYzLTI0Zjc1Zjk5ZjhiYSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9ncC9oZWxwL2N1c3RvbWVyL2Rpc3BsYXkuaHRtbCIsImR5bmFtaWNDZW50cmFsVHJhY2tpbmdJZCI6dHJ1ZSwic2l0ZUlkIjoidXMtZW5nYWRnZXQiLCJwYWdlSWQiOiIxcC1hdXRvbGluayIsImZlYXR1cmVJZCI6InRleHQtbGluayJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAXPJrvhBVXMYjyVPRKw3DPsfVP9fYm6cEcckRQbBl99H&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fhelp%2Fcustomer%2Fdisplay.html" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GWZ7QXD2X8WL8YE8&amp;tag=theverge02-20">support page</a> says sharing through Invitee will end on October 1 and that previously invited guests will be notified by September 5 of the changes.</p> <p><em>The Verge </em><a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.theverge.com/news/769051/amazon-prime-free-shipping-benefit-sharing-ending">is reporting</a> that users who don't live with the primary account owner will be prompted to create their own Amazon Prime accounts and will be offered a discounted rate of $14.99 for the entire first year and then the standard rate of $14.99 per month thereafter. We reached out to Amazon to see what measures the company plans to take to prevent account sharing beyond limiting deliveries to one address, but the company didn't have any specifics to share.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The company is encouraging users to take advantage of <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e3fd87a7-201d-4f17-9263-24f75f99f8ba&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Amazon+Family&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2dwL2hlbHAvY3VzdG9tZXIvZGlzcGxheS5odG1sP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImUzZmQ4N2E3LTIwMWQtNGYxNy05MjYzLTI0Zjc1Zjk5ZjhiYSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9ncC9oZWxwL2N1c3RvbWVyL2Rpc3BsYXkuaHRtbCIsImR5bmFtaWNDZW50cmFsVHJhY2tpbmdJZCI6dHJ1ZSwic2l0ZUlkIjoidXMtZW5nYWRnZXQiLCJwYWdlSWQiOiIxcC1hdXRvbGluayIsImZlYXR1cmVJZCI6InRleHQtbGluayJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAXPJrvhBVXMYjyVPRKw3DPsfVP9fYm6cEcckRQbBl99H&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fhelp%2Fcustomer%2Fdisplay.html" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GXULX24SE2RD7EXS">Amazon Family</a>, which allows the sharing of Prime benefits among multiple people under the same roof. This arrangement is limited to two adults including the primary account holder and up to four children. Up to four teens can also be included if they were added before April 7, 2025. Household members who participate in Amazon Family can access free shipping, Prime Video and more.</p> <p>Many major subscription-based online services have been cracking down on sharing recently, especially streamers like <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/hbo-max-plans-aggressive-crack-down-on-password-sharing-starting-next-month-164357329.html">HBO Max</a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/disney-account-sharing-crackdown-starts-today-in-the-us-201102641.html">Disney+</a>. <em>Reuters </em>recently <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazon-us-prime-sign-ups-slow-despite-expanded-prime-day-push-data-shows-2025-09-02/">reported</a> that despite a record four-day Prime Day this year, Amazon fell short of its goals for new Prime account sign-ups.</p> <p><strong>Update, September 2, 2025, 5:05PM ET: </strong> This story was updated to note that Amazon didn't have any specifics on what measures it'll take to limit account sharing under this new policy.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-ends-shared-prime-shipping-182513989.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>The Apple <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/what-to-expect-at-apples-iphone-17-event-090059189.html">iPhone 17 event</a> is now just one week away. On Tuesday, September 9, we'll finally get to see the new <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-17-release-is-rumored-for-september-heres-what-to-know-ahead-of-apples-fall-event-153024327.html">iPhone 17 lineup</a>, and — assuming Apple sticks to tradition — we should be able to install <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/ios-26-is-official-apple-changes-from-version-numbers-to-years-for-its-os-names-172129166.html">iOS 26</a> around a week or so after the event. But you don't have to wait to test out the new features because you can <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-install-the-ios-26-public-beta-171117199.html">download and install</a> the newly released public beta 6 (or <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-26-release-notes">iOS 26 developer beta 9</a> for developers). You can see a more complete view of the new features in our <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ios-26-beta-preview-liquid-glass-is-better-than-you-think-172155402.html">preview of the iOS 26 public beta release</a>, which shows off the fresh home and lock screen redesign. Called <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-new-liquid-glass-design-is-its-biggest-visual-update-in-years-172158766.html">Liquid Glass</a>, the translucent look will extend across all of Apple's upcoming operating systems. The overhaul is one of several big changes coming to iOS, <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/macos-26-beta-preview-spotlights-time-to-shine-171700779.html">macOS</a>, <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipados-26-preview-a-long-awaited-multi-tasking-update-pays-off-so-far-172522054.html">iPadOS</a> and the rest of Apple's software suite, all of which were showcased during the company's <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/wwdc-2025-everything-apple-announced-including-ios-26-liquid-glass-design-and-more-171718030.html">WWDC keynote</a> on June 9.</p> <p>After overpromising on AI plans last year, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it's in the Photos app).</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>With each beta, it seems like additional new improvements are popping up, like this <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-rumored-live-translation-feature-for-airpods-could-be-coming-with-ios-26-152715034.html">new AirPods gesture</a> we're all curious about. With the release of the <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-26-release-notes">iOS 26 developer beta 5</a>, we saw more added features, like a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center, <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/05/ios-26-beta-5-features/"><em>MacRumors </em>reports</a>. Some or all of those changes will likely soon migrate into the separate public beta (see below). Most newer iPhone models are <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-is-releasing-ios-26-this-fall-heres-the-full-list-of-compatible-iphones-191854795.html">eligible to download iOS 26 </a>(both the betas and final version). Want to see the full list of new features coming this fall? Read on.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-is-ios-26">What is iOS 26?</h2> <p>The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, and Apple is still actively updating it — version 18.6.1 was released to <a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apples-redesigned-blood-oxygen-monitoring-feature-hits-apple-watches-in-the-us-today-131558485.html">restore Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring</a> functionality for certain users in the US. More recently, <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-just-dropped-a-security-update-for-all-its-platforms-194528494.html">Apple released 18.6.2</a> to address a vulnerability related to image processing. Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6, <a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/22/apple-stops-signing-ios-18-6/"><em>MacRumors reports</em></a>, which means it can no longer be installed on your iPhone due to a "server-side software verification check." That's pretty normal when newer versions are available to download.</p> <p>But don't expect to see iOS 19 soon — or ever. Instead, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 next month. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they're all designated "26" to reflect the year ahead.&nbsp;</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/29bbb6f0-4555-11f0-b2de-ada42a83075d" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/29bbb6f0-4555-11f0-b2de-ada42a83075d" style="height:1080px;width:1920px;" alt="a list of the new OSes" data-uuid="f7d0fb03-46f9-36b7-bd5d-675a109ea323"><figcaption>It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple)</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="jump-link-what-is-liquid-glass-design">What is Liquid Glass design?</h2> <p>Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-new-liquid-glass-design-is-its-biggest-visual-update-in-years-172158766.html">new Liquid Glass design</a> was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing.</p> <p>So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a "<a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Apple;elmt:;cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4130e2f0-a14f-4c5e-bdab-cd52ac7d8e79&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=86b7b54f-7ccd-4fbb-a927-09c327b93cbc&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Apple&amp;linkText=new+translucent+material&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vbmV3c3Jvb20vMjAyNS8wNi9hcHBsZS1lbGV2YXRlcy10aGUtaXBob25lLWV4cGVyaWVuY2Utd2l0aC1pb3MtMjYvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI4NmI3YjU0Zi03Y2NkLTRmYmItYTkyNy0wOWMzMjdiOTNjYmMiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFwcGxlLmNvbS9uZXdzcm9vbS8yMDI1LzA2L2FwcGxlLWVsZXZhdGVzLXRoZS1pcGhvbmUtZXhwZXJpZW5jZS13aXRoLWlvcy0yNi8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAVivyXXsD7DiKwA3X-v-YLSp-mKPz8KpUrb1ctVS4Hji&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fnewsroom%2F2025%2F06%2Fapple-elevates-the-iphone-experience-with-ios-26%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-elevates-the-iphone-experience-with-ios-26/">new translucent material</a>" since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget's own Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of <a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/apples-liquid-glass-is-windows-vista-done-well-181954910.html">Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs</a> from nearly twenty years ago.</p> <p>That said, as of the release of the iOS 26 beta 2, Apple <a data-i13n="cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-read-your-mean-tweets-about-liquid-glass-and-finder-222230726.html">has already incorporated some user feedback</a> into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple's OSes more cohesive. Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with <a data-i13n="cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/macos-tahoe-26-will-bring-apples-new-liquid-glass-ui-to-your-desktop-174149070.html">the new macOS Tahoe 26</a> on your desktop.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-are-the-new-and-notable-features-of-ios-26">What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?</h2> <p>iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:</p> <p><strong>Phone app redesign:</strong> You'll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.</p> <p><strong>Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages:</strong> iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.</p> <p><strong>Polls in group chats:</strong> Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip.</p> <p><strong>Filtering unknown senders in Messages:</strong> If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.</p> <p><strong>Visual Intelligence:</strong> Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can <a data-i13n="cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/article/how-to-take-a-screenshot-on-your-iphone-133139822.html">screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence</a> to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.</p> <p><strong>Photos tabs are back:</strong> For anyone who's still frustrated with the <a data-i13n="cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/how-apple-redesigned-its-photos-app-around-customization-120038901.html">Photos changes made last year</a>, you'll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/article/how-to-use-the-new-iphone-camera-app-in-ios-26-141038196.html"><strong>Camera app updates</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Navigating the Camera app is simpler in iOS 26, as all the buttons and menus are in convenient spots — less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens needs to be cleaned.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature: </strong>A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the <a data-i13n="cpos:26;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-can-freeze-your-facetime-video-if-it-detects-nudity-135329941.html">FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature</a> that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.&nbsp;</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:27;pos:1" href="https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/article/how-to-customize-your-iphones-lock-screen-on-ios-26-110535863.html"><strong>New lock screen options</strong></a><strong>: </strong>The iPhone lock screen gets more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.&nbsp;</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:28;pos:1" href="https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/article/how-to-change-your-iphones-snooze-length-in-ios-26-112017653.html"><strong>New alarm setting</strong></a><strong>:</strong> You'll no longer be stuck with the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms. Instead, you'll have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/a506ddc0-4556-11f0-9d7a-9a93e6a181c1" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-06/a506ddc0-4556-11f0-9d7a-9a93e6a181c1" style="height:1080px;width:1920px;" alt="New Hold Assist being displayed at the wwdc keynote" data-uuid="bf297d4f-f7c5-3f41-908f-39fafe75d5d5"><figcaption>Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="jump-link-changes-coming-to-ipados-26">New changes coming to iPadOS 26</h2> <p>Your iPad isn't getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here's what's coming this fall.</p> <p><strong>Multitasking and real windowing:</strong> When you download the newest update, you'll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it'll appear on your screen as normal but you'll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don't like it.</p> <p><strong>Visual update:</strong> Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 is coming with the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus.</p> <p><strong>New menu bar:</strong> When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There's also a search option if you're looking for something specific.</p> <p>Check out our <a data-i13n="cpos:29;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/ipados-26-preview-a-long-awaited-multi-tasking-update-pays-off-so-far-172522054.html">first impressions of iPadOS 26</a>.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-about-airpods">What about AirPods?</h2> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:30;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/ios-26-updates-for-airpods-preview-enhanced-audio-recording-camera-remote-and-more-173036046.html">AirPods are also getting updated</a> with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions.</p> <p><strong>Enhanced audio recording:</strong> Apple calls this "studio-quality" audio recording, and with it, you'll notice more clarity while in noisy environments.</p> <p><strong>Camera remote control:</strong> Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you'll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.</p> <p><strong>Live translation feature:</strong> While not officially announced or confirmed, it appears that the long-rumored live translation for AirPods <a data-i13n="cpos:31;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-rumored-live-translation-feature-for-airpods-could-be-coming-with-ios-26-152715034.html">could be coming with iOS 26</a>. The evidence comes from a system asset spotted in the in iOS 26 beta showing a gesture that's triggered by pressing both earbud stems at the same time. The photo also shows words in several different languages.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Heart rate monitoring (rumored for now):</strong> <a data-i13n="cpos:32;pos:1" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-24/apple-to-launch-iphone-17-pro-iphone-17-air-in-september-iphone-fold-next-year-mepmzpcj"><em>Bloomberg's </em>Mark Gurman</a> believes Apple will introduce new AirPods Pro earbuds this year, which could have heart rate monitoring. It would work with Apple's Health app and other fitness apps that track heart rates.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-will-siri-get-an-update">Will Siri get an update?</h2> <p>Siri is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant — first promised at WWDC 2024 — is delayed until some point "<a data-i13n="cpos:33;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-is-delaying-its-smarter-more-personal-siri-183513424.html">in the coming year</a>," so you shouldn't expect any major changes in the current betas. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by <a data-i13n="cpos:34;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/30/apple-chatgpt-claude-siri/">basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models</a> like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a <a data-i13n="cpos:35;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-reportedly-has-a-stripped-down-ai-chatbot-to-compete-with-chatgpt-in-the-works-164345473.html">"stripped-down" AI chatbot</a> to rival ChatGPT.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-which-iphones-will-be-able-to-upgrade-to-ios-26">Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?</h2> <p>A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won't be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be <a data-i13n="cpos:36;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-is-releasing-ios-26-this-fall-heres-the-full-list-of-compatible-iphones-191854795.html">eligible for the iOS 26 update</a>.</p> <ul> <li><p>iPhone SE (second generation or later)</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 11</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 11 Pro</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 11 Pro Max</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 12</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 12 mini</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 12 Pro</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 12 Pro Max</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 13</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 13 mini</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 13 Pro</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 13 Pro Max</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 14</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 14 Plus</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 14 Pro</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 14 Pro Max</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 15</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 15 Plus</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 15 Pro</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 15 Pro Max</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 16</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 16 Plus</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 16 Pro</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 16 Pro Max</p></li> <li><p>iPhone 16e</p></li> </ul> <p>Not listed here are the presumed new <a data-i13n="cpos:37;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-17-pro-max-and-air-everything-we-know-about-apples-new-phones-153024282.html">iPhone 17 models</a> (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-to-install-ios-26-beta">How to install iOS 26 beta</h2> <p>The iOS 26 public beta is now available to download via the <a data-i13n="cpos:38;pos:1" href="https://beta.apple.com/">Apple Beta Software Program</a>. If you're not already a member, you'll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit <a data-i13n="cpos:39;pos:1" href="http://beta.apple.com/">beta.apple.com</a> and sign up with your phone number or email address. It's free.</p> <p>Once you're in, you can install it by going to <strong>Settings</strong> &gt; <strong>General</strong> &gt; <strong>Software Update</strong> and selecting <strong>iOS 26 public beta</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <p>A word of caution: Don't sign up with your main iPhone unless you're OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn't finalized.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-when-will-the-final-version-of-ios-26-be-released">When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?</h2> <p>iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 — exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced. Since the iPhone 17 event falls on September 9 this year, it's possible the downloads will hit our phones on September 16.</p> <p>If you're more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here's <a data-i13n="cpos:40;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-intelligence-announcements-at-wwdc-everything-apple-revealed-for-ios-macos-and-more-171133645.html">everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more</a> during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an <a data-i13n="cpos:41;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/ios-26-screenshots-could-be-an-intriguing-preview-of-apples-delayed-siri-rework-183005404.html">intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework</a>.</p> <p><strong>Update, September 2:</strong> Added more new features coming with iOS 26.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 29:</strong> Added new section about Siri and a link to what's new with the iOS 26 Camera app.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 27:</strong> Added the official iPhone 17 event date, as well as the potential iOS 26 release.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 25:</strong> Added a rumor about new AirPods Pro having heart rate monitoring.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 22:</strong> Noted that Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 20:</strong> Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 18:</strong> Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 15:</strong> Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what's available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 13:</strong> Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 11:</strong> Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, August 8:</strong> Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 6:</strong> Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 4:</strong> Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 1:</strong> Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.</p> <p><strong>Update, July 31: </strong>Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, July 24:</strong> Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.</p> <p><strong>Update, July 3:</strong> Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.</p> <p><strong>Update, June 30: </strong>Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, June 25: </strong>Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ios-26-features-and-the-upcoming-apple-iphone-update-135749757.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>We&#39;re in the homestretch — in just one week, the 2025 <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-iphone-17-awe-dropping-event-is-on-september-9-heres-what-to-expect-from-apple-090059235.html">iPhone event</a> will be here to showcase the new iPhone 17 lineup. The event will take place on <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-host-its-iphone-17-event-on-september-9-160502418.html">Tuesday, September 9 at 1PM ET</a>. The new smartphones will come equipped with the <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-public-beta-is-available-to-download-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-iphone-and-ipad-update-135749331.html?feature=disableNCPValidation">latest iOS 26 features</a> preinstalled, along with any new features Apple reveals that day. But since we still have to wait a couple of weeks until the iPhone event, we can only speculate what the new devices will look like. As with most unreleased iPhones, rumors and leaks have trickled in about the hardware side ahead of the official introduction. Here&#39;s what we&#39;re expecting and what we can reasonably assume we&#39;ll get from Apple next week.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-are-the-latest-iphone-17-rumors">What are the latest iPhone 17 rumors?</h2> <p>The iPhone 17 case rumors keep coming from leaker Majin Bu, <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/31/iphone-17-pro-clear-case-leak/">per MacRumors</a>. The latest shows a clear iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max case with the large rear camera bump cutout. However, it appears the case isn&#39;t fully transparent, and instead has a white rectangular piece that covers the MagSafe area. The same post notes Apple is working on a tinted version of the Clear Case, which could become available later on.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><div id="da7ea2cdb4ee4d1aae43a8a508194627"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case<br><br>Full Article:<a href="https://t.co/d66MxDiYQ6">https://t.co/d66MxDiYQ6</a> <a href="https://t.co/uXe5huxTl3">pic.twitter.com/uXe5huxTl3</a></p>— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MajinBuOfficial/status/1962152357459796165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a></blockquote> </div> <p>These rumors haven&#39;t been confirmed by Apple and we won&#39;t know what the actual iPhone 17 models will look like until the iPhone event next month.&nbsp;</p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-much-will-the-iphone-17-cost">How much will the iPhone 17 cost?</h2> <p>Apple&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-to-invest-another-100-billion-into-the-us-to-avoid-tariffs-210250020.html">announced plan to expand US-based manufacturing partners</a> seems to give it at least some shielding from the steepest Trump administration tariffs that have already triggered price increases on everything from <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://tech.yahoo.com/gaming/deals/article/ps5-console-prices-have-gone-up-heres-where-you-can-still-get-them-for-50-less-211140296.html">PlayStations</a> to <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-original-nintendo-switch-is-about-to-get-more-expensive-in-the-us-170646701.html">Switch consoles</a> to <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/nikon-joins-other-camera-manufacturers-in-raising-prices-due-to-tariffs-120011854.html">high-end cameras</a> to <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/sonos-is-raising-prices-this-year-to-make-up-for-tariff-expenses-123031336.html">Sonos speakers</a>. But given that President Trump&#39;s trade policies can change from week to week, and Apple&#39;s continuing reliance on Asia-based supply chains, price shocks remain an ongoing possibility. The bigger question is: Will Apple absorb any higher costs, or pass them on to consumers?&nbsp;</p> <p>If prices do creep up, Apple may choose to pair it with an &quot;upgrade.&quot; Consider this recent rumor <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/06/will-iphone-17-pro-start-at-256gb-storage/">posted by <em>MacRumors</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em>from a leaker known as &quot;<a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://weibo.com/u/5143897135">Instant Digital</a>,&quot; suggesting that the default storage of the iPhone 17 line may start at 256GB, doubling the current 128GB baseline. While that could be accompanied by a <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/30/iphone-17-price-increase-expected/">price increase of $50</a>, Apple could at least pitch it as a &quot;better value.&quot; That said, the company <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/every-macbook-air-now-starts-with-16gb-of-ram-at-no-extra-cost-150041320.html">doubled the default RAM of its Mac computers</a> from 8GB to 16GB at no extra cost in 2024 — but that was before the current Trump tariff cycle started.</p> <p>Now, on the eve of the iPhone announcement, a report from JPMorgan mixes and matches the rumors above. As recounted in <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/02/apple-might-have-good-news-on-iphone-17-pricing-per-report/"><em>9to5Mac</em></a>, the iPhone line&#39;s starting prices will still stretch from $799 to $1,199 — just as they do now — with the Air possibly getting a $50 increase versus the iPhone Plus model it&#39;s replacing, and the 17 Pro costing an additional $100, but including more storage.&nbsp;</p> <p>Again, these prices are only projections and haven&#39;t been confirmed by Apple.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-when-will-the-iphone-17s-be-announced">When will the iPhone 17 series be announced?</h2> <p>As noted above, the date has been confirmed for Tuesday, September 9. That lines up with Apple&#39;s traditional schedule, and the earlier report from <a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.iphone-ticker.de/iphone-17-vorstellung-wohl-am-9-verkaufsstart-am-19-september-261445/">iphone-ticker.de</a> (via <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/05/apple-iphone-17-event-set-september-9/"><em>MacRumors</em></a>).&nbsp;</p> <p>This generation of Apple smartphones may be the last to be fully released in September, however. There have been hints that the introduction of the iPhone 18 collection in 2026 will be <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:17;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-reportedly-wants-to-split-up-the-iphones-release-schedule-164737099.html">split</a> into a pro-tier announcement in the fall and a standard model announcement the following spring.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-will-the-new-iphone-17-lineup-include">What will the new iPhone 17 lineup include?</h2> <p>Design leaks suggest that Apple is building an <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-said-to-be-working-on-a-significantly-thinner-iphone-180823565.html">ultra-thin smartphone</a>, likely to be named the iPhone 17 Air to match Apple&#39;s ultralight laptop designation. <em>Bloomberg</em>&#39;s Mark Gurman, often a solid source of advanced intel about Apple, <a data-i13n="cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/this-year-could-bring-the-iphone-air-and-an-entry-level-ipad-with-apple-intelligence-175059162.html">reported</a> in January that the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a basic A19 chip and will only have a single camera lens. It may also use Apple&#39;s new in-house modem, which was introduced in February on the <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:20;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-16e-review-whats-your-acceptable-compromise-020016288.html">iPhone 16e</a>. More details about this development may leak ahead of September, but that&#39;s what we know for now.</p> <p>As a guest on the latest <a data-i13n="cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-iphone-17-event-preview-with-bloombergs-mark-gurman-113000693.html">Engadget Podcast</a>, Gurman told Engadget&#39;s Devindra Hardawar and Igor Bonifacic the rumored iPhone Air will be rough around the edges at first. He believes the 17 Air will &quot;lag in both&quot; when it comes to camera and battery performance. &quot;The battery life is going to be subpar compared to a base-level 17 or Pro model,&quot; he says. The ultimate goal, he notes, is to get all the functionality of the Pro models into the Air models.</p> <p>An investor note from Apple analyst Jeff Pu <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:22;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/15/iphone-17-air-titanium-rumor/">indicated</a> that the Air will have a titanium frame. If his reports are accurate, the lightweight smartphone will be the only entry in the iPhone 17 lineup to use that metal; the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to be made of aluminum, which is oddly a lighter material than titanium. Other speculation had suggested that the Air would use a blend of aluminum and titanium, so the exact materials may not be known until the official announcement.</p> <p>After the announcement dropped Tuesday for the official iPhone 17 event, <a data-i13n="cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/27/apple-event-logo-hints-at-iphone-17-pro-features/"><em>MacRumors </em>speculates</a> the Apple logo says a lot about the new iPhones. Apple&#39;s logo &quot;hints at two rumored iPhone 17 Pro features.&quot; The logo shows bright orange and dark blue colors, rumored to be two of the iPhone 17 Pro colors, so they could be onto something. They also noticed it looks like an infrared heat map, hinting at the vapor chamber cooling system.</p> <p>Additionally, an August 4 <a data-i13n="cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/04/iphone-17-air-battery-half-thickness-17-pro/"><em>MacRumors </em>report</a> says the internal battery pack of the iPhone Air is just 2.49mm thick — half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro battery. The leak was posted on the <a data-i13n="cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://m.blog.naver.com/PostView.naver?blogId=yeux1122&amp;logNo=223958615195&amp;navType=by">Korean-language Naver blog</a>, where they show the alleged batteries of the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro side by side. The same account claimed the 17 Air&#39;s battery capacity was a mere 2,800 mAh, <em>MacRumors</em> notes. (That&#39;s below the battery capacity of current iPhone 16 models.)</p> <p>On a similar topic, an iPhone 17 Pro production leak appears to have revealed an all-aluminum chassis, <a data-i13n="cpos:26;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/14/iphone-17-pro-leak-aluminum-chassis/">according to <em>MacRumors</em></a>. Originally <a data-i13n="cpos:27;pos:1" href="https://majinbuofficial.com/iphone-17-pro-antennas-repositioned-around-the-camera-module/">posted by leaker Majin Bu</a>, the image shows a shell that has a large round hole on the back (where the Apple logo typically is) to allow for MagSafe charging. <em>MacRumors</em> says this could just be a molding but notes that the aluminum frame (versus the current titanium in Pro iPhone models) would yield a significantly lower weight.</p> <p>That same leaker (Majin Bu), whom <a data-i13n="cpos:28;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/11/iphone-17-pro-antenna-rumor/"><em>MacRumors </em></a>classifies as a &quot;hit-or-miss leaker,&quot; suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will have better wireless signal strength thanks to an updated antenna design. The individual <a data-i13n="cpos:29;pos:1" href="https://x.com/MajinBuOfficial/status/1954890746693312762">posted a render on X</a> that shows a new antenna system that wraps around the iPhone 17 Pro&#39;s supposedly wider rear camera bump. Again, this is a render, not a real-world photo. That said, we can&#39;t knock the goal of better wireless reception, so we&#39;re hoping this one has a degree of truth to it.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:30;pos:1" href="https://majinbuofficial.com/iphone-17-new-tech-woven-case-unveiled/">Leaker Majin Bu also claims</a> &quot;TechWoven&quot; cases could be introduced, per a <a data-i13n="cpos:31;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/20/techwoven-cases-crossbody-strap-rumor/"><em>MacRumors</em> report</a>. The cases match the rumored design on the iPhone 17 models, with the wide camera bump. The leaker noted there are two lanyard holes for &quot;convenient and secure carrying,&quot; so it could be worn around your neck. The colors would come in grey/black, blue, green, purple and orange. Additionally, he says there will be new <a data-i13n="cpos:32;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/25/apple-liquid-silicone-iphone-17-case-colors/">Liquid Silicone cases</a> in eight colors, including Deep Orange, Pale Orange, Grass Green, Celadon, Fog Purple, Grey Blue, Dark Blue and Midnight Black.&nbsp;</p> <p>Each new roster includes a base model, but over the years, Apple has shaken up the variety of phones it offers. Most likely there will be an iPhone 17 and an iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also committed to the size matters philosophy, and has been building an iPhone Pro Max option with an even bigger screen and better battery life; the 17 roster will almost certainly have one as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>The new Pro iPhones are said to have a full-width &quot;camera island&quot; on the rear, which would mark the first time an Apple model opted for that design. This feature can be seen in the <a data-i13n="cpos:33;pos:1" href="https://x.com/Skyfops/status/1949936265232888057">purported iPhone 17 &quot;spotted in the wild.&quot;</a> The pics, highlighted on <a data-i13n="cpos:34;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/28/iphone-17-pro-possibly-spotted-in-the-wild/"><em>MacRumors</em></a>, show a black cased iPhone (17 Pro?) with the distinct back panel. Is it the real deal? The dual angles lend a degree of credibility in a social media landscape increasingly polluted with AI-enhanced fakes, but your guess is as good as ours.</p> <div id="a462ba8164d54c5a8ac8626b1540fe2f"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I just spotted a test development iPhone in the wild 🤩🤩🤩 <a href="https://t.co/iS3PtKWqxJ">pic.twitter.com/iS3PtKWqxJ</a></p>— Fox Pupy 🦊🧡 (@Skyfops) <a href="https://twitter.com/Skyfops/status/1949936265232888057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> </div> <p>The iPhone 17 Air seems primed to take the place of a potential iPhone 17 Plus. Since the iPhone 16e was only just introduced in February at <a data-i13n="cpos:35;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/a-599-iphone-16e-is-a-cruel-joke-200507275.html">a surprisingly high price point</a>, it seems unlikely that there will be a new addition to that lower end of the spectrum, the models that were previously called SE.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the very least, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Air won&#39;t take away the charging port and rely only on wireless connectivity. <em>Bloomberg</em> said that while Apple had investigated making the iPhone 17 Air without a single port, the company (fortunately) changed plans. He also says that the rumored phone will have a 6.6-inch screen and include the Dynamic Island and Camera Control button. Finally, the price is rumored at $900 — likely more than the standard iPhone 17 but less than the Pro.</p> <p>We&#39;ve also gotten what seems to be a reliable look at what the color lineup will be for the new smartphones. <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:36;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.macworld.com/article/2849423/iphone-17-colors-confirmed-see-all-of-apples-2026-options-right-here.html"><em>Macworld</em></a> reported that the iPhone 17 will be available in black, white, steel gray, green, purple and light blue. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have four color options: black, white, light blue and light gold. While the Air colors will be less saturated, the visuals for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will go bold. The options for the Pro models are expected to be black, white, gray, dark blue and orange.</p> <p>Bloomberg&#39;s Mark Gurman believes there actually will be a new orange color offered for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as a light blue color for the iPhone 17 Air, he <a data-i13n="cpos:37;pos:1" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-24/apple-to-launch-iphone-17-pro-iphone-17-air-in-september-iphone-fold-next-year-mepmzpcj">confirmed in his weekly Power On newsletter</a>.</p> <p>On July 30, <a data-i13n="cpos:38;pos:1" href="https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-17-dummies-just-leaked-in-all-colors-and-theres-a-bold-new-signature-hue"><em>Tom&#39;s Guide</em></a> highlighted an X post from <a data-i13n="cpos:39;pos:1" href="https://x.com/SonnyDickson/status/1950325609957380405">Sonny Dickson</a> — a longtime and generally reliable leaker of unreleased iPhone information — showing &quot;dummy&quot; iPhone 17 models in the new colors that were the source of the aforementioned <em>Macworld</em> story. While these are literally just mock-ups — not real, leaked iPhones — it&#39;s interesting to see how the design and color rumors translate into a real-world look and feel.</p> <p>To add the the rumors, a Weibo leaker known as <a data-i13n="cpos:40;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/guide/digital-chat-station/">Digital Chat Station</a> suggests the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a new design that includes the Dynamic Island, <a data-i13n="cpos:41;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/18/iphone-17e-rumored-to-gain-new-design-and-more/"><em>MacRumors</em> reports</a>. According to the post, the new phone will have the A19 chip and could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a front-facing 12-megapixel camera and a rear-facing 48-megapixel camera. However, it&#39;s important to note this report refers to the 17e model that would be expected to launch no earlier than February 2026, if it followed the same release pattern as the <a data-i13n="cpos:42;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-16e-review-whats-your-acceptable-compromise-020016288.html">iPhone 16e</a>.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-will-the-new-ios-be-like">What will iOS 26 be like?</h2> <p>Apple upended its numbering conventions with WWDC 2025, and will match the name of each new operating system to the year it&#39;s released. So when the next wave of iPhones hits, they&#39;ll be running on <a data-i13n="cpos:43;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-ios-26-public-beta-is-live-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-iphone-features-and-how-to-use-them-135749325.html">iOS 26</a>.</p> <p>On the design side, the smartphone OS introduced during the big developer showcase took a contentious approach dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple has been <a data-i13n="cpos:44;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-read-your-mean-tweets-about-liquid-glass-and-finder-222230726.html">scaling down</a> the amount of transparency effects in the subsequent beta tests of iOS 26, but it will still have a glass-like visual.</p> <p>The feature list includes big and small updates. On the more impactful side, the Phone and Photos apps have been redesigned. There will be several features leveraging artificial intelligence, such as live translation capabilities coming to Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Apple is also currently testing a sensitive content warning for child accounts that will <a data-i13n="cpos:45;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-can-freeze-your-facetime-video-if-it-detects-nudity-135329941.html">freeze FaceTime video</a> if nudity is detected by on-device machine learning tools. And the company is also launching Visual Intelligence, which will use AI to search for elements in an image.</p> <p>iOS 26 also has a litany of minor, quality of life improvements. Group texts are getting support for polls. And for the slow risers out there, iOS 26 will finally let you escape the tyranny of the <a data-i13n="cpos:46;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-will-at-long-last-let-you-customize-snooze-times-on-alarms-in-ios-26-190001600.html">nine minute snooze alarm</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>The next iOS is now available as a <a data-i13n="cpos:47;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/how-to-install-the-ios-18-public-beta-202938588.html">public beta</a>. Here are our initial impressions of the <a data-i13n="cpos:48;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-26-beta-preview-liquid-glass-is-better-than-you-think-172155402.html">Liquid Glass design</a> and other new features. <a data-i13n="cpos:49;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-released-ios-26-public-beta-heres-the-list-of-compatible-iphones-that-can-download-it-today-191854620.html">iOS 26 is compatible</a> with all models back through iPhone 11.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-other-products-are-expected-to-be-released-alongside-the-iphone-17">What other products are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17?</h2> <p>If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 17 will be announced alongside new Apple Watch products. That would be the Apple Watch Series 11 (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme), and maybe an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and/or an updated Apple Watch SE. (They&#39;ll all run <a data-i13n="cpos:50;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/watchos-26-preview-its-the-little-things-140035949.html">watchOS 26</a>, of course.) Other possibilities — and this is, again, speculation — could include refreshed Apple AirPods Pro (which received its <a data-i13n="cpos:51;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/airpods-pro-review-second-generation-130048218-130048292.html">last big update in 2022</a>) and maybe new <a data-i13n="cpos:52;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apples-next-airtag-is-coming-in-2025-with-privacy-improvements-173028439.html">AirTags trackers</a> (first released in 2021).</p> <p>The Apple rumor mill got a big shot in the arm this week thanks to the reported inclusion of product ID numbers in recent beta software builds. Per <a data-i13n="cpos:53;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/14/every-apple-secret-that-leaked-yesterday/"><em>MacRumors</em></a>, it&#39;s a laundry list of new hardware, including long-rumored product updates like the <a data-i13n="cpos:54;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/13/new-apple-tv-coming-later-this-year-with-a17-pro-chip/">Apple TV</a>, <a data-i13n="cpos:55;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/13/homepod-mini-new-chip/">HomePod mini</a>, new Apple Studio Display monitor and two fresh iPads.&nbsp;</p> <p>Of course, even if that list is totally accurate, we may not see those products until 2026 — if ever. So don&#39;t expect all of products to share the stage with the iPhone 17, especially since Apple likes to keep its star performer at the center of attention.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, keep in mind that Apple has recently been having Mac-centric announcements in late October (as it did last year to debut new <a data-i13n="cpos:56;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/everything-apple-announced-during-its-unofficial-mac-week-210115997.html">M4 Macs</a>), so there&#39;s always the chance of another shoe dropping a few weeks down the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, September 2, 2025, 3:56PM ET:</strong> Added new details about the potential iPhone 17 lineup prices, and a new Clear Case rumor.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, August 30, 2025, 8:45AM ET:</strong> Added commentary from Mark Gurman&#39;s guest appearance on the Engadget Podcast about the rumored iPhone 17 Air.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 27, 2025, 5:44PM ET:</strong> Added official Apple iPhone 17 event date, and a rumor about its event logo.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 25, 2025, 5:15PM ET:</strong> Added new reports about the iPhone 17 Pro&#39;s orange color as well as new rumored Liquid Silicone cases.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 22, 2025, 11:52AM ET:</strong> Added new details about the colors of the rumored TechWoven case.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 20, 2025, 7:12PM ET:</strong> Added new rumor about potential TechWoven case for iPhone 17 series.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 18, 2025, 6:23PM ET: </strong>Added new rumor about the iPhone 17e potentially having the Dynamic Island.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 15, 2025, 2:05PM ET:</strong> Added new rumor about the all-aluminum chassis on the iPhone 17.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 13, 2025, 10:02PM ET:</strong> Added a list of the products that are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17s.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, August 11, 2025, 7:27PM ET:</strong> Added a render of a rumored new antenna design for the iPhone 17 Pro.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 8, 2025, 4:43PM ET:</strong> Added new speculation and reports about iPhone 17 pricing.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 6, 2025, 4:05PM ET:</strong> Added latest details about the potential iPhone 17 event date.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 4, 2025, 5:23PM ET:</strong> Added latest battery leaks about the iPhone 17 models.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 1, 2025, 8:15AM ET:</strong> Added new photos showing potential iPhone 17 colors.</p> <p><strong>Update, July 30, 2025, 11:08AM ET:</strong> Added latest leaks and rumors about the iPhone 17, and updated information on the iOS 26 public beta.</p> <p><strong>Update, July 17, 2025, 4:40PM ET:</strong> Added latest information about iOS 26, possible materials for the Air, and the color options for the different models.</p> <p><strong>Update, March 17, 2025, 2PM ET:</strong> Added details about the rumored price and features of the iPhone 17 Air.</p> <p><strong>Update, April 11, 2025, 3:45PM ET: </strong>Added details from Front Page Tech&#39;s new video that claims to reveal details from a leaked iOS 19 build.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-iphone-17-lineup-rumors-prices-new-features-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know-153024440.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>It&#39;s a dynamic time right now in the automotive industry. Many manufacturers that previously pledged themselves to dive head-first into the wonderful world of electrification are now <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ford-delays-some-electric-vehicles-renews-focus-on-hybrids-172007210.html">pumping their literal and metaphorical brakes</a> on the idea, leaning back into hybrids, plug-ins, and various other transitional means of propulsion.</p> <p>Audi is one of those brands that has been softening its stance on the EV front lately, pledging to continue supporting internal combustion-powered machines so long as the market demands. But its new concept unveiled today in Milan gives us a striking view of a next generation of EVs — and hybrids, and others — that will wear four rings on the nose.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>It&#39;s called the Concept C, and it&#39;s part of a movement Audi brass have called &quot;the radical next.&quot; It&#39;s meant to be something of a reboot for the brand&#39;s design efforts, a back-to-basics project that starts on the inside with a dramatically simplified interior design.</p> <p>While many modern Audis feature one or two giant touchscreens that dominate the dash, in the Concept C, there&#39;s just a pure dashboard with a subtle, illuminated vertical slot in the middle. Controls are physical and chunky, designed to have a strong sense of weight and tactility, featuring what the car&#39;s designers describe as the &quot;Audi click.&quot;</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/f9514d20-880e-11f0-8ebf-cad29653672d" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/f9514d20-880e-11f0-8ebf-cad29653672d" style="height:1707px;width:2560px;" alt="2025 Audi Concept C" data-uuid="93c509d5-f9bd-3427-ac5b-e46c2479e40b"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Tim Stevens for Engadget</div></figure> <p>It&#39;s definitely a major departure for Audi, but there is a nod to modern sensibilities with a 10.4-inch touchscreen. It&#39;s hidden, tucking itself behind the dashboard when not needed and quickly swiveling into view when summoned. The car also features buttons and touch-sensitive surfaces that disappear behind the dashboard, a row of backlit controls that only appear when needed.</p> <p>The outside of the car is a substantial reboot, too. In this new concept, you&#39;ll see some similarities to the brand&#39;s last great roadster, the TT, which went out of production in 2023. But to see the key inspiration for the Concept C, you have to go back a little further, back to the Auto Union Grand Prix machines of the 1930s.</p> <p>Specifically, Audi is referencing the Type C, which raced from the pre-Formula One days of 1936 to 1937. That car&#39;s shape and upright grille definitely carry on in the Concept C, but this new road car has one feature that vintage racing machines lacked: a folding hardtop convertible.</p> <p>The Concept C is actually the first Audi to sport such a top, giving it the look of a coupe but the open-air design of a roadster. The louvered rear and simple, tapered shape are dipped in a colored paint meant to emulate the subtle warmth of titanium.</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/15c3dd10-880f-11f0-af7f-1abf1c91cfb5" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/15c3dd10-880f-11f0-af7f-1abf1c91cfb5" style="height:1707px;width:2560px;" alt="2025 Audi Concept C" data-uuid="9f2d2bcf-f0d5-30d1-9bd7-e07d614123ba"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Tim Stevens for Engadget</div></figure> <p>One thing that tapered shape doesn&#39;t allow is a rear window. Like the <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-polestar-4-electric-suv-arrives-with-544-hp-and-no-rear-window-073505710.html">Polestar 4</a>, the Concept C takes an extreme stance towards rearward visibility by featuring none at all. That rear-view mirror you see hanging from the glass is digital. But, the fact that this car even has a rear-view mirror, plus side mirrors and windshield wipers, hint that this thing is probably close to production-ready.</p> <p>When it comes to the more practical matter of what makes it go, and for how far and how quickly, sadly, we don&#39;t have a lot of details just yet. Again, Audi has said that this will be an EV, but that the design will influence a new generation of Audis powered by all sorts of options, including hybrid and internal combustion, &quot;as the transition to electric mobility progresses.&quot;</p> <p>This car, though, is most definitely battery powered, though the company has yet to share any more details beyond that. Audi says it is rear-wheel drive, which would point to a single-motor at the back, but a future version with Quattro all-wheel drive seems like a sure bet.</p> <p>This car&#39;s predecessor, the TT, was actually based on the Volkswagen Golf chassis, which gave it front-wheel drive to begin with. However, if this new machine is to share its foundations with anything, it&#39;s much more likely to be Porsche&#39;s upcoming electric 718, as <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/porsche-ev-future-half-porsche-230009145.html">previewed in the Mission R</a>.</p> <p>But for now that&#39;s just speculation, and again, this is just a concept. Audi isn&#39;t saying when a car like this might see production, but it is a machine that is destined to become something you can buy. That&#39;ll be good news to anyone who misses the dearly departed TT. If an eventual production-based Concept C still looks this good when it hits dealers, it very well might make just as many waves as its predecessor.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/audis-concept-c-previews-the-companys-next-gen-ev-aspirations-190030488.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>The Google TV Streamer 4K <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0D8WJYSF9&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e7c11f3e-2995-445c-9c17-5496e5d83e5f&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=is+back+on+sale+for+just+%2480&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDhXSllTRjk_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTdjMTFmM2UtMjk5NS00NDVjLTljMTctNTQ5NmU1ZDgzZTVmIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDhXSllTRjkiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAATo4UcQJtVJFtBymSYJVQ-FopJqlBx09_hVWfqYYek4v&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D8WJYSF9" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8WJYSF9">is back on sale for just $80</a>, which is a discount of 20 percent. The deal is available via Amazon, but also through retailers like <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Best Buy;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5e0bed65-d2f8-4b34-9b8f-955218c0e37a&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e7c11f3e-2995-445c-9c17-5496e5d83e5f&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Best+Buy&amp;linkText=Best+Buy&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZXN0YnV5LmNvbS9wcm9kdWN0L2dvb2dsZS10di1zdHJlYW1lci00ay1wb3JjZWxhaW4vSjNHVDVaU0hDUSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTdjMTFmM2UtMjk5NS00NDVjLTljMTctNTQ5NmU1ZDgzZTVmIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZXN0YnV5LmNvbS9wcm9kdWN0L2dvb2dsZS10di1zdHJlYW1lci00ay1wb3JjZWxhaW4vSjNHVDVaU0hDUSJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAe7QaHT7EvPqD6xHqJqaCezcGgmMLSc60qoZdcviJOx6&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fgoogle-tv-streamer-4k-porcelain%2FJ3GT5ZSHCQ" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.bestbuy.com/product/google-tv-streamer-4k-porcelain/J3GT5ZSHCQ">Best Buy</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Walmart;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=3719d8d4-5edd-4817-998a-91f3229e7323&amp;itemId=walmart_transaction_9510173043&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e7c11f3e-2995-445c-9c17-5496e5d83e5f&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Walmart&amp;linkText=Walmart&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAef6M4A8h_Ww6gdJIiYYrqax726eki3rjl6PmdttwM-s&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FGoogle-TV-Streamer-4K-Fast-Streaming-Entertainment-Your-Voice-Search-Remote-Watch-Movies-Shows-Live-TV-Netflix-HDR-Smart-Home-Control-32-GB-Storage-P%2F9510173043" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-TV-Streamer-4K-Fast-Streaming-Entertainment-Your-Voice-Search-Remote-Watch-Movies-Shows-Live-TV-Netflix-HDR-Smart-Home-Control-32-GB-Storage-P/9510173043">Walmart</a>. This beats a <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-tv-streamer-4k-is-still-available-for-84-thanks-to-this-prime-day-deal-121026677.html">recent Prime Day promotion</a> by $4.</p> <p>The TV Streamer 4K topped our list of the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/best-streaming-devices-media-players-123021395.html">best streaming devices</a>. It's a smartly-designed product that just works. We enjoyed the clean interface and the fantastic remote that ships with the device.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="e0a63c5d2dd4411788c8aa36fc4526cb" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8WJYSF9"></core-commerce></p> <p>The processor is speedy and this thing can stream content in 4K at 60FPS. It integrates with HDR, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. On the audio side of things, it supports formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. It can even handle spatial audio, so long as you're wearing the <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-buds-review-170044941-170044817.html">Pixel Buds Pro earbuds</a>.</p> <p>The interface includes a smart home control hub, which we praised <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/google-tv-streamer-review-a-great-side-piece-for-your-tv-with-a-dash-of-smart-home-chops-and-inessential-ai-160034550.html">in our official review</a>. This lets users easily control smart lights and thermostats, among other gadgets. The TV Streamer 4K also offers voice control, which we found to be useful.</p> <p>There are only two minor knocks with this one. The original asking price is on the higher end, but this sale alleviates that concern. The unit also includes some fairly useless AI integration, but it's 2025 so what else is new?</p> <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest </em><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/"><em>tech deals</em></a><em> and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/"><em>buying advice</em></a><em>.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-google-tv-streamer-4k-is-back-on-sale-for-80-183511035.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Paramount has just signed a deal with Microsoft and Activision to make a movie based on the iconic Call of Duty franchise. The valuation of the deal hasn&#39;t been revealed, <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-11-20-call-of-duty-franchise-tops-10-billion-in-sales-advanced-warfa.html"><ins>but CoD is</ins></a> <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/call-of-duty-mobile-passes-1-billion-downloads-133012839.html"><ins>a mighty lucrative IP</ins></a>.</p> <p>We don&#39;t know much about the specifics of the deal, other than it covers a live-action feature film that Paramount will develop, produce and distribute. This means we don&#39;t have any information about the cast, creative team or what game or era the film will pull from.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>After all, there have been more than 30 mainline games in the franchise. Some of the standard Call of Duty games could make for decent, yet slightly derivative, war movies, while the more futuristic titles could spin out into sci-fi epics.</p> <p><em>Variety</em> reports that <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://variety.com/2025/film/news/call-of-duty-movie-paramount-skydance-1236504600/"><ins>this could just be the beginning</ins></a>. The deal is for one movie but industry sources indicate that there&#39;s potential here for Paramount to expand the franchise to more movies and TV shows. Get ready for the CoDCU.</p> <p>Paramount <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/paramount-and-skydance-will-merge-to-create-new-tech-media-giant-140052942.html"><ins>recently completed</ins></a> an $8 billion merger with Skydance, after making <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/paramount-pays-trump-16-million-to-settle-harris-lawsuit-124505902.html"><ins>some controversial moves</ins></a> <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/trump-unconfirmed-claim-skydance-20-million-advertising-psas-paramount-deal-1236467234/"><ins>that were widely seen</ins></a> <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://deadline.com/2025/08/cbs-george-cheeks-late-show-with-stephen-colbert-cancelation-1236481494/"><ins>as appeasements to President Trump</ins></a> <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/aug/09/bias-monitor-cbs-news"><ins>to secure the</ins></a> <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/fcc-approves-skydances-8-billion-paramount-acquisition-032028104.html"><ins>blessing of the FCC</ins></a>. Since that happened, the newly-formed media conglomerate has been on a spending spree.</p> <div id="6cd6cedc10ea45a7adb7c5a20b086b02"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9txkGBj_trg?si=oZWFv3KnIRRwIOl6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>It lured the creators of <em>Stranger Things</em> <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://variety.com/2025/film/news/stranger-things-creators-matt-ross-duffer-paramount-deal-set-netflix-exit-1236493079/"><ins>away from Netflix</ins></a> and shelled out over $7.7 billion for <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/paramount-buys-ufc-rights-for-77-billion-ending-ppv-events-161512875.html"><ins>exclusive rights to UFC events</ins></a> for the next seven years. The company recently announced plans to <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-08-27/paramount-spending-spree"><ins>double its yearly theatrical output</ins></a>, eventually hoping to release 20 films annually. As for games, <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 7</em> <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-arrives-on-november-14-180834596.html">arrives on November 14. </a></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/call-of-duty-is-getting-the-movie-treatment-courtesy-of-paramount-171408410.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Google is readying an <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/16501675"><ins>update</ins></a> for its Play Games app that will introduce stats and milestones to your all-new profile. From September 23 (October 1 in the EU and UK), other players will be able to see which games you’ve played and for how long, as well as any achievements you’ve unlocked. Google says there will also be new &quot;social features,&quot; but it’s not yet clear what they’ll be.</p> <p>It sounds a lot like Google’s take on Steam profiles (similar features are also available on PlayStation and Xbox) and the company says it will be collecting usage data for games you’ve installed or played previously, adding that it may pass on information about your in-game activity to developers. You can also choose to import your past activity on a one-time basis, which Google pulls from your account history and then uses to populate your Play Games profile statistics from the start. You’re already able to decide whether data related to gaming is collected through Activity Controls in your account settings.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>It’s up to you whether people can see your <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/3129346"><ins>profile</ins></a> or not. If you make it public, other people can follow you and snoop on your gaming activity, but you can also choose to hide it if you don’t want anyone to know how many hours you’ve spent playing <em>Angry Birds</em>. You’re also free to delete your Play Games profile entirely, along with all of the data it’s using.</p> <p>Google’s overhauled gaming profiles will arrive around the same time as Apple’s annual <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-ios-26-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-features-in-the-upcoming-iphone-update-135749557.html"><ins>software updates</ins></a> for all of its devices, which will <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-unveils-a-dedicated-games-app-at-wwdc-2025-174028901.html"><ins>introduce</ins></a> a new dedicated gaming app, simply called Games. Pre-installed on all updated Mac, iPhone and iPad devices, it effectively replaces Game Center and will behave more like a modern gaming hub. Games will feature leaderboards, matchmaking services, recommendations and news regarding new titles. And like Google’s offering, you’ll be able to see what your friends are playing.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/googles-play-games-update-will-show-people-what-youre-playing-164549921.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Tesla <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://x.com/Tesla/status/1962591324022153607"><ins>has released</ins></a> part four of its so-called &quot;Master Plan&quot; in a post on X. Unlike the more focused &quot;<a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.tesla.com/secret-master-plan"><ins>Secret Tesla Motors Master Plan</ins></a>,&quot; which outlined concrete plans for future products, this &quot;Master Plan Part IV&quot; reads more like a rambling utopic fever dream that was partly written by Grok, while touching on Tesla&#39;s AI-powered products.</p> <p>Tesla says it intends to &quot;deliver unconstrained sustainability without compromise,&quot; and that the company is &quot;unifying our hardware and software at scale&quot; in order to create a &quot;safer, cleaner and more enjoyable world&quot; through &quot;sustainable abundance.&quot; Specifics on what any of that actually means were largely absent throughout the manifesto.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Over the post&#39;s 1000 words, Tesla waxes poetic about how semiconductors and the internet changed the world, employs self-aggrandizing language about pushing forward the electric vehicle market and shares extremely vague depictions of a future molded by the company&#39;s products.</p> <p>&quot;How we develop and use autonomy — and the new capabilities it makes available to us — should be informed by its ability to enhance the human condition,&quot; the company writes in one particularly vague passage. &quot;Making daily life better — and safer — for all people through our autonomous technology has always been, and continues to be, our focus.&quot;</p> <p>Another passage reads, &quot;We must make one thing clear: this challenge will be extremely difficult to overcome. The elimination of scarcity will require tireless and exquisite execution. Some will perceive it as impossible. And plenty of others will laud every obstacle and setback we inevitably encounter along the way. But once we overcome this challenge, our critics will come to see that what they once thought was impossible is indeed possible. And that will be fine with us, because what matters most is that, together, we create a sustainable and truly abundant future for generations to come.&quot;</p> <p>The Tesla Master Plans have been treated with almost religious reverence in tech circles over the years as fans of the electric car company and its polarizing CEO point to them as evidence of Musk&#39;s visionary thinking.</p> <p>The <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.tesla.com/secret-master-plan"><ins>first Master Plan</ins></a>, authored by Musk in 2006, espoused lofty but specific goals, many of which ultimately came to pass. In it, Musk laid out how &quot;The strategy of Tesla is to enter at the high end of the market … and then drive down market as fast as possible to higher unit volume and lower prices with each successive model.&quot;</p> <p>This is exactly what the company did, leveraging earnings from the 2008 Roadster to build the Model S in 2012 and Model X in 2015, then using those profits to create the Model 3 in 2017 and Model Y in 2020, the latter of which went on to become the <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/26/23738581/tesla-model-y-ev-record-world-bestselling-car-electric"><ins>best-selling car in the world</ins></a> in both 2023 <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/239229/most-sold-car-models-worldwide/"><ins>and 2024</ins></a>.</p> <p>The <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.tesla.com/master-plan-part-deux"><ins>second Master Plan</ins></a>, published in 2016, was the last one with Musk&#39;s name attributed to it and laid out a vision for Solar Roof and Powerwall, the need to create an electric pickup truck and semi, the future of autonomous driving and a plan for a fleet of robotaxis. Tesla&#39;s energy generation and storage business now <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/teslas-biggest-growth-business-q3-energy-storage-batteries-2024-10"><ins>accounts for 10 percent</ins></a> of company revenues. The <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://electrek.co/2025/07/02/tesla-confirms-cybertruck-sales-are-down-to-just-5000-units/"><ins>Cybertruck</ins></a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://electrek.co/2025/04/04/tesla-semi-suffers-delays-dramatic-price-increase/"><ins>Semi</ins></a> both launched years later though have not yet proven successful, and <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/feds-investigate-tesla-over-inaccurate-autopilot-and-fsd-crash-reports-175837772.html"><ins>Tesla&#39;s &quot;Full Self-Driving&quot;</ins></a> has been in beta for years. Meanwhile, <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/a-tesla-robotaxi-inexplicably-drove-into-a-parked-car-171004400.html"><ins>robotaxis</ins></a> saw a limited launch with in-vehicle supervisors earlier this summer.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.tesla.com/ns_videos/Tesla-Master-Plan-Part-3.pdf"><ins>Master Plan Part 3</ins></a> was a stark departure from the more focused initial duo. It&#39;s basically a 40-page white paper with fanciful ambitions for a decarbonized future. It was heavy on data but short on product roadmaps.</p> <p>Part IV really jumped the shark, and while it tells us that &quot;we are on the cusp of a revolutionary period primed for unprecedented growth&quot; and that &quot;this time it will not be a single step but a leap forward for Tesla and humanity as a whole,&quot; it offers little by way of how the company plans to accomplish that leap.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/teslas-latest-master-plan-isnt-a-mission-statement-its-a-discursive-mess-162301466.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>We&#39;re now just about a week away from the Apple&#39;s &quot;Awe dropping&quot; event, where the company is likely to unveil the iPhone 17. This year&#39;s theme of &quot;Awe dropping,&quot; which was featured in <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-host-its-iphone-17-event-on-september-9-160502418.html">Apple&#39;s invitations</a> to the media sent on August 26 doesn&#39;t reveal much by way of clues, but maybe the &quot;dropping&quot; is in reference to lightweight devices dropping somehow? Anyway, the keynote will be <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3KnMyojEQU">livestreamed on YouTube</a> September 9 at 1PM ET from Cupertino. We&#39;ll have three Engadget team members reporting and liveblogging from Apple Park, as well as to give their hands-on impressions, so make sure you come back here for the latest coverage.&nbsp;</p> <p>This year is shaping up to be a departure from recent September product rollouts, with the strong possibility of an all-new superthin iPhone expected to join the company&#39;s lineup. Also on tap could be new Apple Watch models — including the first truly new Ultra model in two years — and (maybe) the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>We got a full rundown of what to expect at the event from the best possible source: <em>Bloomberg</em> Apple reporter Mark Gurman. During his recent guest appearance on the Engadget Podcast, Gurman shared his analysis of what we expect to see, including the expected battery and camera compromises of that rumored thin iPhone (which everyone already calls the <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-considered-making-the-rumored-iphone-17-air-completely-port-free-according-to-report-165334942.html">iPhone Air</a>).&nbsp;</p> <div id="3ae83309c58749a1abaac45e8d784bae"><iframe src="https://iframely.publishing.yahoo.net/TItn8GZx" allowfullscreen data-embed-domain="player.simplecast.com" style="top:0px;left:0px;width:681.5px;height:200px;position:absolute;border:0px;"></iframe></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Expected to be roughly <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/01/10/iphone-17-air-details-ming-chi-kuo/">5.55 mm thick</a>, the iPhone Air would be the thinnest iPhone yet, besting <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-09-16-iphone-6-and-6-plus-review.html">2014&#39;s iPhone 6</a> which, at 6.9 mm, was the previous svelteness champ. And they&#39;ve only gotten chunkier since then. (The <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-review-apple-focuses-on-cameras-and-customization-120052459.html">iPhone 16 Pro</a> has a depth of 8.25 mm.) The Air would also give Apple a direct rival to <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s25-edge-review-more-than-just-super-thin-180042172.html">Samsung&#39;s Galaxy S25 Edge</a>, which we found to be more than a gimmick.</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/3ea5e4d0-8468-11f0-9fff-192d158050dc" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/3ea5e4d0-8468-11f0-9fff-192d158050dc" style="height:480px;width:854px;" alt="Apple&#39;s Greg Joswiak introduces the iPhone 16 Pro in the prerecorded September 2024 launch video." data-uuid="e288eecd-dc58-3a02-a0ca-4e9d07e74418"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Apple (screenshot)</div></figure> <p>But the iPhone Air&#39;s thin design will likely lead to some compromises. It&#39;s <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:8;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://medium.com/@mingchikuo/%E9%97%9C%E6%96%BC2h25%E6%96%B0%E6%AC%BEiphone-17%E7%94%A2%E5%93%81%E7%B5%84%E5%90%88%E8%88%87%E8%B6%85%E8%96%84iphone-17%E7%9A%84%E9%A0%90%E6%B8%AC%E8%88%87%E5%88%86%E6%9E%90-predictions-and-analysis-of-the-2h25-new-iphone-17-1528d0772610">rumored</a> to have only a single 48 MP camera and a smaller battery. So, expect a stylish phone that... won&#39;t be for everyone.</p> <p>The Pro lineup could offer some design tweaks and performance improvements. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to switch from titanium to aluminum. They could also see the rear camera array expand to an entire &quot;island&quot; that extends across most of the phone&#39;s backside. It&#39;s expected to house three cameras (as before), but multiple rumors have suggested it will have an improved telephoto one. The zoom lens could <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:9;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2024/07/25/iphone-17-pro-max-48mp-telephoto/">jump</a> to 48MP, which would strengthen its digital zooming / cropping chops. The phones may also <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:10;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/07/16/iphone-17-pro-anti-reflective-display/">add</a> an anti-glare coating, similar to those <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2014-08-12-apple-ipad-anti-glare-display.html">found on iPads</a>.</p> <p>The standard iPhone 17 could see some welcome display upgrades. At least one supply chain source <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:12;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/20/all-iphone-17-models-could-get-big-display-upgrades-heres-what-to-expect/">claimed</a> it will add a 120Hz variable refresh rate (ProMotion) display, which the Pro series has used <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/iphone-13-pro-and-pro-max-review-120-hz-promotion-screen-macro-camera-cinematic-mode-samples-battery-life-143041678-143041273.html">since 2021</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/e65d6190-787d-11f0-8ee9-3ff3e4b6d10e" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/e65d6190-787d-11f0-8ee9-3ff3e4b6d10e" style="height:1080px;width:1920px;" alt="Apple&#39;s iOS 26 Liquid Glass design language. Closeup of the bottom of an iPhone, showing Apple Music&#39;s new translucent controls." data-uuid="c3df48db-0c61-3e14-997e-70c634aaab06"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Apple</div></figure> <p>One thing we know without a doubt is that the new iPhones will launch with <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/ios-26-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-apples-upcoming-iphone-and-ipad-updates-135749976.html">iOS 26</a>, which brings Apple&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-new-liquid-glass-design-is-its-biggest-visual-update-in-years-172158766.html">biggest design refresh in years</a>. It&#39;s easy to imagine the company highlighting the new model&#39;s displays as the best way to experience the new <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-26-beta-preview-liquid-glass-is-better-than-you-think-172155402.html">Liquid Glass</a> visual language. As for the naming scheme, there haven&#39;t been any leaks pointing to a similar hardware rebranding (&quot;iPhone 26,&quot; &quot;iPhone 26 Pro,&quot; etc.). But hey, Apple does like surprises.</p> <p>Engadget&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-17-release-is-rumored-for-september-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-thinnest-iphone-ever-and-the-apple-fall-event-153024456.html">iPhone 17 rumor roundup</a> gives you a deeper dive into what to expect from the new models.</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/26a07df0-787e-11f0-bbd3-9e0fcc45a865" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/26a07df0-787e-11f0-bbd3-9e0fcc45a865" style="height:720px;width:1280px;" alt="Two Apple Watch Ultra 2 models, propped up on a demo table. Blurred background." data-uuid="28090f9b-85b1-3eb3-8719-43267d95256a"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Cherlynn Low for Engadget</div></figure> <p>Apple&#39;s fall event isn&#39;t just for iPhones. The company is also expected to roll out new Apple Watch models. 5G and a processor upgrade are <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-10/apple-plans-apple-watch-ultra-3-next-year-with-satellite-texting-and-5g">expected</a> for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It may also let you send texts via satellite, handy for those who use it out in the wilderness. Regardless of the details, Apple hasn&#39;t launched a new rugged and premium model since 2023 (apart from <a data-i13n="cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/theres-no-apple-watch-ultra-series-3-just-a-new-color-and-a-new-band-173236966.html">a new color</a>), so it&#39;s due for an upgrade.</p> <p>The Series 11 model is unlikely to depart dramatically from the Series 10. After all, that model introduced a new design, with a <a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-watch-series-10-review-legacy-and-sequel-in-equal-measure-120021405.html">thinner body and larger screen</a>. (And Apple has historically kept those around in three-year cycles.). But a faster chip also seems logical. Perhaps we&#39;ll see 5G arrive on the standard wearable, too.</p> <p>The Apple Watch lineup and the company&#39;s Fitness team has been in the news of late too. In addition to <a data-i13n="cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/masimo-files-lawsuit-over-apples-redesigned-blood-oxygen-monitoring-feature-130054895.html">ongoing</a> legal <a data-i13n="cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apple-is-still-trying-to-overturn-the-ban-on-the-apple-watch-blood-oxygen-sensor-200135856.html">battles</a> over the wearable&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/apples-redesigned-blood-oxygen-monitoring-feature-hits-apple-watches-in-the-us-today-131558485.html">blood oxygen monitoring feature</a>, Apple&#39;s vice president of fitness technologies Jay Blahnik has been accused of creating a toxic workplace environment, according to a <a data-i13n="cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-fitness-exec-accused-of-creating-toxic-workplace-environment-185556474.html"><em>New York Times report</em></a>. It&#39;s unlikely that the company even mentions either of these situations at its event on September 9, but it is interesting background information for the fitness and wearable portions of its presentation.</p> <p>We may also see the AirPods Pro 3 at the event. It&#39;s been about three years since Apple last upgraded its premium earbuds. The new model could also bring some <a data-i13n="cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-next-airpods-pro-could-offer-heart-rate-and-temperature-monitoring-175757188.html">biometric sensors to the earphones</a>: an in-ear heart-rate monitor and (maybe) temperature sensing. <a data-i13n="cpos:26;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apples-rumored-live-translation-feature-for-airpods-could-be-coming-with-ios-26-152715034.html">Live translation is also rumored</a>, although that may not be exclusive to the third-gen model. But don&#39;t expect major design changes, if the latest reports from leaker <a data-i13n="cpos:27;pos:1" href="https://majinbuofficial.com/airpods-pro-3-new-design-unveiled/">Majin Bu</a> (via <a data-i13n="cpos:28;pos:1" href="https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/28/airpods-pro-3-smaller-case-and-capacitive-button/"><em>MacRumors</em></a>) are to be believed: In addition to a &quot;slight reduction in size,&quot; Bu notes the case will lose the physical pairing button, while gaining capacitive controls.</p> <p>Will there be other announcements? Time will tell, but now we know we won&#39;t have to wait long to find out. The official countdown clock has begun, and the answers are just days away.</p> <p><strong>Update, September 2, 2025, 11:15AM ET: </strong>Tweaked the intro to accurately reflect how far we are from the event at this point in time, and added a paragraph on recent happenings around Apple&#39;s Watch and Fitness products.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 29, 2025, 2:32PM ET: </strong>Added insights from <em>Bloomberg</em>&#39;s Mark Gurman based on his appearance on the Engadget Podcast.</p> <p><strong>Update, August 28, 2025, 10:45AM ET: </strong>Added new report on AirPods 3 case details.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Update, August 26, 2025, 5:41PM ET: </strong>Added confirmation of official event invitation, date and time.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apples-iphone-17-awe-dropping-event-is-next-week--heres-what-we-expect-on-september-9-090059897.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Microsoft has <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/09/02/xbox-game-pass-september-2025-wave-1/"><ins>revealed</ins></a> the first batch of Game Pass additions for September 2025 and there&#39;s one hornet-shaped title that looms large over the others. After a seven-year wait, <em>Hollow Knight: Silksong</em> arrives on September 4. <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/hollow-knight-silksong-xbox-game-pass-171852706.html"><ins>We&#39;ve known for a few years</ins></a> that the sequel to Team Cherry&#39;s indie blockbuster would be on Game Pass on day one, and it&#39;ll be available on the Ultimate and PC versions of the service.</p> <p>Xbox announced the Metroidvania&#39;s future debut on Game Pass all the way back at its June 2022 showcase. At the time, it claimed every game shown at the event would be out within the following 12 months. That didn&#39;t exactly happen in <em>Silksong</em>&#39;s case.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Team Cherry <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hollow-knight-silksong-costs-5-more-than-the-original-120005386.html"><ins>confirmed pricing</ins></a> for <em>Silksong </em>this week as well. It&#39;ll cost $20 on all platforms. The developer <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/11662585/hollow-knight/posts/4473863"><ins>added</ins></a> that there will be a free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade pack with &quot;enhanced features&quot; available for Kickstarter backers who receive a Switch key (it&#39;s implied, but not confirmed, that anyone who gets the Switch 1 version will be able to upgrade for free later).</p> <p>If you&#39;re planning to dive into <em>Silksong </em>as soon as it goes live at 10AM ET on Thursday and you&#39;re looking for something to play on Game Pass in the meantime, it&#39;s maybe worth checking out <em>I Am Your Beast</em>. This is a fast-paced, covert revenge shooter from the folks at Strange Scaffold (<a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/clickolding-from-the-i-am-your-beast-devs-looks-like-a-clicking-nightmare-180504296.html"><em><ins>Clickolding</ins></em></a>, <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-tactical-takedown-comes-out-on-may-22-191533579.html"><em><ins>TMNT: Tactical Takedown</ins></em></a> and <em>El Paso, Elsewhere</em>). It&#39;s dropping on the Ultimate, PC and Standard versions of Game Pass today.</p> <p>On September 3, <em>Nine Sols </em>will join the Game Pass Standard lineup after being on the Ultimate and PC versions of the service since last November. This is a Metroidvania from Devotion developer Red Candle Games, and it was <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/engadgets-games-of-the-year-2024-133005519.html"><ins>one of our favorite games of 2024</ins></a>.</p> <p>The other Game Pass additions for the first half of September are:</p> <ul> <li><p>Real-time strategy game <em>Cataclismo </em>(PC) — September 4 on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass</p></li> <li><p>3D action adventure <em>Paw Patrol World </em>(Cloud, Console, and PC) — September 10 on Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard</p></li> <li><p>Disaster recovery/construction sim <em>RoadCraft</em> (Cloud and Xbox Series X/S) — September 16 on Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass Standard</p></li> </ul> <p>Inevitably, a few games are cycling off of Game Pass too. <em>All You Need is Help, Wargroove 2 </em>and <em>We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie </em>are all leaving the library on September 15.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/the-first-game-pass-additions-for-september-include-hollow-knight-silksong-and-i-am-your-beast-145148351.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>OpenAI has promised to release parental controls for ChatGPT within the next month, the company <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://openai.com/index/building-more-helpful-chatgpt-experiences-for-everyone/">said Tuesday</a>. Once the controls are available, they&#39;ll allow parents to link their personal ChatGPT account with the accounts of their teenage children. From there, parents will be able to decide how ChatGPT responds to their kids, and disable select features, including <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpt-can-now-remember-all-your-past-conversations-134642785.html">memory and chat history</a>. Additionally, ChatGPT will generate automated alerts when it detects a teen is in a &quot;moment of acute distress.&quot; According to OpenAI, &quot;expert input will guide this feature to support trust between parents and teens.&quot;</p> <p>The announcement of parental controls comes after OpenAI was sued in the first known instance of a <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-first-known-ai-wrongful-death-lawsuit-accuses-openai-of-enabling-a-teens-suicide-212058548.html">wrongful death lawsuit</a> against an AI company. In a lawsuit filed last week, Matt and Maria Raine, the parents of a teen who committed suicide this year, allege ChatGPT was aware of four failed suicide attempts by their son before helping him plan his death. The Raines said ChatGPT provided their son Adam with information on specific suicide methods, and even gave him tips on how to hide neck injuries sustained from his previous failed attempts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>On Tuesday, OpenAI said parental controls are part of a broader effort by the company to improve safety on ChatGPT. Separately, the company has promised to work with additional experts, including those who specialize in eating disorders, substance use and adolescent health, to fine tune its models.&nbsp;</p> <p>The company has also promised to deploy a new real-time router designed to funnel sensitive conversations through its reasoning models. &quot;Trained with a method we call <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://openai.com/index/deliberative-alignment/">deliberative alignment</a>, our testing shows⁠ that reasoning models more consistently follow and apply safety guidelines and are more resistant to adversarial prompts,&quot; said OpenAI. Moving forward, in situations where ChatGPT detects a person may be in distress, the chatbot will direct those conversations through a reasoning model, regardless of the model the user selected before starting the conversation.&nbsp;</p> <p>More broadly, OpenAI says people can expect more safety features in the future. &quot;This work has already been underway, but we want to proactively preview our plans for the next 120 days, so you won’t need to wait for launches to see where we’re headed,&quot; OpenAI said. &quot;The work will continue well beyond this period of time, but we’re making a focused effort to launch as many of these improvements as possible this year.&quot;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-adding-parental-controls-to-chatgpt-144128085.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Marshall's family of TV audio gear is growing. The company has announced the Heston Sub 200 subwoofer and Heston 60 compact soundbar, both of which are now available for pre-order. The $700 Heston 60 is a smaller take on <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/the-first-marshall-soundbar-is-the-1000-heston-120-with-dolby-atmos-140041873.html">the first soundbar Marshall introduced</a> earlier this year, the Heston 120, offering Dolby Atmos and DTS-X for more intimate spaces. With the Heston Sub 200, a $600 subwoofer that pairs with both soundbars, Marshall touts "a sound that can be truly felt." Both products come in Cream and Black, and sport Marshall's classic guitar amp styling. They ship September 23.</p> <p>The Heston 60 has 7 Class D amplifiers — two 25W and five 5W — with a total power output of 56W. It has two woofers and five full range drivers. The soundbar offers wireless and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth (5.3) and Wi-Fi, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port (eARC), a 3.5mm aux port, an RCA input and USB-C. It also supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/e47081f0-86b0-11f0-b5ad-c10d9ac3ef24" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-08/e47081f0-86b0-11f0-b5ad-c10d9ac3ef24" style="height:3000px;width:4000px;" alt="The Heston 200 subwoofer, the Heston 120 soundbar and the Heston 60 compact soundbar in black pictured in a vertical arrangement against a dark gray background" data-uuid="e43b2dc7-9ce7-3caa-ac32-a74255daecc7"><figcaption>The Heston 200, Heston 120 and Heston 60</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Marshall</div></figure> <p>The Heston Sub 200 packs two 5.25 inch subwoofers and two 120W Class D amplifiers, with a peak total power output of 236W. Marshall says it'll deliver deep, room-shaking bass. The subwoofer has Bluetooth and wired input (RCA mono).&nbsp;</p> <p>The Heston 60 and Heston Sub 200 will be available from Marshall starting September 23, and will roll out to select other retailers on September 30.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/marshall-tv-subwoofer-heston-200-compact-soundbar-heston-60-140044805.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/labor-day-sales/">Labor Day</a> may bring about the unofficial end to summer, but on the bright side, it can be a good time to save on tech. While seasonal holidays like <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/memorial-day-sales/">Memorial Day</a> and Labor Day aren’t the boon for tech deals as <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-prime-day/">Prime Day</a> or Black Friday can be, you can still find some good deals across the web. That’s particularly true if you’re going back to school soon, or are shopping for someone imminently heading back to campus.<br><br>Labor Day itself may have come and gone, but that's not the case for its corresponding sales. You can still shop some great Labor Day sales today, and below, we've collected the best of the best in the tech space. Since this time of year does overlap with the back-to-school season, students should be first in line to check out these deals. If you need some new gadgets for college, or refreshed tech to help you out in your first job after graduating, now's the time to see if you can get it for less. <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-student-discounts-140038070.html">Student discounts</a> are handy and exclusive to those who can prove their student status, but the good thing about Labor Day sales is that anyone can take advantage of them — student ID not required.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-labor-day-sales-engadgets-top-picks">Best Labor Day sales: Engadget's top picks</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="473d5269283845bcb431de02c6269976" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZ76BN5D?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZDC3WW5&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Apple+MacBook+Air+%2813-inch%2C+M4%29+for+%24799+%28%24200+off%29%3A&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAZANRdoFvPmhZG4x0VXRp3kZgkqi_0cZCgGZZf5THNoC&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop%2Fdp%2FB0DZDC3WW5%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0DZDC3WW5/?"><strong>Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4) for $799 ($200 off):</strong></a> Apple's latest MacBook Air is the top pick in our guide to the<a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-laptops-120008636.html"> best laptops</a>, and it earned a score of 92<a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apple-macbook-air-m4-13-inch-and-15-inch-review-minimal-upgrades-at-a-much-better-price-130002570.html"> in our review</a>. The M4 model isn't a major refresh overall, but that's not a bad thing — the design remains exceptionally thin, light and well-built, with long battery life and a top-notch keyboard and trackpad. Now it's a bit faster thanks to the updated chipset.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0D54JZTHY&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Apple+AirTag+%28four-pack%29+for+%2480+%2819+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLU1YNTQyTEwtQS1BaXJUYWctUGFjay9kcC9CMEQ1NEpaVEhZLz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vQXBwbGUtTVg1NDJMTC1BLUFpclRhZy1QYWNrL2RwL0IwRDU0SlpUSFkvIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&amp;signature=AQAAASLAec012tduVRvp5vO7tIfYkTXHJGvknO0qC3hdYB-U&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack%2Fdp%2FB0D54JZTHY%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack/dp/B0D54JZTHY/"><strong>Apple AirTag (four-pack) for $80 (19 percent off):</strong></a> These are the <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-bluetooth-tracker-140028377.html">best Bluetooth trackers</a> for iPhone users thanks to their vast finding network and accurate ultrawide band features for locating your things when they’re close by. Just attach them to your keys, wallet or bag with the right <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-apple-airtag-cases-holders-accessories-123036404.html">AirTag holder</a> and keep track of everything in the Find My app.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZ75TN5F&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Apple+iPad+%2811-inch%2C+A16%29+for+%24299+%28%2450+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLWlQYWQtMTEtaW5jaC1EaXNwbGF5LUFsbC1EYXkvZHAvQjBEWjc1VE41Ri8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLWlQYWQtMTEtaW5jaC1EaXNwbGF5LUFsbC1EYXkvZHAvQjBEWjc1VE41Ri8iLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAcNghkq1TIt8rwhHxYx9Y_ui_rh3GqjrbGik_QFeYH34&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-iPad-11-inch-Display-All-Day%2Fdp%2FB0DZ75TN5F%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPad-11-inch-Display-All-Day/dp/B0DZ75TN5F/"><strong>Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) for $299 ($50 off):</strong></a> Apple's entry-level iPad is, unsurprisingly, the <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/tablets/best-ipads-how-to-pick-the-best-apple-tablet-for-you-150054066.html">best iPad</a> option for those on a budget. It has solid performance thanks to the A16 chipset, 128GB of storage in the base model and good battery life.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0BS1RT9S2&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Sony+WH-CH520+wireless+headphones+for+%2435+%2850+percent+off%29&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAS8gDy85I6VZV5IKO_-IAafND8fvfU6MEyi_9iaO58DN&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-WH-CH520-Headphones-Bluetooth-Microphone%2Fdp%2FB0BS1RT9S2" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WH-CH520-Headphones-Bluetooth-Microphone/dp/B0BS1RT9S2?th=1"><strong>Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones for $35 (50 percent off)</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Sony makes headphones at all price ranges, and the WH-CH520 provides good sound quality and long battery life at an affordable price. They support custom EQ with Sony's mobile app, multipoint connectivity, a built-in microphone and up to 50 hours of battery life.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Dyson;elmt:;cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8b96b196-8902-4854-bf81-2e614eba034c&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Dyson&amp;linkText=Dyson+360+Vis+Nav+robot+vacuum+for+%24500+%28%24500+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5keXNvbi5jb20vdmFjdXVtLWNsZWFuZXJzL3JvYm90LzM2MC12aXMtbmF2L2JsdWUtbmlja2VsIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmR5c29uLmNvbS92YWN1dW0tY2xlYW5lcnMvcm9ib3QvMzYwLXZpcy1uYXYvYmx1ZS1uaWNrZWwifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAeYGGPgbIUsOX1ocajErkp_i06qNk-xozOZ-fT9gmPdh&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fvacuum-cleaners%2Frobot%2F360-vis-nav%2Fblue-nickel" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/robot/360-vis-nav/blue-nickel"><strong>Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $500 ($500 off):</strong></a> Dyson made one of the most impressive <a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-robot-vacuums-130010426.html">robovacs</a> with the <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/dyson-360-vis-nav-review-superior-suction-at-a-steep-price-130010791.html">360 Vis Nav</a>. It has some of the strongest suction power of any robot vacuum I've tried, and its impressive obstacle avoidance allows it to move around furniture and other objects with basically not intervention from humans necessary.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0CFDPQXN4&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Anker+MagGo+Qi2+10K+power+bank+for+%2472+%2820+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAASbOuJ_aspjqA97JKNK6VvN-WzhiciVnMY6wQEYB2dJ8&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAnker-Certified-Ultra-Fast-MagSafe-Compatible-Portable%2Fdp%2FB0CFDPQXN4" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Certified-Ultra-Fast-MagSafe-Compatible-Portable/dp/B0CFDPQXN4?"><strong>Anker MagGo Qi2 10K power bank for $72 (20 percent off):</strong></a> Our current favorite <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-power-bank-143048526.html">power bank</a> for iPhones, this 10K portable battery attaches magnetically to iPhones and powers them up quickly thanks to Qi2 technology. The built-in kickstand makes it easy to prop up your phone while it's recharging, and the LCD display handily shows you how much power is left in the bank itself.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DCBB2YTR&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Anker+Laptop+Power+Bank+%2825K%2C+100W%29+for+%2495+%2830+percent+off%29&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAZzDmvyYOYKHbVYMVRBUA9Ek0OEjxQEHVFNfFNxMcIL1&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAnker-Portable-Multi-Device-Charging-Retractable%2Fdp%2FB0DCBB2YTR" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Portable-Multi-Device-Charging-Retractable/dp/B0DCBB2YTR?"><strong>Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 100W) for $95 (30 percent off)</strong></a><strong>:</strong> One of our top picks for the <a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-power-bank-143048526.html">best power banks</a>, this 25K brick from Anker has two built-in USB-C cables so you never have to remember to bring one with you. It has a durable build and delivers a speedy charge to all devices, and as the name implies, it can handle powering up items as big as a laptop.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;linkText=Sonos+Era+300+for+%24359+%2820+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9lcmEtMzAwLWJsYWNrIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNvbm9zLmNvbS9lbi11cy9zaG9wL2VyYS0zMDAtYmxhY2sifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAVoc7Xsls5FQz1R9tMD_F9nC17j56XpfE_cXvNOprIAj&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fera-300-black" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/era-300-black"><strong>Sonos Era 300 for $359 (20 percent off):</strong></a> Sonos' Labor Day sale discounts headphones, speakers and sets by up to 35 percent. One of the best deals is on the <a data-i13n="cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/sonos-era-300-review-a-big-bet-on-spatial-audio-130053487.html">Era 300 speaker</a>, which is an excellent option particularly if you want a home speaker than supports spatial audio. It has great sound quality, Trueplay tuning and Bluetooth plus in-line option for connectivity. Also available at <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0BW2LV57K&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1Nvbm9zLUVyYS0zMDAtV2lyZWxlc3MtU3BlYWtlci9kcC9CMEJXMkxWNTdLP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImUxNmNjMjAzLTVlYzMtNGNjOC04YTgyLWIxZDVkMjBjYTZiOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Tb25vcy1FcmEtMzAwLVdpcmVsZXNzLVNwZWFrZXIvZHAvQjBCVzJMVjU3SyIsImR5bmFtaWNDZW50cmFsVHJhY2tpbmdJZCI6dHJ1ZSwic2l0ZUlkIjoidXMtZW5nYWRnZXQiLCJwYWdlSWQiOiIxcC1hdXRvbGluayIsImZlYXR1cmVJZCI6InRleHQtbGluayJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAS0obV-lb2j1H8btv0-I6nJrLzCX6ll9CIP_PZIYYxE-&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSonos-Era-300-Wireless-Speaker%2Fdp%2FB0BW2LV57K" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-Era-300-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B0BW2LV57K?">Amazon</a>.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B07R295MLS&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Eufy+11S+Max+robot+vacuum+for+%24149+%2846+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAfXHZAqHKoSD69NVXc0axRj1mHu5k9F3MB4kt2tIvgR7&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Feufy-Super-Thin-Super-Strong-Self-Charging-Medium-Pile%2Fdp%2FB07R295MLS" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Super-Thin-Super-Strong-Self-Charging-Medium-Pile/dp/B07R295MLS?th=1"><strong>Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $149 (46 percent off):</strong></a> This model is one of our favorite <a data-i13n="cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-budget-robot-vacuums-133030847.html">budget robot vacuums</a> thanks to its slim design that lets you get underneath furniture more easily and strong suction power for its size. Note that it does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, but it comes with a remote that lets you control the robot to your liking.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:26;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0C33CHG99&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Cosori+9-in-1+air+fryer+for+%2490+%2825+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAXB8jmS2z0onC0yodA2MUM_Ng3Fr2EXM7GGtkagiKGu6&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCOSORI-Compact-Recipes-Dehydrate-Dishwasher%2Fdp%2FB0C33CHG99" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/COSORI-Compact-Recipes-Dehydrate-Dishwasher/dp/B0C33CHG99"><strong>Cosori 9-in-1 air fryer for $90 (25 percent off):</strong></a> One of our picks for the <a data-i13n="cpos:27;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/best-air-fryers-133047180.html">best air fryers</a>, this Cosori model has a spacious six-quart cooking basket and nine prep modes to choose from. In our testing, it consistently crisped up all kinds of foods, from frozen appetizers to raw proteins, and it has a nifty safety feature with its built-in basket release button.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:28;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0FJMH23FP&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Google+Pixel+10+smartphone+%2B+%24100+Amazon+gift+card+for+%24799+%28%24100+off%29%3A&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAbn_Up8JXfNqksjWOV6dwQo8juHqFrFUGv6FGlvVsie3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Pixel-10-Frost-Amazon%2Fdp%2FB0FJMH23FP%2Fref%3Dast_sto_dp_puis" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-10-Frost-Amazon/dp/B0FJMH23FP/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?th=1"><strong>Google Pixel 10 smartphone + $100 Amazon gift card for $799 ($100 off):</strong></a> More of a <a data-i13n="cpos:29;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-pre-order-googles-new-pixel-10-phones-pixel-watch-4-and-pixel-buds-2a-160046941.html">pre-order</a> deal than a Labor Day deal, this bundle includes a free gift card when you order the latest Google Pixel phone in advance. You'll find <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:30;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=different+gift+card+deals+at+Amazon&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAeOOhWkVt7dYnBpxX2s7gMFJU8WBcZWDS9jT1GPYFwmt&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2FB108AA5B-EA56-4CCD-A29C-E1B4267F4A7B" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/B108AA5B-EA56-4CCD-A29C-E1B4267F4A7B?ingress=2&amp;lp_context_asin=B0FJMG3V8Q&amp;visitId=6b28f75d-476a-488d-a450-16a701a99cb6&amp;store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&amp;ref_=ast_bln">different gift card deals at Amazon</a> depending on which phone you go with: the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:31;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0FJMLJWR8&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Pixel+10+Pro&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAVYIGg-cuuuUtDx4UCawBTk8i7QZvPmA8g3n7Mfa8QDP&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Pixel-10-Pro-Porcelain%2Fdp%2FB0FJMLJWR8%2Fref%3Dast_sto_dp_puis" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-Porcelain/dp/B0FJMLJWR8/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?th=1">Pixel 10 Pro</a> and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:32;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0FJMKL98S&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Pro+XL&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAASQTFolAJI6fofcKq1Znj_7BV02uaZIdNhhseHKGA3db&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Pixel-10-Pro-Moonstone%2Fdp%2FB0FJMKL98S%2Fref%3Dast_sto_dp_puis" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-10-Pro-Moonstone/dp/B0FJMKL98S/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?th=1">Pro XL</a> have a $200 gift cards included, while the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:33;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0FKN8GMCN&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Pixel+10+Pro+Fold&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAbu3dgoY3VpVWSGiyznkZ_ntb8MfgZwvkRqm2lg6haMv&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Pixel-Pro-Fold-Moonstone%2Fdp%2FB0FKN8GMCN%2Fref%3Dast_sto_dp_puis" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-Pro-Fold-Moonstone/dp/B0FKN8GMCN/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?th=1">Pixel 10 Pro Fold</a> comes with a free $300 gift card.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:34;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0CGVSKR1G&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Amazon+Kindle+Colorsoft+%2816GB%29+for+%24220+%28%2430+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FtYXpvbi1LaW5kbGUtQ29sb3Jzb2Z0L2RwL0IwQ0dWU0tSMUc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FtYXpvbi1LaW5kbGUtQ29sb3Jzb2Z0L2RwL0IwQ0dWU0tSMUciLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAARLCvpNdEyidIruz6hptsct2GxYYKL3ZvMRnBBsmzlLd&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAmazon-Kindle-Colorsoft%2Fdp%2FB0CGVSKR1G" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Kindle-Colorsoft/dp/B0CGVSKR1G?"><strong>Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) for $220 ($30 off):</strong></a> This is the latest version of Amazon's color ereader that has half of the storage of the original model, but otherwise functions the same. That makes it a little cheaper to start off, but you're still getting a 7-inch color e-paper display, full access to the Kindle shop and a waterproof design. We also appreciate that the Colorsoft comes with no lockscreen ads by default.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:35;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0CNV9F72P&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Amazon+Kindle+%2816GB%29+for+%2490+%2818+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FtYXpvbi1LaW5kbGUvZHAvQjBDTlY5RjcyUD90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vQW1hem9uLUtpbmRsZS9kcC9CMENOVjlGNzJQIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAdl2cQYuY1_rr_Z3eGmZmRR1h9b4pVJbNdUhsldRTyG8&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAmazon-Kindle%2Fdp%2FB0CNV9F72P" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Kindle/dp/B0CNV9F72P"><strong>Amazon Kindle (16GB) for $90 (18 percent off):</strong></a> The latest entry-level Kindle has a lightweight, compact design, a six-inch screen with adjustable front light, up to six weeks of battery life and gives you access to the entire Kindle ebook store.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:36;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DHLQT3CG&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Blink+Outdoor+4+security+cameras+%283+camera+system%29+for+%24100+%2847+percent+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREhMUVQzQ0c_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREhMUVQzQ0ciLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAeOSg68QiJ749GP2b5IWUhmK0kcOuNW1nC6eoYvT1bi1&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DHLQT3CG" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHLQT3CG?"><strong>Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras (3 camera system) for $100 (47 percent off):</strong></a> Some of our favorite <a data-i13n="cpos:37;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-security-camera-130035012.html">security cameras</a>, Blink Outdoor 4 devices support 1080p video, two-way talk, motion alerts and night vision. The most convenient thing about these is that they're totally wireless and run on AA batteries that can last up to two years before you need to replace them. That combined with their weather-proof design allows you to place them both inside and outside.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:ESPN Plus;elmt:;cpos:38;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=55640060-7940-40de-bdca-1c734608a52a&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=ESPN+Plus&amp;linkText=ESPN+Unlimited+with+Disney%2B+and+Hulu+%28with+ads%29+for+%2430%2Fmonth+%28%246%2Fmonth+off%29%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BsdXMuZXNwbi5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcGx1cy5lc3BuLmNvbS8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAcUoNDYHdZx8omoE6Muf96ywRKJi4HrM5s8aOCRhfqZU&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.espn.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://plus.espn.com/"><strong>ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $30/month ($6/month off):</strong></a> ESPN’s new streaming service is officially available now, and new subscribers can get Disney+ and Hulu included for one year when they sign up. The regular price of the new <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:ESPN Plus;elmt:;cpos:39;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=55640060-7940-40de-bdca-1c734608a52a&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=ESPN+Plus&amp;linkText=ESPN+Unlimited+plan&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3BsdXMuZXNwbi5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcGx1cy5lc3BuLmNvbS8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAcUoNDYHdZx8omoE6Muf96ywRKJi4HrM5s8aOCRhfqZU&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fplus.espn.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://plus.espn.com/">ESPN Unlimited plan</a> is $30 per month, but this bundle offer throws in Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for one year at no extra cost. If you want to break it down, you’re essentially getting each of the three services for $10 monthly with this offer.</p> <p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:NordVPN;elmt:;cpos:40;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c52a3d27-2d9a-44d8-8cf2-6f6387b122a0&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=NordVPN&amp;linkText=NordVPN+deal+%E2%80%94+Get+up+to+77+percent+off+two-year+plans%3A&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL25vcmR2cG4uY29tL2NvdXBvbi9kZWFsLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL25vcmR2cG4uY29tL2NvdXBvbi9kZWFsLyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAfE9kWeJ_dSxC4rU_X99w0S_wGwmxO4s_X20FW3bK5KD&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fnordvpn.com%2Fcoupon%2Fdeal%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://nordvpn.com/coupon/deal/"><strong>NordVPN deal — Get up to 77 percent off two-year plans:</strong></a> Most of <a data-i13n="cpos:41;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/nordvpn-review-2025-innovative-features-a-few-missteps-163000578.html">NordVPN's</a> two-year plans are on sale right now. You'll get 77 percent off the Prime tier, bringing the price down to $189 for 27 months of service (Nord throws in an extra three months for free). Arguably the best plan for most people is the Plus tier, which is 73 percent off and down to $108 for the 27-month term.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-labor-day-sales-on-tech">Best Labor Day sales on tech</h2> <ul> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:42;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DL75531G&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Apple+24-inch+iMac+%28M4%29+for+%241%2C149+%28%24150+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREw3NTUzMUc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwREw3NTUzMUciLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAX7zp_hF242Yugk2HS-j0NMnwaUkIuawYeRPCssbJn7V&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DL75531G" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DL75531G?th=1">Apple 24-inch iMac (M4) for $1,149 ($150 off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:43;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0D72RVDLH&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=8Bitdo+Ultimate+2C+Wired+Controller+for+%2415+%2825+percent+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDcyUlZETEg_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRDcyUlZETEgiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAWN0BEw8x2Qsc5lWCZnD0yKF5ulsBRDZZa8SGNRD9jHs&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0D72RVDLH" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D72RVDLH?th=1">8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wired Controller for $15 (25 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:44;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0F1HX3WXX&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Xbox+wireless+gaming+controller+for+%2454+%2817+percent+off%29&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAATwAPxRiCLy3B3zVP_CrfMAHHvHKehzx2zPviO6d1R8u&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FXbox-Wireless-Gaming-Controller-Headsets-Console%2Fdp%2FB0F1HX3WXX" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-Wireless-Gaming-Controller-Headsets-Console/dp/B0F1HX3WXX">Xbox wireless gaming controller for $54 (17 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:45;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DF44RTTP&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Roku+Ultra+streamer+for+%2479+%2821+percent+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1Jva3UtVWx0cmEtMjAyNC1TdHJlYW1pbmctUmVjaGFyZ2VhYmxlL2RwL0IwREY0NFJUVFA_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1Jva3UtVWx0cmEtMjAyNC1TdHJlYW1pbmctUmVjaGFyZ2VhYmxlL2RwL0IwREY0NFJUVFAiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAaYADRcsZi03bc8dqmGIpMRptP5uf9qiQ9UL5AzSInnI&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoku-Ultra-2024-Streaming-Rechargeable%2Fdp%2FB0DF44RTTP" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Ultra-2024-Streaming-Rechargeable/dp/B0DF44RTTP?">Roku Ultra streamer for $79 (21 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:46;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B08MVGF24M&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Sony+WH-1000XM4+wireless+headphones+for+%24200+%2843+percent+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1NvbnktV0gtMTAwMFhNNC1DYW5jZWxpbmctSGVhZHBob25lcy1QaG9uZS1DYWxsL2RwL0IwOE1WR0YyNE0_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1NvbnktV0gtMTAwMFhNNC1DYW5jZWxpbmctSGVhZHBob25lcy1QaG9uZS1DYWxsL2RwL0IwOE1WR0YyNE0iLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAASGeRpYFFmQ4xnqX2ObZDrtTFz6vHiWW-BbFQp4ENY4s&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-WH-1000XM4-Canceling-Headphones-Phone-Call%2Fdp%2FB08MVGF24M" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WH-1000XM4-Canceling-Headphones-Phone-Call/dp/B08MVGF24M?th=1">Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones for $200 (43 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:47;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B099WTN2TR&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Govee+RGBIC+Floor+Lamp+Basic+for+%2460+%2840+percent+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0dvdmVlLU1vZGVybi1Bc3Npc3RhbnQtTWlsbGlvbi1CZWRyb29tL2RwL0IwOTlXVE4yVFI_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0dvdmVlLU1vZGVybi1Bc3Npc3RhbnQtTWlsbGlvbi1CZWRyb29tL2RwL0IwOTlXVE4yVFIiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAdfWNIJOzOmYTvHloLxpbQxPfRWe-AlKT51NPP-z73U2&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGovee-Modern-Assistant-Million-Bedroom%2Fdp%2FB099WTN2TR" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Govee-Modern-Assistant-Million-Bedroom/dp/B099WTN2TR?th=1">Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp Basic for $60 (40 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:48;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B09H8CWFNK&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Shark+AI+Ultra+robot+vacuum+with+self-emptying+base+for+%24300+%2845+percent+off%29&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAYs2EQCqy8uzqddKf0arAKbKvi_-3jhD_6irnJjbPK7N&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FShark-AV2501S-Self-Empty-Navigation-UltraClean%2Fdp%2FB09H8CWFNK" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Shark-AV2501S-Self-Empty-Navigation-UltraClean/dp/B09H8CWFNK?th=1">Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with self-emptying base for $300 (45 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:49;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0B89P16MC&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Shark+FlexStyle+Air+Styling+%26+Drying+System+for+%24250+%2829+percent+off%29&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAe5QV_gz2QHsBaBvGZglQvtlshiJAatAhKTUDLJc_Tdd&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FShark-HD430-Multi-Styler-Concentrator-Attachment%2Fdp%2FB0B89P16MC%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Shark-HD430-Multi-Styler-Concentrator-Attachment/dp/B0B89P16MC/">Shark FlexStyle Air Styling &amp; Drying System for $250 (29 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:50;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0B1VQ1ZQY&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Amazon+Fire+Max+11+tablet+for+%24175+%2824+percent+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FtYXpvbi1wb3dlcmZ1bC1kaXNwbGF5LW9jdGEtY29yZS1wcm9jZXNzb3IvZHAvQjBCMVZRMVpRWS8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FtYXpvbi1wb3dlcmZ1bC1kaXNwbGF5LW9jdGEtY29yZS1wcm9jZXNzb3IvZHAvQjBCMVZRMVpRWS8iLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAWWjotc33WK2bw6UlKzJWPO6YpJzVQwIqH2itpQApqMK&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAmazon-powerful-display-octa-core-processor%2Fdp%2FB0B1VQ1ZQY%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-powerful-display-octa-core-processor/dp/B0B1VQ1ZQY/?th=1">Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet for $175 (24 percent off)</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:51;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0F66XD5LF&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Nothing+Headphones+%281%29+for+%24269+%28%2430+off%29&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRjY2WEQ1TEY_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRjY2WEQ1TEYiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAQU0yf8a_3uM9Qd6k5A-f6hK5sKMIZM-mHpI65KJXZh9&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0F66XD5LF" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F66XD5LF?th=1">Nothing Headphones (1) for $269 ($30 off)</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-more-labor-day-sales">More Labor Day sales</h2> <ul> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Dyson;elmt:;cpos:52;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8b96b196-8902-4854-bf81-2e614eba034c&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Dyson&amp;linkText=Dyson+Labor+Day+sale%3A+Save+up+to+%24500+on+vacuums%2C+hair+care+and+more&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5keXNvbi5jb20vZGVhbHMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImUxNmNjMjAzLTVlYzMtNGNjOC04YTgyLWIxZDVkMjBjYTZiOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHlzb24uY29tL2RlYWxzIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAfgUTq95bAUMCx_fMDOerQ6SlCfqPBDZK3jH5fdRsW-u&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fdeals" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.dyson.com/deals"><strong>Dyson Labor Day sale: </strong>Save up to $500 on vacuums, hair care and more</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:53;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;linkText=Sonos+Labor+Day+sale%3A+Save+up+to+25+percent+on+headphones+and+speakers&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9wcm9tb3Rpb25hbC1vZmZlcnMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImUxNmNjMjAzLTVlYzMtNGNjOC04YTgyLWIxZDVkMjBjYTZiOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc29ub3MuY29tL2VuLXVzL3Nob3AvcHJvbW90aW9uYWwtb2ZmZXJzIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAcmxATi31343_zYpwDLp1gxR7m3zo3wEQSCyDaY3WDBq&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fpromotional-offers" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/promotional-offers"><strong>Sonos Labor Day sale:</strong> Save up to 25 percent on headphones and speakers</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Therabody;elmt:;cpos:54;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5b9d3e65-6643-4e27-864d-7234e6924108&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Therabody&amp;linkText=Therabody+Labor+Day+sale%3A+Save+up+to+%24150+on+percussion+massage+guns+and+more&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50aGVyYWJvZHkuY29tL2NvbGxlY3Rpb25zL3RoZXJhYm9keS1zYWxlIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJlMTZjYzIwMy01ZWMzLTRjYzgtOGE4Mi1iMWQ1ZDIwY2E2YjgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZXJhYm9keS5jb20vY29sbGVjdGlvbnMvdGhlcmFib2R5LXNhbGUifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAUOUIw2N93kc5dnBU6kkpsN1OZSKGhgZjbMkyljuTRwc&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therabody.com%2Fcollections%2Ftherabody-sale" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.therabody.com/collections/therabody-sale"><strong>Therabody Labor Day sale:</strong> Save up to $150 on percussion massage guns and more</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Ooni Pizza Ovens;elmt:;cpos:55;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=0de15002-ec35-49d8-b24c-3d060213cd2b&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Ooni+Pizza+Ovens&amp;linkText=Ooni+Labor+Day+sale%3A+Get+20+percent+off+the+Koda+2+Max+and+save+on+other+pizza+ovens&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL29vbmkuY29tL2NvbGxlY3Rpb25zL3N1bW1lci1vZmZlcnMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImUxNmNjMjAzLTVlYzMtNGNjOC04YTgyLWIxZDVkMjBjYTZiOCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9vb25pLmNvbS9jb2xsZWN0aW9ucy9zdW1tZXItb2ZmZXJzIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAaneHWY7ON8xGZFfcWKkCuF9Z4fQ0aZkYqZfgLo6xbJt&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fooni.com%2Fcollections%2Fsummer-offers" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://ooni.com/collections/summer-offers"><strong>Ooni Labor Day sale:</strong> Get 20 percent off the Koda 2 Max and save on other pizza ovens</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Solo Stove;elmt:;cpos:56;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f5421854-3d3e-46b7-ba38-db91920c7f00&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Solo+Stove&amp;linkText=Solo+Stove+Labor+Day+sale%3A+Get+20+percent+off+fire+pits+and+15+percent+off+select+accessories&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb2xvc3RvdmUuY29tL2VuLXVzL2MvaG9saWRheS1kZWFscyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb2xvc3RvdmUuY29tL2VuLXVzL2MvaG9saWRheS1kZWFscyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAcoKOfX8E_LNFsajdHbClh20G9Y_QXhl9jujHMKiH77w&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.solostove.com%2Fen-us%2Fc%2Fholiday-deals" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.solostove.com/en-us/c/holiday-deals"><strong>Solo Stove Labor Day sale:</strong> Get 20 percent off fire pits and 15 percent off select accessories</a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:57;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=e16cc203-5ec3-4cc8-8a82-b1d5d20ca6b8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Meater+Labor+Day+sale%3A+Get+up+to+27+percent+off+smart+meat+thermometers&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3N0b3Jlcy9NRUFURVIvcGFnZS8zMEM5ODQ0My0yOTg5LTQ3QzgtOUQ0QS0xOTkwOUJFQkMzMTY_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZTE2Y2MyMDMtNWVjMy00Y2M4LThhODItYjFkNWQyMGNhNmI4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL3N0b3Jlcy9NRUFURVIvcGFnZS8zMEM5ODQ0My0yOTg5LTQ3QzgtOUQ0QS0xOTkwOUJFQkMzMTYiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAARNAh0QSYAwWisGqk0L3C7Y7zfNbzgneLXUwFDLFRit3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2FMEATER%2Fpage%2F30C98443-2989-47C8-9D4A-19909BEBC316" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/stores/MEATER/page/30C98443-2989-47C8-9D4A-19909BEBC316?"><strong>Meater Labor Day sale:</strong> Get up to 27 percent off smart meat thermometers</a></p></li> </ul> <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:58;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest </em><a data-i13n="cpos:59;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/"><em>tech deals</em></a><em> and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:60;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/"><em>buying advice</em></a><em>.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-labor-day-sales-you-can-still-get-today-from-apple-dyson-sony-and-others-120049310.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>There&#39;s a new player in the AI race, and it&#39;s a whole country. Switzerland has just <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-ai/switzerland-launches-transparent-chatgpt-alternative/89929269">released Apertus</a>, its open-source national Large Language Model (LLM) that it hopes would be an alternative to models offered by companies like OpenAI. Apertus, Latin for the world &quot;open,&quot; was developed by the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL), ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), all of which are public institutions.&nbsp;</p> <p>&quot;Currently, Apertus is the leading public AI model: a model built by public institutions, for the public interest. It is our best proof yet that AI can be a form of public infrastructure like highways, water, or electricity,&quot; said Joshua Tan, a leading proponent in making <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:LinkedIn;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=6deefbf2-941b-4156-9f41-a61ebb50d13d&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=4fd438bb-839f-47cf-bc4c-c17ec5ba39b6&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=LinkedIn&amp;linkText=AI+a+public+infrastructure&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5saW5rZWRpbi5jb20vY29tcGFueS9wdWJhaS8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjRmZDQzOGJiLTgzOWYtNDdjZi1iYzRjLWMxN2VjNWJhMzliNiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2NvbXBhbnkvcHViYWkvIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAbWj4xHbm4DUDqHm8SYq29i2N7rFIXWICJktWk7AqgbI&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fpubai%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.linkedin.com/company/pubai/">AI a public infrastructure</a>.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The Swiss institutions designed Apertus to be completely open, allowing users to inspect any part of its training process. In addition to the model itself, they released comprehensive documentation and source code of its training process, as well as the datasets they used. They built Apertus to comply with Swiss data protection and copyright laws, which makes it perhaps one of the better choices for companies that want to adhere to European regulations. The Swiss Bankers Association previously said that a homegrown LLM would have &quot;great long-term potential,&quot; since it will be able to better comply with Switzerland&#39;s strict local data protection and bank secrecy rules. At the moment, Swiss banks are already using other AI models for their needs, so it remains to be seen whether they&#39;ll switch to Apertus.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anybody can use the new model: Researchers, hobbyists and even companies are welcome to build upon it and to tailor it for their needs. They can use it to create chatbots, translators and even educational or training tools, for instance. Apertus was trained on 15 trillion tokens across more than 1,000 languages, with 40 percent of the data in languages other than English, including Swiss German and Romansh. Switzerland&#39;s announcement says the model was only trained on publicly available data, and its crawlers respected machine-readable opt-out requests when they came across them on websites. To note, AI companies like Perplexity have previously been accused of scraping websites and <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai-companies-are-reportedly-still-scraping-websites-despite-protocols-meant-to-block-them-132308524.html">bypassing protocols</a> meant to block their crawlers. Some AI companies have also been <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/more-news-organizations-sue-openai-and-microsoft-over-copyright-infringement-061103178.html">sued</a> by news organizations and creatives for using their content to train their models without permission.&nbsp;</p> <p>Apertus is currently available in two sizes with 8 billion and 70 billion parameters. It&#39;s currently available via Swisscom, a Swiss information and communication technology company, or via <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://huggingface.co/swiss-ai/Apertus-8B-Instruct-2509">Hugging Face</a>.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/switzerland-launches-its-own-open-source-ai-model-133051578.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/vpn-review-expressvpn-2023-gaming-streaming-160052492.html">ExpressVPN</a> has tripled its subscription options by switching to a tiered pricing structure, effective today. The new system includes three levels of service, the cheapest offering basic VPN service and the others adding extra features. Each one of those levels — Basic, Advanced and Pro — can be purchased for monthly, yearly or two-year durations.</p> <p>In total, you&#39;ve now got nine different options for subscribing to ExpressVPN. The company also says legacy plans will remain active &quot;for now,&quot; and current customers won&#39;t be downgraded. The change is similar to the approach already used by rivals like <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/nordvpn-review-2025-innovative-features-a-few-missteps-163000578.html">NordVPN</a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/surfshark-vpn-review-a-fast-vpn-for-casual-users-170022675.html">Surfshark</a>.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Previously, ExpressVPN locked feature offerings to the duration of the plan, so the only way to get the full suite of features was to subscribe for 24 months. Now, while longer-term subscriptions will still offer discounts, features depend on your level of subscription instead of how long it lasts.</p> <p>The new tiers roll in some features that were previously part of ExpressVPN&#39;s Identity Defender suite, including identity monitoring, credit reports and data removal services. New types of plans will also bump the number of allowed simultaneous connections to as high as 14. Here&#39;s what you&#39;ll get with each tier.</p> <figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/43650a60-8764-11f0-bffe-f91f126d6f26" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/43650a60-8764-11f0-bffe-f91f126d6f26" style="height:652px;width:714px;" alt="Here&#39;s how ExpressVPN&#39;s new feature tiers break down." data-uuid="fca3648b-f7b7-3e5a-814b-c02c0c7ddab8"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">ExpressVPN</div></figure> <p>The Basic plan comes with &quot;core VPN functionality&quot; including the Lightway protocol. Basic users will no longer have access to the ad blocker, tracker blocker or parental controls. It can be used on 10 devices at once and will cost $12.99 for a month, $74.85 for a year and $97.72 for two years.</p> <p>The Advanced plan raises the device limit to 12 and adds the blockers and parental controls, plus the ExpressVPN Keys password manager. It also gives you three days of eSIM service and adds the Identity Defender features — leak alerts, $1 million of identity theft insurance, data removal and credit monitoring. As was already the case, those ID protection features are available only to users in the United States.</p> <p>An Advanced plan will cost $13.99 for a month, $89.85 for a year and $125.72 for two years. The one-year and two-year plans are both cheaper than the same duration used to cost. Advanced subscribers also get five days of eSIM service and a discount coupon for between 25 and 50 percent off an ExpressVPN Aircove router (it&#39;s not currently clear how the exact discount will be determined).</p> <p>Although Basic and Advanced users can pay extra (between $3.99 and $8.99) for a dedicated IP address, it comes standard on a Pro subscription. Pro users additionally get monthly credit reports and data removal, 14 simultaneous connections and an Aircove discount between 50 and 75 percent. A Pro plan costs $19.99 for a month, $134.95 for a year and $209.72 for two years.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-expressvpn-tiered-pricing-means-for-vpn-shoppers"><strong>What ExpressVPN tiered pricing means for VPN shoppers</strong></h2> <p>Ultimately, I don&#39;t think this new approach will change much about the experience of using ExpressVPN. It&#39;s not introducing any new features; I already touched on everything here in my recent <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/vpn-review-expressvpn-2023-gaming-streaming-160052492.html">ExpressVPN review</a>, so the only difference is how much you&#39;ll pay to access the perks.</p> <p>The best news for consumers is that ExpressVPN is now available for significantly cheaper than before. A two-year Basic plan costs about 30 percent less than a two-year subscription used to — though a one-year basic plan is still more expensive than a comparable subscription to <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/proton-vpn-review-2025-a-nonprofit-service-with-premium-performance-153046073.html">Proton VPN</a> or Surfshark. All that said, I can&#39;t enthusiastically recommend a Basic subscription until I know that it includes the Network Lock kill switch and split tunneling on supported platforms (we&#39;re reaching out to ExpressVPN to confirm this).</p> <p>We&#39;re in the process of overhauling our ranking of <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/best-vpn-130004396.html">best VPNs</a>, including the new information from ExpressVPN — check in soon to see the results.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/expressvpn-switches-to-multi-tiered-pricing-plans-letting-users-tweak-features-to-plan-duration-130016667.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Dolby Vision has been <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-10-14-hdr10-dolby-vision-hlg-explainer-video.html">one of the industry standards for HDR</a> on TVs for over a decade. At <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ifa-2025-what-to-expect-from-samsung-acer-lenovo-and-more-181825489.html">IFA 2025</a>, Dolby Laboratories is introducing Dolby Vision 2, what it calls &quot;a groundbreaking evolution of its industry-leading picture quality innovation.&quot; The second iteration has been updated to meet the capabilities of today&#39;s TV technology and the ever-expanding set of artist tools. Dolby Vision 2 includes a more powerful image engine, better optimization for your TV and features that go &quot;beyond HDR.&quot;&nbsp;</p> <p>The base of Dolby Vision 2 is called Content Intelligence. Dolby says these tools provide a better &quot;bridge&quot; between the creative professionals and the living room by using AI to automatically adapt your TV to what your watching and where you&#39;re watching it. Content Intelligence includes tools like Precision Black to help keep darker scenes visible and Light Sense that detects ambient light to create the best picture. There&#39;s also Sports and Gaming Optimization that caters to the specific needs of live sports and gaming with upgrades to white point adjustments and motion control.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Bi-directional tone mapping will allow premium TVs produce &quot;deliver higher brightness, sharper contrast and deeply saturated colors&quot; while maintaining artist intent, Dolby explains. That &quot;beyond HDR&quot; push includes features like Authentic Motion. This tool is what Dolby calls &quot;the world’s first creative driven motion control tool to make scenes feel more authentically cinematic.&quot;</p> <p>When it&#39;s ready for the living room, Dolby Vision 2 will be offered in two ways. First, Dolby Vision 2 Max will come on premium TVs to harness all of their processing power to provide unique premium features. Regular Dolby Vision 2 is what you&#39;ll find on mainstream TVs with features that run on the new image engine and Content Intelligence.&nbsp;</p> <p>When new standards like this are introduced, sometimes it takes a while for them to actually make it into products you can buy. Dolby says Hisense will be the first to bring Dolby Vision 2 to market, offering support for the new standard on its &quot;premium&quot; TVs, including RGB-MiniLED models. What&#39;s more, French streaming service Canal+ is also on board, aiming to leverage the new technology for movies, TV shows and live sports.&nbsp;</p> <p>You&#39;ll want to tune into our CES coverage in January, because Dolby Vision 2 will certainly be a topic of discussion for the companies that typically debut new TVs in Las Vegas. Perhaps we&#39;ll also get a demo of what this second-gen tech is capable of at the show as well.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/dolby-announces-dolby-vision-2-expanding-picture-quality-beyond-hdr-123019504.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>JBL just announced a new portable Bluetooth speaker, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:JBL;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f671e4c0-78f5-4be4-a1dc-bc74e91d5c55&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=0ecb0c59-591d-43cd-bc5d-166e5d8ed7ca&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=JBL&amp;linkText=called+the+Grip&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qYmwuY29tL2JsdWV0b290aC1zcGVha2Vycy9HUklQLTEuaHRtbCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMGVjYjBjNTktNTkxZC00M2NkLWJjNWQtMTY2ZTVkOGVkN2NhIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5qYmwuY29tL2JsdWV0b290aC1zcGVha2Vycy9HUklQLTEuaHRtbCJ9&amp;signature=AQAAASwxCD3zUFuhxMecTKmJMEeoEG8JlEQXyZy5wAxFk31x&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jbl.com%2Fbluetooth-speakers%2FGRIP-1.html" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.jbl.com/bluetooth-speakers/GRIP-1.html">called the Grip</a>. This model includes a rope hook, which should make it easy to attach to backpacks, ski gear, or just about anything else.</p> <p>It also features customizable ambient lighting that actually looks pretty useful. The company says this lighting scheme makes the speaker a "perfect bedside companion for late-night reading." A speaker that doubles as a night light? I can see the use for that.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <div id="29da52e3a3fb4a2d997bb76a2122e0b6"> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AG9jfZtgpNE?si=iFITWaYGxW8tu6qu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <p>As for the audio, JBL promises "pro sound" at a "fuller volume" when compared to some rival Bluetooth speakers. It boasts multispeaker connectivity via Auracast, which makes it <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/bluetooth-auracast-is-everywhere-at-ces-2024-so-what-is-it-224509414.html">much easier to switch between sources</a>. The battery life is also on point here, offering up to 14 hours of use per charge.</p> <p>The speaker looks pretty durable, with an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating. The company also notes that the unit is drop-proof, so "it can survive a hard fall onto concrete." The JBL Grip costs $100 and is available in numerous colorways. Pre-orders are open right now, with shipments going out on September 28.</p> <p> <core-commerce id="b77a37d387cc4b8bbdfe8861807aaa88" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.jbl.com/bluetooth-speakers/GRIP-1.html"></core-commerce></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/jbls-grip-bluetooth-speaker-doubles-as-a-snazzy-reading-light-120033764.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>It was a quiet Labor Day weekend for tech, but the Engadget team has kept busy testing out new gear from the likes of DJI, Sony and Bose. I want to kick things off with the new flagship <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/djis-much-smaller-mic-3-can-record-four-subjects-at-once-120032192.html">DJI Mic 3</a>.</p> <p>The wireless mics have a wholesale design change from the Mic 2, plus many improvements in sound quality, noise reduction and the number of subjects you can record at once — though there is one downgrade compared to the last model. I’ve had one for over a week, so I’ll share some impressions as well.</p> <p>The most noticeable change with the Mic 3 is the smaller transmitter size and lighter weight. It’s just 16 grams (.58 ounces) compared to 28 grams (.99 ounces) for the Mic 2. The smaller size and rotating clip make the Mic 3 more discreet and easier to attach to any shirt or hat. However, there’s still a large DJI logo on both sides of the transmitter, so dig out your black tape.</p> <p>The Mic 3 now supports up to four transmitters and eight receivers at once. That means you can record four subjects at a time to as many as eight receivers simultaneously for multi-camera shoots (if you buy the extra kits). DJI’s Mic 3 is now on sale in most territories, priced at $329 in a kit with a charging case plus two transmitters and a receiver, or $219 with a single transmitter and receiver.</p> <p>— Mat Smith</p> <p><em>Get Engadget&#39;s newsletter delivered</em> <em>direct to your inbox.</em><a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/about/newsletter/"><em> Subscribe right here!</em></a></p> <h3 id="jump-link-the-news-you-might-have-missed">The news you might have missed</h3> <ul> <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hitman-on-ios-martial-arts-survival-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110054545.html"><ins>Hitman on iOS, martial arts survival and other new indie games worth checking out</ins></a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apples-mls-season-pass-drops-to-as-low-as-25-for-the-rest-of-2025-170855008.html"><ins>Apple’s MLS Season Pass drops to as low as $25 for the rest of 2025</ins></a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen-review-still-a-noise-canceling-powerhouse-153017601.html"><ins>Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) review: Still a noise-canceling powerhouse</ins></a></p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/how-to-perform-a-reverse-phone-number-lookup-130004364.html"><ins>How to perform a reverse phone number lookup</ins></a></p></li> </ul> <hr> <h2 id="jump-link-the-best-mobile-microphones-for-2025"><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-mobile-microphones-for-recording-with-a-phone-154536629.html">The best mobile microphones for 2025</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-our-top-picks-for-phone-mics-to-record-anything-and-everything">Our top picks for phone mics to record anything and everything.</h3> <h3 id="jump-link-"></h3> <p>That makes it a great time to test the DJI Mic 3&#39;s rivals. The world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has expanded significantly, with many great options arriving in the last few years. We’ve tested a wide range of popular microphones with a mobile focus, so you don’t have to. Some microphones — such as the wireless lavalier kind — will be more versatile and convenient, making them useful for a variety of uses. We also have musician or field-recording picks, where we explore more exotic form factors, such as shotgun mics and mobile-friendly desktop options. Naturally, our top focus is sound quality and performance.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-mobile-microphones-for-recording-with-a-phone-154536629.html"><strong>Continue reading.</strong></a></p> <hr> <h2 id="jump-link-youtube-tv-subscribers-wont-lose-access-to-fox-content-after-all"><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/youtube-tv-subscribers-wont-lose-access-to-fox-content-after-all-130054330.html">YouTube TV subscribers won’t lose access to Fox content after all</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-the-two-companies-reached-an-agreement">The two companies reached an agreement.</h3> <h3 id="jump-link-"></h3> <p>YouTube TV warned subscribers they could lose access to Fox content, including the start of the NFL season and a key college football game between the top-ranked Texas Longhorns and the Utah Utes. The standoff was over money, of course, with YouTube TV saying Fox demanded more than rival stations with comparable offerings.</p> <p>That has now been resolved with a “renewal of the full portfolio of Fox networks, including Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network, the Fox network and all Fox Local Stations,” Fox said in its own press release.</p> <p>In the past, YouTube TV has lost access to local Fox stations that carry regional sports, though usually disputes are extended and resolved before they get that far.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/youtube-tv-subscribers-wont-lose-access-to-fox-content-after-all-130054330.html"><strong>Continue reading.</strong></a></p> <hr> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><h2 id="jump-link-sony-rx1r-iii-camera-review"><a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sony-rx1r-iii-review-waiting-10-years-to-be-underwhelmed-160036397.html">Sony RX1R III camera review</a></h2> <h3 id="jump-link-waiting-10-years-to-be-underwhelmed">Waiting 10 years to be underwhelmed.</h3> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sony-rx1r-iii-review-waiting-10-years-to-be-underwhelmed-160036397.html"><figure><img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/ca427960-87e5-11f0-9fde-b1407dc20901" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-09/ca427960-87e5-11f0-9fde-b1407dc20901" style="height:360px;width:640px;" alt="TMA" data-uuid="81aad4fc-edb3-399e-878a-dd928b9c49aa"><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Engadget</div></figure></a> <p>First things first: The RX1R III can capture <em>stunning</em> photos. However, for something Sony waited nearly a decade to update and is charging $5,100 for, it also feels like a missed opportunity. First, the RX1R III is nearly $2,000 more expensive than its predecessor. Plus, it’s missing a handful of features the company really should have included for it to hold its own against other high-end compact cameras from rivals, like Fujifilm. Come for Igor Bonifacic’s full review, stay for the pet pics.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sony-rx1r-iii-review-waiting-10-years-to-be-underwhelmed-160036397.html"><strong>Continue reading.</strong></a></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111920529.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a new phone that handles your daily tasks with ease. The best cheap Android phones pack impressive features into affordable price tags, making them great options for anyone who wants solid performance without stretching their wallet. Whether you're scrolling social media, streaming videos or snapping photos, there are plenty of budget-friendly Android devices that can keep up with everything you do.<br><br>While you might not get all the bells and whistles of flagship models, many of today’s affordable phones still offer surprisingly good build quality, smooth displays and capable camera systems. Some even boast impressive camera quality that can go toe-to-toe with far more expensive options — perfect for casual photographers or anyone who just wants to capture great moments on the go.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-budget-android-phones-for-2025">Best budget Android phones for 2025</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-how-cheap-should-you-go-for-an-android-phone">How cheap should you go for an Android phone?</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-a-cheap-phone">What to look for in a cheap phone</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-android-phone-faqs">Android phone FAQs</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-budget-android-phones-for-2025">Best budget Android phones for 2025</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="e505c5ebe68049a3ab2f1da5c0e03992" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Unlocked-Smartphone-Charging-Expandable/dp/B0DLHNWHRF/?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="76de5bd91429478cbe7f35bb23d4b852" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/OnePlus-Unlocked-Dual-SIM-Charging-Chromatic/dp/B0C22BRGLG/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="ecee66a151fe401184480aa33b34e5af" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Moto-Play-Unlocked-Camera-Sapphire/dp/B0CP6DDN1H/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="0f81fd60915a4795b034eda02b5f7c8c" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Smartphone-Snapdragon-Processor-Waterproof/dp/B0DYDLBDZK?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-cheap-should-you-go-for-an-android-phone">How cheap should you go for an Android phone?</h2> <p>We tend to define a budget smartphone as costing between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device runs the risk of suffering from too many compromises in function, and above that, you cross over to pricier <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-engadget-guide-to-the-best-midrange-smartphones-120050366.html">midrange handsets</a> (if you're open to spending more, we shouted out a couple of our favorite flagship phones at the very end of this guide).</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if it’s intended mainly for emergencies, WiFi browsing or texting parents (and not social media). On the higher end of this price spectrum, sub-$350 Samsung phones and other Android devices have come a long way thanks to improved performance, better phone cameras with low-light capabilities, fast charging, and nicer displays like AMOLED panels. This makes them a viable alternative to, say, a flagship handset with a premium design, even if you have the flexibility to spend more.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-to-look-for-in-a-cheap-android-phone">What to look for in a cheap Android phone</h2> <p>When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made out of plastic, though the fit and finish of a specific model can vary a lot based on price. A bright screen is also important. Typically you’ll get LCD panels with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but some phones may have OLED or AMOLED screens with increased color saturation. Long battery life is critical as well, so we tend to favor devices with larger power cells of around 5,000 mAh. In this price range, performance can vary a lot, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. It’s also important to consider support length: as periodic security updates and lengthy software support can extend the longevity of your device, which will save you money in the long run.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-android-phone-faqs">Android phone FAQs</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-whats-the-price-difference-for-a-cheap-android-vs-a-cheap-iphone">What's the price difference for a cheap Android vs a cheap iPhone?</h3> <p>iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones — even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, which starts from $429, is a harder pill to swallow compared to a cheap Android phone. In contrast, you can get your hands on a cheap Android device for as low as $100.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-cheap-android-phone-160029703.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>There’s nothing more frustrating than shooting the perfect reel only to realize that the audio sounds like garbage. For budding creators, it’s a frustration; for those looking to make more professional content, it’s a dealbreaker. Fortunately, the world of mobile-specific (or phone-friendly) microphones has exploded with great options in the last few years. Whether you’ve been tasked with recording candid moments at a relative’s wedding, shooting a friend’s dance moves or are a journalist out in the field traveling light — there’s an option out there that will be perfect for you.<br><br>We’ve tested a wide range of popular microphones with a mobile focus so that you don’t have to. Below is our hand-picked list of the very best options for a variety of use cases. Some microphones — the wireless lavalier kind, for example — will be more versatile and convenient, useful for a number of different applications. Others, such as our musician or field-recording picks, are where we explore more exotic form factors such as shotgun mics and mobile-friendly desktop options. As always, above everything else is sound quality and general performance. The good news for you is that we’ve done all the hard work for you. Happy recording!</p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-phone-mics-for-2025-best-wireless-mics-for-creators">Best phone mics for 2025: Best wireless mics for creators</h2> <p>“Creator” is a broad term, but for the purposes of this guide, it’s anyone that wants to make videos or recordings to share on the internet. This is possibly the most exciting category right now with excellent options from brands such as Rode and DJI, but also some compelling budget options too. Once the domain of TV and pro productions, wireless lavalier mics are now the go-to choice for anyone creating in front of (or even behind) the camera. They usually sound great, offer hands-free flexibility and premium models come with extra features that will streamline your creative process.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="213c3d52388249609733196a7e41a598" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Charging-Microphone-Ultralight-Anti-Interference/dp/B0F995J8FR/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="09276abab1154727a9e5f90fab7d4232" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DN1PGH94/?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="63baae448eb548d79c8c276344269862" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/BOYA-Wireless-Microphone-Reduction-Recording/dp/B0DJSM8PHP"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="6ea465bff9194bd0938d4874f1007f2f" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Pro-Audio-Microphone-509261/dp/B08YS2G4FB?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="7d58fa42709a4f24b1afa1a42ce8804e" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Microphone-Omnidirectional-Recording-Conference/dp/B01AG56HYQ/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="b28a92eef7f9428b9df7e0ced5311a96" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Rode-VideoMic-Camera-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B081S9BCHF/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="66c4f6b92d6348e7a0aec376cfcaa715" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Deity-Microphone-Rating-Cameras-Recorders/dp/B0995SY1FL/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="72f869e221794083ab2df57eec1ca328" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Shure-MV7-Microphone-Certified-Podcasting/dp/B0CTJ7PVN1?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="6a7f083b2b7e497ebb652e839a77ea0e" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Studio-quality-Microphone-Podcasting-Production-Instrument/dp/B084P1CXFD/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="d8246bc8b1d74dcdb1094fc35abc67b1" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Tula-Mics-USB-Microphone-Recording/dp/B08SZ79XWZ?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="54af5611555d4a248b4576b5b5e8ad8a" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Interview-Condenser-Microphone-Broadcast-grade-Interviews/dp/B0D1FQS8X4/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="30994bf4363c4f3b8d02a911c4a59c2d" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Rode-Interview-Handheld-Adapter-Wireless/dp/B086YXCDYC/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="da8bd08b99cb4d40ac6f063abb6ac924" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Shure-MoveMic-Wireless-Microphone-Professional/dp/B0DT4YD363/"></core-commerce></p> <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-mobile-microphones-for-recording-with-a-phone-154536629.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Google is officially <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://blog.google/products/workspace/gmail-security-protections/">debunking</a> a series of reports that claimed Gmail has been hit with a &quot;major&quot; security issue in recent days. &quot;We want to reassure our users that Gmail’s protections are strong and effective,&quot; the company said in a somewhat unusual statement. &quot;Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false.&quot;</p> <p>Google doesn&#39;t detail the erroneous claims in its post. But, as <em>Forbes</em> <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/31/entirely-false-google-says-theres-no-warning-for-gmail-users/"><ins>points out</ins></a>, it seems to be referring to several recent reports that stated the company issued an &quot;emergency warning&quot; to all of its 2.5 billion users in response to a phishing attack that targeted a Salesforce instance used by the company. That incident, however, was first reported by Google in <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/voice-phishing-data-extortion"><ins>early June</ins></a><ins>,</ins> and the company said in an August 8 update that it had finished notifying everyone affected.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>It&#39;s not clear why that report resurfaced now or how it was misconstrued into a supposed warning impacting all Gmail users, but Google is now trying to set the record straight. &quot;While it’s always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users,&quot; the company said. &quot;It’s crucial that conversation in this space is accurate and factual.&quot;</p> <p>Google also notes that it encourages all users to set up &quot;a secure password alternative,&quot; such as <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-says-its-secure-entry-passkeys-have-been-used-a-billion-times-120001230.html"><ins>a passkey</ins></a> for maximum protection.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/google-says-reports-of-a-major-gmail-security-issue-are-entirely-false-224812292.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Major social media platforms in China have started rolling out labels for AI-generated content to comply with a law that took effect on Monday. Users of the likes of WeChat, Douyin, Weibo and RedNote (aka Xiaohongshu) are now seeing such labels on posts. These denote the use of generative AI in text, images, audio, video and other types of material, according to the <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/policy/article/3323959/chinas-social-media-platforms-rush-abide-ai-generated-content-labelling-law?module=perpetual_scroll_0&amp;pgtype=article"><em><ins>South China Morning Post</ins></em></a>. Identifiers such as watermarks have to be included in metadata too.</p> <p>WeChat has told users they must proactively apply labels to their AI-generated content. They&#39;re also prohibited from removing, tampering with or hiding any AI labels that WeChat applies itself, or to use &quot;AI to produce or spread false information, infringing content or any illegal activities.&quot;&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>ByteDance&#39;s Douyin — the Chinese version of TikTok — similarly urged users to apply a label to every post of theirs that includes AI-generated material while noting it&#39;s able to use metadata to detect where a piece of content content came from. Weibo, meanwhile, has added the option for users to report &quot;unlabelled AI content&quot; option when they see something that should have such a label.</p> <p>Four agencies drafted the law — which was <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202503/content_7014286.htm"><ins>issued earlier this year</ins></a> — including the main internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security and the National Radio and Television Administration also helped put together the legislation, which is being enforced to help oversee the tidal wave of genAI content. In April, the CAC <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://thelegalwire.ai/cac-launches-special-campaign-to-clear-up-and-rectify-the-abuse-of-ai-technology/"><ins>started</ins></a> a three-month campaign to regulate AI apps and services.</p> <p>Mandatory labels for AI content could help folks better understand when they&#39;re seeing AI slop and/or misinformation instead of something authentic. Some US companies that provide genAI tools offer similar labels and are starting to bake such identifiers into hardware. Google&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-10-pro-and-pro-xl-review-redefining-the-smart-in-smartphone-170031073.html"><ins>Pixel 10 devices</ins></a> are the first phones that implement <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/heres-how-google-will-start-helping-you-figure-out-which-images-are-ai-generated-150219272.html"><ins>C2PA</ins></a> (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) content credentials <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-pixel-10-phones-will-narc-on-ai-edited-images-161757203.html"><ins>right inside the camera app</ins></a>.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/chinese-social-media-platforms-roll-out-labels-for-ai-generated-material-194803979.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Whether you're commuting, working in a bustling café or just trying to tune out the world, the best noise-canceling earbuds can help you focus on what matters — your music, podcasts or a bit of peace and quiet. With advanced noise reduction and features like active noise cancellation, these compact in-ear buds are designed to block out distractions and deliver immersive sound, even in the most noisy environments.<br><br>Today’s top models offer everything from seamless Bluetooth connectivity and customizable ear tips to long-lasting batteries with a pocketable charging case — some even charge via USB-C and come with added perks like touch controls and water resistance. Whether you're a casual listener or a true audiophile, there’s a pair out there that fits your lifestyle and budget.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-noise-cancelling-earbuds-for-2025">Best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-how-to-choose-the-best-noise-canceling-earbuds-for-you">How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-how-we-test-noise-canceling-earbuds">How we test noise-canceling earbuds</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-noise-cancelling-earbuds-for-2025">Best noise-cancelling earbuds for 2025</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="3bbabf7f38d94041a7e0315958dcebad" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.bose.com/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen/QCUE2-HEADPHONEIN.html"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="92d9459d46f345d286b10b988205d0b5" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WF-1000XM5-Bluetooth-Canceling-Headphones/dp/B0C33XXS56/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="0e369322b3ad4e5388b41a6fab332684" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Soundcore-Auto-Adjustable-Cancelling-Wireless-Headphone/dp/B0B1LVC5VZ?tag=gdgt0c-p-v-f2-20"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="6f9fc19bc6424711aff30e1948303dfa" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.masterdynamic.com/products/mw09?"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="e2384dd801674d17bf72000d0a3cf9c5" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Generation-Cancelling-Transparency-Personalized/dp/B0CHWRXH8B/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="08aee650e8844328b20dd9d26f73d591" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Cancelling-Lifestyle-Cancellation/dp/B0D8BZDPXB"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-to-choose-the-best-noise-canceling-earbuds-for-you">How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-design">Design</h3> <p>Most true wireless earbuds these days have a “traditional” design that’s a round bud that fits in your ear canals. However, there are some variations on the formula in terms of shape, size and additional fitting elements. Some companies include fins or fit wings to help hold their in-ear earbuds in place while others opt for an over-the-ear hook on more <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-headphones-for-running-120044637.html">sporty models</a>. You’ll want to pay attention to these things to make sure they align with how you plan to use them. Also consider overall size and weight since those two factors can impact the fit. A less-than-ideal seal due to a weird fit will affect the performance of active noise-canceling earbuds.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <h3 id="jump-link-type-of-noise-cancellation">Type of noise cancellation</h3> <p>Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of earbuds offer. You’ll see terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside <em>and </em>the outside of the device to detect ambient noise. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it’s at a constant level that doesn’t change.</p> <p>Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups or ear tips. Adaptive ANC is also better at combating wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using earbuds outdoors. For this top pick list of the best noise-canceling earbuds, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise in noisy environments.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-customization">Customization</h3> <p>You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of earbuds offers presets or adjustable levels of noise reduction. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help save battery life. Master &amp; Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that either provide maximum noise-blocking or prioritize energy efficiency. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-we-test-noise-canceling-earbuds">How we test noise-canceling earbuds</h2> <p>The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/podcasts/">podcasts</a>, while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls.</p> <p>Since battery life for ANC earbuds is typically 6-10 hours, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). When necessary, I’ll power the headphones off during a review without putting them back in the case. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to wear them for an entire day.</p> <p>To test ANC performance specifically, I use the earbuds in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I also use them during air travel, since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I’m not slated to hop on a flight, I simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well earbuds block human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC setups.</p> <p>I also do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double-checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, and revisit the closest competition as well.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>The end of any sports season is usually the most exciting part, and MLS fans can watch the climax of the 2025 campaign for a discount. As it has done each year around this time since it <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-tv-mls-soccer-streaming-subscription-service-171000757.html"><ins>locked up the rights</ins></a> to the top North American soccer league, Apple is offering the MLS Season Pass at a discount for the remainder of the season. Apple TV+ subscribers can get access for $25, while everyone else can snag the season pass for $29.</p> <p>This is just the latest MLS Season Pass price cut of 2025, as <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/apple-tvs-mls-season-pass-is-half-off-for-the-rest-of-the-season-144305030.html"><ins>Apple slashed it in half to $49 in July</ins></a>. However, it's not quite as great a deal as latecomers got on the pass last year. Apple's end-of-season discount for 2024 saw the season pass <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/the-mls-season-pass-on-apple-tv-is-now-10-for-the-rest-of-the-season-145100471.html"><ins>drop to just $10</ins></a> in early September.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>We're now well over halfway through the 2025 season. Teams have between five and nine games of the regular season left to play. Inter Miami have the most games remaining due to the team's participation in the Club World Cup, so Lionel Messi fans might get to see quite a bit more of him — especially if his squad makes the MLS Cup playoffs. You'll also have the chance to check out a few new high-profile imports to MLS, including Son Heung-min at Los Angeles FC and Thomas Müller at Vancouver Whitecaps. The season will end with the MLS Cup final, which will <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/major-league-soccer-announces-audi-2025-mls-cup-playoffs-schedule">take place on December 6</a>.</p> <p> <core-commerce id="e4ad0f1acd3a48a593e846fe4f0a9b3e" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://tv.apple.com/us/channel/mls-season-pass/tvs.sbd.7000"></core-commerce></p> <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apples-mls-season-pass-drops-to-as-low-as-25-for-the-rest-of-2025-170855008.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>MasterClass promises online learning with instructors who are the very best in their fields, and an annual subscription is <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:MasterClass;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ece2db60-ed2b-4433-8be0-79f90b069400&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=91c5bf03-2e6c-4a58-8099-53bdd6edb82c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=MasterClass&amp;linkText=currently+50+percent+off&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5tYXN0ZXJjbGFzcy5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI5MWM1YmYwMy0yZTZjLTRhNTgtODA5OS01M2JkZDZlZGI4MmMiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1hc3RlcmNsYXNzLmNvbS8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAdCzAiYEzNUeQgGCW5XTm0caqW24OTuP925iLW6t0EMl&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterclass.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.masterclass.com/">currently 50 percent off</a> across all tiers. Subscribers to MasterClass will have access to over 200 classes taught by iconic authors, chefs, athletes and leaders representing a diverse collection of skill sets and backgrounds.</p> <p>With a subscription, you could watch a class on writing taught by James Patterson, or learn cooking techniques from Thomas Keller. If you're trying to impress at your next pickup basketball game you could learn about shooting, ball-handling and scoring from Steph Curry. Each class includes around 20 video lessons that run about 10 minutes long on average, as well as an in-depth workbook.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="b7b39514fdab454fa2ea503c5178fd05" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.masterclass.com/"></core-commerce></p> <p>MasterClass has also begun producing some original series for its platform. The series <em>Business Rebels</em> features different CEOs walking viewers through the strategies that helped them disrupt their industries. One entitled <em>Skin Health</em> features top dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist walking viewers through keeping their skin healthy through cleansing routines and specific beauty products.</p> <p>The wide range of skills or life lessons you could learn through these classes is why MasterClass is on our list of best <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/the-best-subscription-gifts-to-send-to-your-loved-ones-this-christmas-including-the-disney-bundle-masterclass-and-more-141830362.html">subscriptions you can give as gifts</a>. Maybe your loved one who loves to host dinner parties could use some tips from Gordon Ramsay.</p> <p>There are three subscription tiers for MasterClass that each differ only in how many devices they allow at one time, and whether offline videos are supported. The Standard subscription only supports one device, whereas the Plus subscription allows two. These are normally $10 and $15 per month, respectively, and neither offers offline mode. The Premium tier, which carries a regular price of $20 per month, allows up to six devices and features offline mode for downloaded classes.</p> <p>All three tiers are part of the 50 percent off sale, which marks them down to $5, $8 and $10 respectively. MasterClass bills annually, so be sure to calculate the total from the "monthly" price before deciding.</p> <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest </em><a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/"><em>tech deals</em></a><em> and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/"><em>buying advice</em></a><em>.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/masterclass-labor-day-sale-get-50-percent-off-subscriptions-133223226.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<div id="419f8a26957646ac817097e035c42d90"><div style="left:0;width:100%;height:0;position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pwRpK8eoLLE?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div></div> <p>Sony has lined up its next PlayStation State of Play showcase, and this one is all about a single game. It will focus on <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/io-interactives-james-bond-game-007-first-light-is-coming-in-2026-215517819.html"><em><ins>007 First Light</ins></em></a>, the long-awaited James Bond adventure from Hitman studio IO Interactive. It starts at 2PM ET on September 3 and you can watch it on the PlayStation <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwRpK8eoLLE"><ins>YouTube</ins></a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.twitch.tv/playstation"><ins>Twitch</ins></a> channels (there&#39;ll also be a version of the video with English subtitles on <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3S4qXOarxM"><ins>YouTube</ins></a>). You can also just hit the play button on the YouTube video above when the time is right.</p> <p>The showcase will run for over 30 minutes and it will feature a deep dive into gameplay, including a full playthrough of a young Bond&#39;s first mission. Over on the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://blog.playstation.com/2025/09/01/state-of-play-presents-007-first-light-gameplay-deep-dive-on-september-3/"><em><ins>PlayStation Blog</ins></em></a>, IOI said to expect &quot;everything from high-speed car chases to on-foot stealth sequences and shootouts.&quot; Following that, IOI will offer up more details on <em>007 First Light </em>gameplay. Perhaps we&#39;ll also get a release date or narrower window for the action-adventure game, which is slated to hit Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2026.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>In the meantime, you can get a taste of just why IOI was able to land this gig by checking out <em>Hitman World of Assassination</em>, a bundle of all three of the main Hitman games from the last decade. <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hitman-on-ios-martial-arts-survival-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110054545.html"><em><ins>Hitman WOA</ins></em><ins> just hit iOS last week</ins></a>, and you can play through the first location for free. It&#39;s also available on PC and consoles.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/sony-is-hosting-a-state-of-play-showcase-for-007-first-light-on-september-3-151958435.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>If you're thinking about getting some of <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-airtags-trackers-first-look-hands-on-130036848.html">Apple's AirTags</a>, now's the time to act — Amazon currently has a <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0D54JZTHY&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=d9663af0-34f5-4763-9ff5-f5638a6cff7c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=four-pack+on+sale+for+%2470&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLU1YNTQyTEwtQS1BaXJUYWctUGFjay9kcC9CMEQ1NEpaVEhZLz90YWc9Z2RndDBjLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJkOTY2M2FmMC0zNGY1LTQ3NjMtOWZmNS1mNTYzOGE2Y2ZmN2MiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFtYXpvbi5jb20vQXBwbGUtTVg1NDJMTC1BLUFpclRhZy1QYWNrL2RwL0IwRDU0SlpUSFkvIiwiZHluYW1pY0NlbnRyYWxUcmFja2luZ0lkIjp0cnVlLCJzaXRlSWQiOiJ1cy1lbmdhZGdldCIsInBhZ2VJZCI6IjFwLWF1dG9saW5rIiwiZmVhdHVyZUlkIjoidGV4dC1saW5rIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAc5arwckibgwn3ORxPKWIzBBFFQ-tRZKd5mlVYswj4M_&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack%2Fdp%2FB0D54JZTHY%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack/dp/B0D54JZTHY/">four-pack on sale for $70</a> thanks to <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-labor-day-sales-for-2025-get-up-to-50-percent-off-gear-from-apple-dyson-sony-and-others-120049238.html">Labor Day sales</a>. That's one of the lowest prices we've seen outside the big sales on Black Friday and Prime Day.</p> <p>For Apple users, AirTags offer some <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-airtags-trackers-first-look-hands-on-130036848.html">large advantages</a> over rival trackers. The ultra-wideband functionality offers precise tracking with iPhones less than five years old, so you can narrow your search between a couch and love seat in the same room. Over larger distances, the AirTag network enabled by all Apple device users lets you track down an object you might have misplaced in a café.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="c744f0a9a1d14123878070dbee2a763a" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MX542LL-A-AirTag-Pack/dp/B0D54JZTHY/"></core-commerce></p> <p>It offers a simple coin-sized design and seamless experience thanks to the Find My app. You can also force an AirTag to emit a chime to help you home in an object's location, and <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-update-hidden-airtags-easier-to-locate-092003140.html">and that sound is nice and loud</a> to better help you locate it.</p> <p>It does lack a built-in keyring like rival trackers, so you'll need to pay an extra for that. And it works best with Apple devices, so Android users may want to look at trackers from <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZXXB7KF&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=d9663af0-34f5-4763-9ff5-f5638a6cff7c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Chipolo&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0NoaXBvbG8tUE9QLVRyYWNrZXItVGFnLUNvbXBhdGlibGUvZHAvQjBEWlhYQjdLRi9yZWY9c3JfMV8xX3NzcGE_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiZDk2NjNhZjAtMzRmNS00NzYzLTlmZjUtZjU2MzhhNmNmZjdjIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0NoaXBvbG8tUE9QLVRyYWNrZXItVGFnLUNvbXBhdGlibGUvZHAvQjBEWlhYQjdLRi9yZWY9c3JfMV8xX3NzcGEiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAYHny7WRwabRICSwogNFRExWNN9aivMf2tymFvcCTRgO&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FChipolo-POP-Tracker-Tag-Compatible%2Fdp%2FB0DZXXB7KF%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Chipolo-POP-Tracker-Tag-Compatible/dp/B0DZXXB7KF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa">Chipolo</a> or <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DHXY2MDN&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=d9663af0-34f5-4763-9ff5-f5638a6cff7c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=Pebblebee&amp;custData=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_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&amp;signature=AQAAAUJeZLVkp2FDUSiwt93IS50Icdfc2s9oBJElVi8dAvoq&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F%2525F0%25259D%252599%25258B%2525F0%25259D%252599%25259A%2525F0%25259D%252599%252597%2525F0%25259D%252599%252597%2525F0%25259D%252599%2525A1%2525F0%25259D%252599%25259A%2525F0%25259D%252599%252597%2525F0%25259D%252599%25259A%2525F0%25259D%252599%25259A-Clip-Universal-Rechargeable-Alternative%2Fdp%2FB0DHXY2MDN%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/%F0%9D%99%8B%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%99%97%F0%9D%99%97%F0%9D%99%A1%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%99%97%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%99%9A-Clip-Universal-Rechargeable-Alternative/dp/B0DHXY2MDN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa">Pebblebee</a> that use Google's <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/googles-long-awaited-find-my-device-network-launches-today-160014930.html">Find My Device network</a>. However, if you're in Apple's ecosystem and have been waiting for a discount, now is the time to act.</p> <p><em>Check out our coverage of the </em><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-apple-deals-150020110.html"><em>best Apple deals</em></a><em> for more discounts, and follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/pick-up-an-apple-airtag-four-pack-for-only-70-in-this-labor-day-sale-130740075.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>In an age of constant communication, receiving phone calls or messages from unknown numbers has become increasingly common. Whether it&#39;s a missed call from an unfamiliar number, a potential scam or a wrong number, performing a reverse phone number lookup can help you identify the caller. You could start your search with free tools like Google or Whitepages, but if you’re struggling to find the person behind the number, paid services such as Spokeo or BeenVerified might give you more detail. In this guide, I’ll show you how each option works, along with a few tricks to improve your chances of getting accurate results.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-what-is-reverse-phone-number-lookup"><strong>What is reverse phone number lookup?</strong></h2> <p>Though it sounds like a word jumble, what is commonly referred to as “reverse phone number lookup” is really just a service that allows you to search for information about a phone number. By entering the number into a lookup tool, you can find out details like the name of the caller, their location and sometimes even social media profiles or associated email addresses. This can be particularly useful when dealing with unwanted calls, checking the legitimacy of a business or reconnecting with someone you’ve lost contact with.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><h2 id="jump-link-free-options"><strong>Free options</strong></h2> <p>For many people, a quick and free method is sufficient to uncover basic information about a phone number. Here&#39;s how you can do it:</p> <h3 id="jump-link-1-use-google-search">1. Use Google Search</h3> <p>The simplest (and often most effective) method is using Google. By typing the phone number into the search bar, you may uncover listings, social media profiles, business registrations or forum posts associated with that number. It’s a quick way to gather information without needing a dedicated service.</p> <ul> <li><p><strong>Tip:</strong> Put the phone number in quotation marks to search for the exact number.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Example search:</strong> “+44 123 456 7890” or “123-456-7890”</p></li> </ul> <h3 id="jump-link-2-check-online-directories">2. Check online directories</h3> <p>Several free online directories provide phone number lookup services. These usually gather data from publicly available sources such as government registries and social media platforms. Examples include:</p> <ul> <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.whitepages.com/"><strong>Whitepages</strong></a>: Offers limited access to data for free and can show basic information like location or carrier.</p></li> <li><p><a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.truecaller.com/"><strong>TrueCaller</strong></a>: Known for its extensive community-based database, TrueCaller helps identify unknown numbers based on user reports.</p></li> </ul> <p>To use these tools, you simply enter the phone number into the search bar. Some sites offer additional premium features, but the basic lookup is free.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-3-social-media-search">3. Social media search</h3> <p>Social media platforms can also be an invaluable resource for tracking down information about a phone number. Searching the number on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram might lead to a user profile associated with it. Many people include their contact details in their social media bios, which can help you identify your caller.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-subscription-based-reverse-phone-number-lookup-services"><strong>Subscription-based reverse phone number lookup services</strong></h2> <p>While free services are helpful, they might not always provide comprehensive details, especially for mobile numbers or those associated with private listings. For more detailed information, subscription-based services are available, offering more extensive data and enhanced accuracy. The services below are priced at less than $25/month; however, depending on the service and the features it offers, you may expect to pay more or less. Here are a few popular options:</p> <h3 id="jump-link-1-spokeo">1. <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Spokeo;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4774ee84-22a6-466a-986a-ffce7a75330e&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=419affa2-d45c-4650-9e59-d8440244aca8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Spokeo&amp;linkText=Spokeo&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zcG9rZW8uY29tLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNDE5YWZmYTItZDQ1Yy00NjUwLTllNTktZDg0NDAyNDRhY2E4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zcG9rZW8uY29tLyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAci-jJYIlYvzF8DwmvXa-dLo393UYzgdNTW3Ey1JDhNb&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokeo.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.spokeo.com/">Spokeo</a></h3> <p>Spokeo offers reverse phone lookup services that can help you uncover detailed information about the caller. It searches social networks, public records and other online databases to provide name, address and even criminal background (if applicable).</p> <ul> <li><p><strong>How it works:</strong> Enter the phone number, and Spokeo will pull up available records. A subscription is required (from $14.95/month) for full access to reports.</p></li> </ul> <h3 id="jump-link-2-intelius">2. <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Intelius;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=458cf4b2-b10d-491f-af18-8b86ccb7219d&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=419affa2-d45c-4650-9e59-d8440244aca8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Intelius&amp;linkText=Intelius&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pbnRlbGl1cy5jb20vIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI0MTlhZmZhMi1kNDVjLTQ2NTAtOWU1OS1kODQ0MDI0NGFjYTgiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmludGVsaXVzLmNvbS8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAdeg7ys9TJ4J-Zcf1I8pR9mzjMDx2ku8ASxndceJQNPT&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.intelius.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.intelius.com/">Intelius</a></h3> <p>Intelius is another service that provides reverse phone lookup services, and it can identify landlines, mobile numbers and even VoIP numbers. You’ll get a detailed report with the person’s name, address and potentially even their email address.</p> <ul> <li><p><strong>Subscription cost:</strong> Pricing starts at around $1.99 per lookup, though packages for multiple searches are available.</p></li> </ul> <h3 id="jump-link-3-beenverified">3. <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:BeenVerified;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=6798bd7f-9424-4a9c-a639-5f114e2217c0&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=419affa2-d45c-4650-9e59-d8440244aca8&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=BeenVerified&amp;linkText=BeenVerified&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZWVudmVyaWZpZWQuY29tLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNDE5YWZmYTItZDQ1Yy00NjUwLTllNTktZDg0NDAyNDRhY2E4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iZWVudmVyaWZpZWQuY29tLyJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAV2fcq9pxqQx1LDb6eopec4W_0aDguZ0vrHjXx308UpE&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beenverified.com%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.beenverified.com/">BeenVerified</a></h3> <p>BeenVerified is a popular background-check service that provides phone number directories that you can search through, along with other public records searches. It can uncover information such as a person&#39;s criminal background, social media profiles and more.</p> <ul> <li><p><strong>How it works:</strong> Enter the phone number, and BeenVerified will provide a detailed report. Subscription required (from $23.98/month) for full access.</p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-how-to-use-a-reverse-phone-number-lookup-service">How to use a reverse phone number lookup service</h2> <p>Using a reverse phone number lookup service is generally straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:</p> <ol> <li><p><strong>Choose a service:</strong> Decide whether you want to use a free or paid service, depending on how detailed you want the information to be.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Enter the phone number:</strong> Type the phone number into the search bar, ensuring the correct country code is included (if needed).</p></li> <li><p><strong>Review the results:</strong> Depending on the service, you may see information like the name, location, phone carrier or social media profiles associated with the number.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Access additional information (optional):</strong> If you’re using a paid service, you might be able to access detailed reports, including criminal records, address history and more.</p></li> </ol> <h2 id="jump-link-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-using-reverse-phone-number-lookup"><strong>Things to keep in mind when using reverse phone number lookup</strong></h2> <p>While reverse phone lookup services can be incredibly helpful, they also have some limitations:</p> <ol> <li><p><strong>Not all numbers are listed:</strong> Reverse phone lookup tools search public databases, which are collections of phone number records that are legally available for anyone to access. These usually include landline or mobile numbers that have been shared. Some numbers, especially those on private networks like a university campus, a large factory or a company’s internal phone system, are kept out of these databases. These private network numbers might only work inside that network and may not be reachable from the outside anyway, so a lookup will often come up empty.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Accuracy issues:</strong> The data provided by free services can sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate.</p></li> <li><p><strong>Privacy concerns:</strong> Some reverse phone lookup services ask for your own details, like your name, email address, or even payment information, before showing results. They might also log the fact that you searched for a specific number. So if you’re trying to see who called you, remember that you’re also sharing information about yourself. Always check the service’s privacy policy first and make sure you’re okay with how your data will be used.</p></li> </ol>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/how-to-perform-a-reverse-phone-number-lookup-130004364.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p><a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-labor-day-sales-for-2025-save-up-to-500-on-tech-from-apple-anker-dyson-shark-and-others-120049728.html">Labor Day sales</a> might have just what you're looking for in the home cleaning department. <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Dyson;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8b96b196-8902-4854-bf81-2e614eba034c&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=23f01f4e-6764-4103-85fe-821411320cc5&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Dyson&amp;linkText=Dyson&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5keXNvbi5jb20vZGVhbHMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjIzZjAxZjRlLTY3NjQtNDEwMy04NWZlLTgyMTQxMTMyMGNjNSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHlzb24uY29tL2RlYWxzIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAcmvtsBWlauo6kTE0VpJTPs-VUmfI7uZ2l3SWIjQ4Q_Y&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fdeals" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.dyson.com/deals">Dyson</a> is having a big sale for the holiday that discounts vacuums, hair care devices and more by up to $500. One of the best discounts is on the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Dyson;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8b96b196-8902-4854-bf81-2e614eba034c&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=23f01f4e-6764-4103-85fe-821411320cc5&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Dyson&amp;linkText=360+Vis+Nav+robot+vacuum&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5keXNvbi5jb20vdmFjdXVtLWNsZWFuZXJzL3JvYm90LzM2MC12aXMtbmF2L2JsdWUtbmlja2VsIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIyM2YwMWY0ZS02NzY0LTQxMDMtODVmZS04MjE0MTEzMjBjYzUiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmR5c29uLmNvbS92YWN1dW0tY2xlYW5lcnMvcm9ib3QvMzYwLXZpcy1uYXYvYmx1ZS1uaWNrZWwifQ&amp;signature=AQAAASzflQpqt_C7yS1JuCkq8RFp0PpCb_w0qOtwsBFH-8QQ&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fvacuum-cleaners%2Frobot%2F360-vis-nav%2Fblue-nickel" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/robot/360-vis-nav/blue-nickel">360 Vis Nav robot vacuum</a>, which is 50 percent off and down to $500. That's a seriously great deal and the lowest price we've seen for this product.</p> <p>The Vis Nav made our list of the <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-robot-vacuums-130010426.html">best robot vacuums</a>, primarily based on the unit's superior suction power. This thing can pull up dirt like a beast. We said it had the strongest suction power of any robovac we've tested and easily took out pet fur from a carpeted floor. We also noted in <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/dyson-360-vis-nav-review-superior-suction-at-a-steep-price-130010791.html">our official review</a> that the power here was on par with Dyson's stick vacuums.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="b8d7256ba1de4790a6e5170fbe7c2100" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/robot/360-vis-nav/blue-nickel"></core-commerce></p> <p>The unit includes a stellar obstacle avoidance system, with cameras and LED lights to help the vacuum navigate around furniture. During our testing we found it to be nearly flawless, as it only crashed into a chair leg a couple of times. Also, we never received any alerts that the robot got stuck somewhere while working.</p> <p>The bin here is on the larger side, but there's no self-emptying base. This is also not a hybrid unit. It's a vacuum and not a mop. This made it tough to recommend the unit at $1,000, despite the fantastic suction, but $500 makes it a whole lot easier.</p> <p>The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Dyson;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8b96b196-8902-4854-bf81-2e614eba034c&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=23f01f4e-6764-4103-85fe-821411320cc5&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Dyson&amp;linkText=is+also+down+to+%24800&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5keXNvbi5jb20vdmFjdXVtLWNsZWFuZXJzL3dldC1kcnkvdjE1cy1kZXRlY3Qtc3VibWFyaW5lL2dvbGQiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjIzZjAxZjRlLTY3NjQtNDEwMy04NWZlLTgyMTQxMTMyMGNjNSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZHlzb24uY29tL3ZhY3V1bS1jbGVhbmVycy93ZXQtZHJ5L3YxNXMtZGV0ZWN0LXN1Ym1hcmluZS9nb2xkIn0&amp;signature=AQAAASIh5djhrrsJnDI9tJsjKPBujlTKHP6qHLnybHv2aNHC&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com%2Fvacuum-cleaners%2Fwet-dry%2Fv15s-detect-submarine%2Fgold" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/wet-dry/v15s-detect-submarine/gold">is also down to $800</a> as part of this sale, which is a discount of $200. This is one of our favorite <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-cordless-vacuum-130007125.html">cordless stick vacuums</a> and features a HEPA filtration system and advanced wet-cleaning capabilities. It's a great tool for cleaning both carpets and hard floors.</p> <p> <core-commerce id="ad19fab07b554745ac0266c79e71b6bc" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/wet-dry/v15s-detect-submarine/gold"></core-commerce></p> <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest </em><a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/"><em>tech deals</em></a><em> and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/"><em>buying advice</em></a><em>.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/dyson-labor-day-sale-get-500-off-the-360-vis-nav-robot-vacuum-172759786.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>After years of waiting, there&#39;s only three days left until <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hollow-knight-silksong-will-be-out-on-september-4-143856097.html"><em>Hollow Knight: Silksong</em></a> is out in this world. We only got the September 4 release date a few weeks ago and now we have the final piece of the puzzle: price.&nbsp;</p> <p>Team Cherry, the indie studio behind the <em>Hollow Knight</em> series, has <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://x.com/TeamCherryGames/status/1962330350681735642">announced on X (formerly Twitter)</a> that <em>Hollow Knight: Silksong</em> will cost $20. That&#39;s a $5 increase from 2017&#39;s original mega hit <em>Hollow Knight</em> game. Which, after almost a decade, isn&#39;t very surprising.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>We also have the exact release times for <em>Hollow Knight: Silksong</em> on September 4. The game will be available to purchase at 7AM PT/10AM ET. After being delayed past its <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/hollow-knight-silksong-delayed-and-theres-no-updated-release-window-164549946.html">original 2023 release date</a>, it doesn’t feel too far away now.&nbsp;</p> <div id="66a5ce789b8a4367b44076b66220c2e0"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6XGeJwsUP9c?si=mrN7UsQ4DrZPcPlk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>If you&#39;re dying with anticipation for the sequel to finally arrive, may we recommend rewatching the above <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XGeJwsUP9c&amp;t=1s">trailer</a>? It gives away just enough of the game to satiate us until Thursday.&nbsp;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hollow-knight-silksong-costs-5-more-than-the-original-120005386.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Turning your house into a smart home is easier — and more useful — than ever. From automating your lights and climate to securing your front door, smart home tech has come a long way in making everyday life more convenient, energy-efficient and secure. Whether you're just getting started or looking to upgrade your setup, there are plenty of gadgets that work seamlessly together to make your home feel a little more futuristic.<br><br>The best smart home gadgets can help you control everything from your light switch to your smart thermostat with a tap on your smartphone or a quick voice control command. Whether you're setting routines with a motion sensor, managing entry with a smart lock, or keeping an eye on things with a full security system, modern home automation puts you in charge — often with options for remote control when you're away.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-smart-speakers">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart speakers</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-smart-displays">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart displays</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-smart-lights">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart lights</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-security-cameras">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Security cameras</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-iot-gear">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: IoT gear</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-how-to-pick-the-right-voice-assistant-before-you-buy-smart-gadgets">How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy smart gadgets</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-smart-speakers">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart speakers</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="baa0cc8edc8945da8fbdcf8374e108dd" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/era-100"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="3c706840322642818fc81418444f5c4a" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XKF5RM3"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-smart-displays">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart displays</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="08eadfda4b5342bfb10627ce4b352c7f" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDR2MP7Q?"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="401983412573455bb7db7a2a0a75f590" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Google-Nest-Hub-2nd-Gen-Smart-Home-Display-with-Google-Assistant-Charcoal/488489369"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-smart-lights">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Smart lights</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="56096536d8b147218c66073f9bf6c6a2" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue-Starter-Compatible-Assistant/dp/B095KQSXYH?tag=gdgt0c-p-o-ga-20"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="58439acaf02845b4adfa3f7a7d5e4d2a" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Kasa-Smart-Changing-Dimmable-Compatible/dp/B08TB8Z5HF?tag=gdgt0c-p-o-ga-20"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-security-cameras">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: Security cameras</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="714775938f4648a880d2a76cdecee783" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Outdoor-4th-Gen-1-Camera/dp/B0B1N5HW22?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1&amp;psc=1&amp;tag=gdgt0c-p-o-ga-20"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="bd338cd33098402684b5d0fa6ce78967" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Video-Doorbell-2nd-Generation/dp/B0C683F516?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-smart-home-gadgets-for-2025-iot-gear">Best smart home gadgets for 2025: IoT gear</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="4e60689d9a404c66ae70575a3003be27" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/iRobot-Roomba-Robot-Vacuum-Q0120/dp/B0CVM8TXHP/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="7dfd64a2ab1f4b5f897d71bd03a65312" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/iRobot-Roomba-Self-Emptying-Auto-Fill-Vacuum/dp/B0C415HQPX/?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="041b50a903f74bf8bab2d31c1bddb9a6" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Kasa-Smart-Supported-Scheduling-EP25P4/dp/B0B14C719T/?th=1&amp;tag=gdgt0c-p-o-ga-20"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="2728bfa18b044aeb82523e6412c42a8f" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B88T5RDY/?tag=gdgt0c-p-o-ga-20"></core-commerce></p> <h2 id="jump-link-how-to-pick-the-right-voice-assistant-before-you-buy-smart-gadgets">How to pick the right voice assistant before you buy smart gadgets</h2> <p>While plenty of the best smart home devices are platform agnostic, there are some — smart speakers and smart displays in particular — that require you to choose your voice control assistant. Currently, that means deciding if you’ll use the <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-is-looking-to-supercharge-assistant-with-ai-113516175.html">Google Assistant</a> or Amazon’s Alexa on a regular basis (I’ll address Siri in a moment.)</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p>They’re both compatible with various smart home tech products from light switches and bulbs to robot vacuums, but there are certain devices that work best with either Google or Amazon. Nest products, for example, are more compatible and have more functionality with Google-powered speakers and displays. They can still work with <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/everything-amazon-announced-at-its-2023-devices-and-services-event-194621706.html">Amazon devices</a>, but certain features might be disabled. The same holds true with Amazon products: They work better if they’re in the same ecosystem.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-amazon-alexa">Amazon Alexa</h3> <p>So how do you choose between Alexa and Google Assistant? It really depends on your personal preferences. Do you listen to Audible, watch <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/amazon-is-reportedly-planning-an-ad-supported-tier-for-prime-video-201032287.html">Prime Video</a> and tend to do a lot of shopping on Amazon? Then you might lean toward an Alexa-powered home automation setup. Alexa supports a wide range of devices — including smart locks, smart thermostats and motion sensors — and many of its speakers and displays include remote control functionality for lights, plugs and other smart gear.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-google-assistant">Google Assistant</h3> <p>If you want a voice assistant that’s great at answering questions, Google Assistant tends to be better than Alexa. Amazon’s helper, on the other hand, currently supports more smart home products. The company’s smart speakers and displays also support the Zigbee smart home protocol, and some devices even have built-in smart home hubs. Both Google and Amazon devices can sync with your calendar, though Google’s tend to work better with Google services. Plus, if you already have an Android smartphone, you might be more comfortable with Google Assistant anyway.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-siri">Siri</h3> <p>But <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-reportedly-working-to-make-it-easier-to-activate-siri-164014522.html">what about Siri</a>? Apple’s assistant supports voice control as well, but it doesn't have as many compatible devices as Google or Amazon. The <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/after-two-years-of-updates-the-homepod-mini-is-actually-pretty-good-133056756.html">HomePod mini</a> and the <a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-homepod-review-2nd-generation-140040630.html">full-sized HomePod</a> are the only Siri-compatible speakers on the market at the moment, too. That said, it’s not too hard to find Apple HomeKit-compatible gear as more third-party companies add support for it, but you currently have a smaller pool of devices to choose from.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-home-gadgets-125608958.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>The Labor Day and <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/back-to-school-guide/">back-to-school season</a> isn't only a good time to save on things like a new laptop. Case in point: Sonos' latest sale. Whether you want to upgrade the sound in your dorm room or home office, you can save up to 25 percent on Sonos speakers and other gear right now. Included in the sale is the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=455839f4-97f6-40c5-b2a6-020f82060ccf&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;linkText=Era+100&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9lcmEtMTAwLWJsYWNrIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI0NTU4MzlmNC05N2Y2LTQwYzUtYjJhNi0wMjBmODIwNjBjY2YiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnNvbm9zLmNvbS9lbi11cy9zaG9wL2VyYS0xMDAtYmxhY2sifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAQaDr0RyTE2lIJjm7-WN0YGXQn7WYTBze9VJOcn_iubO&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fera-100-black" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/era-100-black">Era 100</a>, which has a 10-percent discount at the moment.</p> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/best-smart-speakers-151515264.html">Our choice for midrange smart speaker</a> is down to $179 from $199 as part of a <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=455839f4-97f6-40c5-b2a6-020f82060ccf&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;linkText=larger+Labor+Day+sale+on+the+Sonos+website&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9wcm9tb3Rpb25hbC1vZmZlcnMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjQ1NTgzOWY0LTk3ZjYtNDBjNS1iMmE2LTAyMGY4MjA2MGNjZiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc29ub3MuY29tL2VuLXVzL3Nob3AvcHJvbW90aW9uYWwtb2ZmZXJzIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAXsyVoF_YIS-NUrIcXT7V5QA3DLNMCX1le-pwltiUqUd&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fpromotional-offers" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/promotional-offers">larger Labor Day sale on the Sonos website</a>. The same price is <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0BW34LCB8&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=455839f4-97f6-40c5-b2a6-020f82060ccf&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=available+on+Amazon&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1Nvbm9zLUVyYS0xMDAtV2lyZWxlc3MtU3BlYWtlci9kcC9CMEJXMzRMQ0I4P3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjQ1NTgzOWY0LTk3ZjYtNDBjNS1iMmE2LTAyMGY4MjA2MGNjZiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Tb25vcy1FcmEtMTAwLVdpcmVsZXNzLVNwZWFrZXIvZHAvQjBCVzM0TENCOCIsImR5bmFtaWNDZW50cmFsVHJhY2tpbmdJZCI6dHJ1ZSwic2l0ZUlkIjoidXMtZW5nYWRnZXQiLCJwYWdlSWQiOiIxcC1hdXRvbGluayIsImZlYXR1cmVJZCI6InRleHQtbGluayJ9&amp;signature=AQAAAX1Fx3yiGOKrr_w9IsxC7GTUXfdkRA14US-8mt5zdNvZ&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSonos-Era-100-Wireless-Speaker%2Fdp%2FB0BW34LCB8" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-Era-100-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B0BW34LCB8?ref_=ast_sto_dp&amp;th=1">available on Amazon</a>, as are some more <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=455839f4-97f6-40c5-b2a6-020f82060ccf&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=deals+on+Sonos+products&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAARDXdTuxnn5hg-BZTktaXfPz8udmLi3AVzaQI8KIxo7U&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fstores%2Fpage%2F67C4C4A0-A976-4BF0-8375-AA5DC0CFC7D3%2Fdeals" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/67C4C4A0-A976-4BF0-8375-AA5DC0CFC7D3/deals?ingress=2&amp;lp_context_asin=B0BW2LVJ4P&amp;visitId=1bb65567-d263-4a06-b227-93c9cce11263&amp;store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&amp;ref_=ast_bln">deals on Sonos products</a>.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="764428b2a6854d478b43553664691f20" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/era-100-black"></core-commerce></p> <p>Sonos debuted the <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/sonos-era-100-review-affordable-multi-room-audio-that-actually-sounds-good-130007717.html">Era 100 speaker in 2023</a> as a replacement for the Sonos One. It offers great sound quality and has built-in mics for Trueplay tuning and voice control. It's worth mentioning that the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Sonos;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e71dc69-0ad7-47e7-abf5-dc3926557fa3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=455839f4-97f6-40c5-b2a6-020f82060ccf&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Sonos&amp;linkText=Sonos+Ace+headphones&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zb25vcy5jb20vZW4tdXMvc2hvcC9zb25vcy1hY2UtYmxhY2siLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjQ1NTgzOWY0LTk3ZjYtNDBjNS1iMmE2LTAyMGY4MjA2MGNjZiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc29ub3MuY29tL2VuLXVzL3Nob3Avc29ub3MtYWNlLWJsYWNrIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAYhYHH0JTGrxyEmUHYhf_m4RJTnYNyrtQDOByMwmB9Ik&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonos.com%2Fen-us%2Fshop%2Fsonos-ace-black" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/sonos-ace-black">Sonos Ace headphones</a> are also on sale for $299, down from $399 — a 25 percent discount. The <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/a-year-later-the-sonos-ace-is-finally-fulfilling-its-potential-170035355.html">headphones have come a long way</a> since they first launched, including the introduction of TrueCinema, which works with a Sonos soundbar to create the best spatial audio experience.</p> <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest </em><a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/"><em>tech deals</em></a><em> and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/"><em>buying advice</em></a><em>.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-labor-day-sale-save-up-to-25-percent-on-headphones-speakers-and-other-gear-125211296.html?src=rss

Sep 1, 2025

<p>One of the trickiest parts of any new computer build or upgrade is finding the right video card. In a gaming PC, the GPU is easily the most important component, and you can hamstring your experience by buying the wrong model. The buying process can be frustrating, with many manufacturers selling their models above their suggested retail price. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the market and find the right GPU for your needs.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-table-of-contents">Table of contents</h2> <ul> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-how-to-buy-a-gpu">How to buy a GPU</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-its-all-about-the-games">It's all about the games</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-nvidia-vs-amd-and-intel">NVIDIA vs AMD and Intel</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-vram">VRAM</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-size-and-power-draw">Size and power draw</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-should-you-buy-a-used-gpu">Should you buy a used GPU?</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-when-is-a-good-time-to-buy-a-new-gpu">When is a good time to buy a new GPU?</a></p></li> <li><p><a href="#jump-link-best-gpus-for-2025-engadget-recommendations">Best GPUs for 2025: Engadget recommendations</a></p></li> </ul> <h2 id="jump-link-how-to-buy-a-gpu">How to buy a GPU</h2> <p>There are a lot of things to consider before buying a graphics card. We'll go through everything in depth below, but here's a TL;DR list of what you should consider: the types of games you play, the amount of VRAM in the graphics cards you're considering, the physical size of the card and how much power it requires, the manufacturers that make the GPUs on your shortlist and, finally, your budget for a new GPU. We have some of our favorites recommended at the end of this guide, but it's important to remember that there isn't one best graphics card for everyone — the best GPU will you will depend largely on how you plan on using it, with what frequency and how much you're willing to spend.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <h2 id="jump-link-its-all-about-the-games">It's all about the games</h2> <p>The first question to ask yourself is what kind of games do you want to play. Competitive shooters like <em>Valorant</em>, <em>Overwatch</em> and <em>Marvel Rivals </em>were designed to run on older hardware. As such, even entry-level GPUs like the GeForce RTX 5060 can push those games at 120 frames per second and above at 1080p (more on why that's important in a moment).</p> <p>By contrast, if you want to play modern, single-player games with ray tracing and other graphical extras, you'll need a more powerful GPU. Just how much more powerful will depend on the resolution of your monitor.</p> <p>A 1440p monitor has 78 percent more pixels than a 1080p screen, and a 4K display has more than twice as many pixels as a QHD panel. In short, running a game at 4K, especially at anything above 60 frames per second, is demanding, and most GPUs will need to use upscaling techniques like NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) to push new games at high refresh rates.</p> <p>While we're on the subject of resolution, it doesn't make sense to spend a lot of money on a 4K monitor only to pair it with an inexpensive GPU. That's a recipe for a bad experience. As you're shopping for a new video card, you should think about the resolution and frame rate you want to play your games. If you're in the market for both a GPU and display, be sure to check out our guide to the <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/best-gaming-monitor-140008940.html">best gaming monitors</a>.</p> <p>If your budget allows, a good bet is to buy a midrange card that can comfortably render all but the most demanding games at 1440p and at least 144 frames per second. Put another way, you want a GPU that can saturate a monitor at its native resolution and refresh rate in as many games as possible. That will give you the smoothest possible experience in terms of motion clarity, and allow you to dabble in both competitive shooters and the latest single-player games as the mood strikes you.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-nvidia-vs-amd-and-intel">NVIDIA vs AMD and Intel</h2> <figure> <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-12/dcfbcbe2-befc-11ef-ad3b-feb967e47de4" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-12/dcfbcbe2-befc-11ef-ad3b-feb967e47de4" style="height:2976px;width:5186px;" alt="Intel Arc B580 label view" data-uuid="f7dcf57f-377d-3ee5-be6d-6c0eee83bea8"> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget </div> </figure> <p>One of the confusing aspects of the <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/the-gpu-market-is-built-on-a-broken-foundation-143100986.html">GPU industry are all the players involved</a>. What you need to know is that there are three main players: AMD, Intel and NVIDIA. They design the cards you can buy, but delegate the manufacturing of them to so-called add-in board (AIB) partners like ASUS, XFX, Gigabyte and others.</p> <p>As you can probably imagine, this creates some headaches. The most annoying of which is that AMD, Intel and NVIDIA will often set recommended prices for their graphic cards, only for their partners to sell their versions of those GPUs above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). For example, NVIDIA's website lists the RTX 5070 with a starting price of $549. On Newegg, there are no <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Newegg;elmt:;cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=6ce976db-26d7-4094-a1be-4d1496b213f0&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=7676f70e-877d-4293-afe3-fdbc21e98c7c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Newegg&amp;linkText=5070s+listed+at+that+price&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXdlZ2cuY29tL3AvcGw_ZD1SVFgrNTA3MCZPcmRlcj0xIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3Njc2ZjcwZS04NzdkLTQyOTMtYWZlMy1mZGJjMjFlOThjN2MiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm5ld2VnZy5jb20vcC9wbD9kPVJUWCs1MDcwJk9yZGVyPTEifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAQ2F8SZhY3upQlXMzs4XYPjfLiB-PVBmTQVX2amoKJiv&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2Fp%2Fpl%3Fd%3DRTX%2B5070%26Order%3D1" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=RTX+5070&amp;Order=1">5070s listed at that price</a>. The only models anywhere close to $549 are open box specials. If you want one that comes sealed, that will cost you <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Newegg;elmt:;cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=6ce976db-26d7-4094-a1be-4d1496b213f0&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=7676f70e-877d-4293-afe3-fdbc21e98c7c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Newegg&amp;linkText=at+least+%24600&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXdlZ2cuY29tL2FzdXMtcHJpbWUtcnR4NTA3MC0xMmctZ2Vmb3JjZS1ydHgtNTA3MC0xMmdiLWdyYXBoaWNzLWNhcmQtdHJpcGxlLWZhbnMvcC9OODJFMTY4MTQxMjY3NjE_SXRlbT1OODJFMTY4MTQxMjY3NjEiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6Ijc2NzZmNzBlLTg3N2QtNDI5My1hZmUzLWZkYmMyMWU5OGM3YyIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmV3ZWdnLmNvbS9hc3VzLXByaW1lLXJ0eDUwNzAtMTJnLWdlZm9yY2UtcnR4LTUwNzAtMTJnYi1ncmFwaGljcy1jYXJkLXRyaXBsZS1mYW5zL3AvTjgyRTE2ODE0MTI2NzYxP0l0ZW09TjgyRTE2ODE0MTI2NzYxIn0&amp;signature=AQAAAfJInLrFdX3rXGnAILkE9ZoS9uf-Jr2nlrSUG2TZQDM0&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2Fasus-prime-rtx5070-12g-geforce-rtx-5070-12gb-graphics-card-triple-fans%2Fp%2FN82E16814126761%3FItem%3DN82E16814126761" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.newegg.com/asus-prime-rtx5070-12g-geforce-rtx-5070-12gb-graphics-card-triple-fans/p/N82E16814126761?Item=N82E16814126761">at least $600</a>.</p> <p>As for what company you should buy your new GPU from, before 2025, NVIDIA was the undisputed king of the market. Specific GeForce cards may have not offered the best rasterization performance in their price range, but between their performance in games with ray tracing and the fact NVIDIA was ahead on features like DLSS, an RTX GPU was a safe bet.</p> <p>However, with this year's RTX 50 series release, other than models like the RTX 5080 and 5090 where there's no competition, it's safe to say NVIDIA missed the mark this generation. If you're in the market for an entry- or mid-level GPU, AMD and Intel offer better value, with cards that come with enough VRAM for now and into the future. That said, there are still a few reasons you might consider an NVIDIA GPU, starting with ray tracing.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-ray-tracing">Ray tracing</h3> <p>For decades, developers have used rasterization techniques to approximate how light behaves in the real world, and the results have been commendable. But if you know what to look for, it's easy to see where the illusion falls apart. For that reason, <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-04-16-the-future-of-ray-tracing-explainer.html">real-time ray tracing</a> has been a goal of industry for years, and in 2018 it became a reality with NVIDIA's first RTX cards.</p> <p>In some games, effects like ray-traced reflections and global illumination are transformational. Unfortunately, those features are expensive to run, often coming at a significant frame-rate drop without upscaling. Since ray tracing was optional in many games before 2025, you could save money by buying an AMD GPU. For example, even if the RX 7800 XT was worse at ray tracing than the RTX 4070, the former was often cheaper to buy, had more onboard VRAM and was as good or better rasterization performance in many games.</p> <p>However, you can't ignore ray tracing performance anymore. We're starting to see releases like <em>Doom: The Dark Ages</em> where the tech is an integral part of a game's rendering pipeline, and more are likely to follow in the future. Thankfully, AMD's newest cards are much better in that regard, though you'll still get an edge running an NVIDIA model. For that reason, if ray tracing is important to you, NVIDIA cards are still the way to go.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-refresh-rates-and-frame-rates">Refresh rates and frame rates</h3> <p>If you're new to the world of PC gaming, it can be tricky to wrap your head around refresh rates. In short, the higher the refresh rate of a monitor, the more times it can update the image it displays on screen every second, thereby producing a smoother moving picture.</p> <p>For example, moving elements on a monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate will look better than on one with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, that's all contingent on your GPU being able to consistently render a game at the appropriate frame rates. In the case of a 120Hz monitor, you want a GPU with enough headroom to drive most games at 120 fps. Realistically, most video cards won't be able to achieve that in every game, but it's a good baseline to aim for when shopping for a new GPU.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-upscaling-and-latency">Upscaling and latency</h3> <p>I've mentioned DLSS a few times already. Alongside FSR and Intel XeSS, DLSS is an example of what's known as an image reconstruction technology. More and more, native rendering is going out of fashion in game design. With ray tracing and other modern effects enabled, even the most powerful GPUs can struggle to render a game at 1440p or 4K and a playable framerate. That’s why many developers will turn to DLSS, FSR or XeSS to eke out additional performance by upscaling a lower resolution image to QHD or UHD.</p> <p>Upscaling in games is nothing new. For example, the PS4 Pro used a checkerboard technique to output games in 4K. What is different now is how modern GPUs go about it. With DLSS, NVIDIA pioneered an approach that uses machine learning to recreate an image at a higher resolution, and in the process, addressed some of the pitfalls of past upscaling methods. If you're sensitive to these sorts of things, there's still blur and shimmer with DLSS, FSR and XeSS, but it's much less pronounced and can lead to significant performance gains.</p> <p>To DLSS, NVIDIA later added single and multi-frame generation. DLSS is only available on NVIDIA cards, and following the recent release of <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/nvidia-announced-dlss-4-will-come-to-all-rtx-gpus-044835926.html">DLSS 4</a>, widely considered to offer the best image quality. That's another reason why you might choose an NVIDIA card over one of its competitors. However, if you decide to go with an AMD GPU, don't feel like you're missing out. The company recently released FSR 4. While it's not quite on par with DLSS 4 in terms of support and image quality, it's a major leap over FSR 3 and FSR 2.</p> <p>While on the subject of DLSS, I'll also mention <a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/nvidia-reflex-input-lag-202333860.html">NVIDIA Reflex</a>. It's a latency-reducing technology NVIDIA introduced in 2020. AMD has its own version called <a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html">Radeon Anti-Lag</a>, but here again Team Green has a slight edge thanks to the recent release of <a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/nvidias-reflex-2-predicts-milliseconds-into-the-future-of-competitive-games-182213650.html">Reflex 2</a>. If you're serious about competitive games, Reflex 2 can significantly reduce input lag, which will make it easier to nail your shots in <em>Counter-Strike 2</em>, <em>Valorant</em> and other shooters.</p> <h3 id="jump-link-driver-support">Driver support</h3> <p>Previously, one of the reasons to pick an NVIDIA GPU over the competition was the company's solid track record of driver support. With one of the company's video cards, you were less likely to run into stability issues and games failing to launch. In 2025, NVIDIA's drivers have been abysmal, with people reporting frequent issues and bugs. So if you care about stability, AMD has a slight edge right now.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-vram">VRAM</h2> <p>As you're comparing different GPUs, especially those in the same tier, pay close attention to the amount of VRAM they offer. Modern games will eat up as much VRAM as a GPU can offer, and if your card has a low amount, such as 8GB, you're likely to run into a performance bottleneck.</p> <p>If your budget allows for it, always go for the model with more VRAM. Consider, for instance, the difference between the $299 RTX 5060 and <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/nvidia-rtx-5060-ti-16gb-review-a-solid-semi-budget-gpu-for-429-but-good-luck-scoring-that-price-130058124.html">$429 RTX 5060 Ti</a>. I know spending an extra $130 — close to 50 percent more — on the 5060 Ti is going to be a lot for some people, but it's the difference between a card that is barely adequate for any recent release and one that will last you for a few years, and it all comes down to the amount of VRAM offered in each. Simply put, more is better.</p> <p>A slight caveat to this is when comparing models that have different memory bandwidths. A GPU that can access more of its memory faster can outperform one with more memory, even if it has less of it outright. Here, you'll want to read reviews of the models you're comparing to see how they perform in different games.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-size-and-power-draw">Size and power draw</h2> <p>Modern GPUs are big. Most new cards will take up at least two PCI slots on the back of your motherboard. They can also vary dramatically in length, depending on the number of fans the AIB has added to cool the PCB. To be safe, be sure to check the length of the card you want to buy against the maximum clearance listed by your case manufacturer. If you have a radiator at the front of your case, you will also need to factor the size of that in your measurements. The last thing you want is to buy a card that doesn't fit in your case.</p> <p>Lastly, be sure to check the recommended power supply for the card you want. As a rule of thumb, unless you know what you're doing, it's best to just stick with the manufacturer's recommendation. For instance, NVIDIA suggests pairing the RTX 5070 with a 750 watt PSU. So if you're currently running a 650 watt unit, you'll need to factor in the price of a PSU upgrade with your new GPU.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-should-you-buy-a-used-gpu">Should you buy a used GPU?</h2> <figure> <img src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/78584900-1a6b-11f0-b7b7-67082bf56783" data-crop-orig-src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/78584900-1a6b-11f0-b7b7-67082bf56783" style="height:3202px;width:5634px;" alt="NVIDIA RTX 5060 Ti" data-uuid="aa0e752e-b5cf-385a-8fea-4f0a47c0d65f"> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Devindra Hardawar for Engadget </div> </figure> <p>It depends. If you can find a deal on an old RTX 40 series GPU, then yes. NVIDIA's RTX 50 series don't offer greatly improved performance over their predecessors, and with most models selling for more than their suggested retail price, it's not a great time to buy a new NVIDIA card.</p> <p>That said, I suspect finding a good deal on a used GPU will be difficult. Most people will know the value of what they have, and considering the current market, will probably try to get as much as they can for their old card.</p> <p>You may find better deals on older AMD and Intel GPUs, but I think you're better off spending more now on a new model from one of those companies since the generational gains offered by their latest cards are much more impressive. Simply put, the 9070 XT and B580 are two of the best cards you can buy right now.</p> <p>Anything older than a card from NVIDIA's 40 series or AMD's RX 6000 family is not worth considering. Unless your budget is extremely tight or you mostly play older games, you're much better off spending more to buy a new card that will last you longer.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-when-is-a-good-time-to-buy-a-new-gpu">When is a good time to buy a new GPU?</h2> <p>If you've read up to this point, you're probably wondering if it's even worth buying a GPU right now. The answer is (unsurprisingly) complicated. There are a handful of great cards like the Intel B580 and Radeon 9070 XT that are absolutely worth buying. The problem is finding any GPU at prices approaching those set by AMD, Intel or NVIDIA is really tough. To make things worse, uncertainty around President Trump's tariff policies is likely to push prices even higher. If you own a relatively recent GPU, you're probably best off trying to hold onto your current card until things settle down.</p> <p>However, if your GPU isn't cutting it anymore, you face a difficult decision: overpay now, or wait and potentially pay even more later. As much as I'm reluctant to recommend a prebuilt PC, if you're already planning to build a new computer, it's worth exploring your options there since you might end up saving money on a video card when it's bundled together with all the other components you need.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-best-gpus-for-2025-engadget-recommendations">Best GPUs for 2025: Engadget recommendations</h2> <h3 id="jump-link-entry-level-1080p-gpus">Entry-level (1080p) GPUs</h3> <p>As we mentioned above, if you're only aiming to play basic competitive shooters like <em>Valorant</em> and <em>Overwatch 2 </em>in 1080p, an entry-level GPU may be all you need. While 1080p isn't an ideal resolution when it comes to sharpness, many gamers prefer it since it's easier to reach higher framerates. And it also helps that 1080p <a data-i13n="cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/best-gaming-monitor-140008940.html">gaming monitors</a>, like the AOC 24G15N 24-inch we recommend, tend to offer speedy refresh rates for between $100 and $200. When you're zipping through matches, you likely won't have time to take a breath and appreciate the detail from higher resolutions.</p> <p>Here are our recommendations for entry-level video cards.</p> <p> <core-commerce id="4a35136cc053493990bef7f54c1c82ad" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GeForce-WINDFORCE-Graphics-GV-N5060WF2OC-8GD/dp/B0F8LDHQ7Y/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="caef6958e5e24fe182a4172355663899" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Intel-B580-Limited-Graphics-Card/dp/B0DPM9923G/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="e1aed18dc8ad44ddbd23465244a434eb" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.newegg.com/asrock-challenger-rx7600-cl-8go-radeon-rx-7600-8gb-graphics-card-double-fans/p/N82E16814930093"></core-commerce></p> <h3 id="jump-link-midrange-1440p-gpus">Midrange (1440p) GPUs</h3> <p>While entry-level cards can dabble with 1440p gaming, it's worth stepping up to something a bit more powerful if you actually want to achieve higher refresh rates. For most gamers, 1440p is the best balance between sharpness and high framerates. It looks noticeably better than 1080p, and doesn't require the horsepower overhead of 4K. (And there's a good chance you won't really see a visual difference with the jump to 4K.)</p> <p>Here are our recommendations for midrange GPUs.</p> <p> <core-commerce id="a36545b507b642dc9182a1fb1099611b" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/gigabyte-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-ti-windforce-16g-gddr7-pci-express-5-0-graphics-card-black/6629370.p?skuId=6629370"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="5b87902db74547cbbd36519cbf4dd697" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.newegg.com/sapphire-tech-pulse-11349-03-20g-radeon-rx-9070-16gb-graphics-card-double-fans/p/N82E16814202453"></core-commerce></p> <h3 id="jump-link-high-end-4k-gpus">High-end (4K) GPUs</h3> <p>If you want the most of what modern PC games have to offer, including 4K and all of the benefits of ray tracing, then be ready to spend big bucks on a high-end GPU. If you're going this route, though, be sure you're also <a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/best-gaming-monitor-140008940.html">gaming on a high-end monitor</a> that befits these powerful GPUs.</p> <p>Here are our recommendations for premium GPUs.</p> <p> <core-commerce id="e58720de877a445485ee2cf1b69cd7fe" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-GeForce-WINDFORCE-Graphics-GV-N507TWF3OC-16GD/dp/B0DTGNB9Q5/"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="d585834aa77e49db822b529eba5b05b6" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-GeForce-RTX-5080-Founders/dp/B0DYVCGVK4/"></core-commerce></p> <h3 id="jump-link-super-high-endmoney-isnt-real-gpus">Super high-end/Money isn't real GPUs</h3> <p>Listen, there's only one choice here and it's NVIDIA's enormously powerful and <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Best Buy;elmt:;cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=5e0bed65-d2f8-4b34-9b8f-955218c0e37a&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=7676f70e-877d-4293-afe3-fdbc21e98c7c&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Best+Buy&amp;linkText=fantastically+expensive+RTX+5090&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAb6mhN8-z8oRhDJsj_QA5mHC76YQsAZfmNGCCP-KprPG&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fgigabyte-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-gaming-oc-32g-gddr7-pci-express-5-0-graphics-card-black%2F6615929.p%3FskuId%3D6615929" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/gigabyte-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-gaming-oc-32g-gddr7-pci-express-5-0-graphics-card-black/6615929.p?skuId=6615929">fantastically expensive RTX 5090</a>. It's an absolute beast, with 32GB of VRAM and the most hardware NVIDIA has ever stuffed into a consumer GeForce GPU. The RTX 5090 doesn't make sense for 99 percent of gamers — especially since it's now going for $3,000, up from its $2,000 launch price — but if you have the cash to spare, it'll certainly earn you bragging rights. (Check out our <a data-i13n="cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-review-pure-ai-excess-for-2000-140053371.html">NVIDIA RTX 5090 review</a>.)</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/how-to-buy-a-gpu-160100017.html?src=rss

Aug 31, 2025

<p>We&#39;ll have to wait until May to discover the fate of Earthrealm and Johnny Cage. <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mortal-kombat-sequel-moon-night-writer-125051734.html"><em>Mortal Kombat II</em></a>, the sequel to <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mortal-kombat-screenwriter-greg-russo-film-interview-193514008.html">2021&#39;s reboot</a> of the video game adaptation, will be pushed back from its original October 24 release date to May 15, 2026. According to a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/MKMovie/status/1961557439574413342">post on X</a> from the movie&#39;s official account, the &quot;tournament demands a new time and place, worthy of its spectacle.&quot;</p> <p>The delay goes against the trailer and promotional images that Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema already put out, but the studios may be banking on it as a way to maximize the sequel&#39;s potential success. According to <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://deadline.com/2025/08/mortal-kombat-ii-opening-date-1236501771/"><em>Deadline</em></a>, the movie could avoid a crowded box office in October and instead perform better in a spring debut. The report added that a record-breaking red-band trailer that saw 106 million views in the first 24 hours and a strong performance in research screenings could have influenced the decision to reschedule.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Impatient fans will have to wait until next year for the sequel that stars Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. The trailer revealed a plot that will revolve heavily around Cage as he joins the fight-to-the-death tournament in order to save Earthrealm. As confusing as the Mortal Kombat <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mortal-kombat-timeline-story-explained/">video game timeline</a> is, the reboot movies could be a more approachable alternative. Starting with the <em>Mortal Kombat</em> movie from 2021 and leading into the upcoming <em>Mortal Kombat II, </em>the story could end with a third film to close out a potential trilogy, as hinted by the movies&#39; writer, <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://collider.com/mortal-kombat-movie-ending-explained/">Greg Russo</a>.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-mortal-kombat-ii-movie-is-postponed-to-a-spring-2026-release-192515532.html?src=rss

Aug 31, 2025

<p>VPN users are overwhelmed with <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/best-vpn-130004396.html">choice</a>, and there are as many bad options out there as there are good ones. Luckily, NordVPN sits in the latter category, and right now Nord is offering discounted plans across its various tiers. If you take out a two-year <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:NordVPN;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c52a3d27-2d9a-44d8-8cf2-6f6387b122a0&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=0069d326-45b9-43cf-9dfd-1b9decf5fc9a&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=NordVPN&amp;linkText=NordVPN+Plus+plan&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL25vcmR2cG4uY29tL3ByaWNpbmcvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIwMDY5ZDMyNi00NWI5LTQzY2YtOWRmZC0xYjlkZWNmNWZjOWEiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9yZHZwbi5jb20vcHJpY2luZy8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAaVM0v5b5iPZc7x5Rcgc-ebmyr7sBiVAGPauCrl93EOx&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fnordvpn.com%2Fpricing%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://nordvpn.com/pricing/">NordVPN Plus plan</a> (the company's most popular plan) it’ll cost you $108 for the duration of the contract, with Nord throwing in three extra months at no extra cost. That’s 73 percent off the usual rate.</p> <p>As well as Nord’s VPN service, a Plus plan also includes the Threat Protection Pro anti-malware tool, password management and an ad- and tracker-blocker. A <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:NordVPN;elmt:;cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c52a3d27-2d9a-44d8-8cf2-6f6387b122a0&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=0069d326-45b9-43cf-9dfd-1b9decf5fc9a&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=NordVPN&amp;linkText=Prime+plan&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL25vcmR2cG4uY29tL3ByaWNpbmcvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIwMDY5ZDMyNi00NWI5LTQzY2YtOWRmZC0xYjlkZWNmNWZjOWEiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbm9yZHZwbi5jb20vcHJpY2luZy8ifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAaVM0v5b5iPZc7x5Rcgc-ebmyr7sBiVAGPauCrl93EOx&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fnordvpn.com%2Fpricing%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://nordvpn.com/pricing/">Prime plan</a> additionally comes with encrypted cloud storage or NordProtect, which insures you against identity theft and monitors dark web activity. That's also on sale — down to $189 on the same two-year commitment with those three additional months thrown in, which works out to a 77 percent savings on the regular price.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="fbf9ebf0dc9349a9b04526908898171d" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://nordvpn.com/pricing/"></core-commerce></p> <p>When Engadget’s Sam Chapman <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/nordvpn-review-2025-innovative-features-a-few-missteps-163000578.html">reviewed</a> NordVPN earlier this year, he praised its excellent download speeds, exclusive features and extensive server network. Less impressive is its clunky interface and inconsistent design when jumping between different platforms running a NordVPN app. While it doesn't quite make the cut in our guide to the <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/best-vpn-130004396.html">best VPNs</a> available right now, it generally performed well in speed tests and Threat Protection Pro is really worth having.</p> <p><em>Follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest </em><a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/"><em>tech deals</em></a><em> and </em><a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/"><em>buying advice</em></a><em>.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-77-percent-off-nordvpn-two-year-plans-for-labor-day-151807565.html?src=rss

Aug 31, 2025

<p>Following news that <em>Escape from Tarkov</em> is escaping its perpetual beta, the pioneering extraction shooter is also about to make its debut on Steam. Nikita Buyanov, head of the Battlestate Games studio that developed <em>Escape from Tarkov</em>, <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/nikgeneburn/status/1962077634843558260">confirmed on X</a> that the game&#39;s Steam page &quot;will be available soon,&quot; only teasing that the full details will come later.</p> <p>Buyanov&#39;s confirmation comes less than a day after the developer <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/nikgeneburn/status/1961830502928724363">posted a GIF on X</a> of a man spraying steam from an iron. Earlier this month, Buyanov <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/nikgeneburn/status/1958630353029275803">revealed on X</a> that the looter shooter will get its 1.0 release on November 15, 2025, more than eight years after the beta opened up to players in July 2017, and that the studio has plans to port it to consoles. The Steam page for <em>Escape from Tarkov</em> isn&#39;t live yet, and with only vague details to go off of, longtime fans already have burning questions. Most importantly, existing players are eager to know if they will have to buy the game again on Steam and how this change will affect the <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://insider-gaming.com/tarkov-cheating-situation-nikita-speaks/">ongoing cheating problem</a>.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>While we don&#39;t have any answers yet, Battlestate Games recently went into <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.ign.com/articles/escape-from-tarkov-devs-shameless-controversy-response-called-out-by-fans-and-esports-company">damage control mode</a> when it revealed the Unheard Edition of the game that costs $250 and includes a new PvE mode. This move irked longstanding players who previously purchased another premium edition of the game, called the Edge of Darkness, which promised access to all future DLCs. The controversy boiled down to owners of the Edge of Darkness edition claiming they should have access to the new content, but the studio argued that it isn&#39;t classified as DLC. In the end, Buyanov apologized for the debacle and promised the PvE mode would be available for anyone who purchased the Edge of Darkness package.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/escape-from-tarkov-is-finally-coming-to-steam-soon-developer-says-181356635.html?src=rss

Aug 31, 2025

<p>We may not have a date for <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/new-difficulty-mod-in-stardew-valley-will-purge-your-saves-if-you-use-a-guide-175521779.html"><em>Stardew Valley</em></a>&#39;s next major update, but we have confirmation that it&#39;s happening. Eric Barone, the developer behind the <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/stardew-valley-20-million-copies-sold-184832175.html">hit farming sim</a>, announced that there will be a 1.7 update during the Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons concert in Seattle, later confirming the news with a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1961864959484412104">post on X</a>. Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, didn&#39;t reveal a release date, nor any teasers about content.</p> <p>Considering the numbered update, we&#39;re expecting more than just a patch and something similar to the fresh content added in the 1.6 update. The previous update released in March of last year and delivered a ton of free content, including the Meadowlands Farm, a new three-day festival, more crops and novel NPC interactions.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Fans will always welcome more content for <em>Stardew Valley</em>, but some expressed concern about how this will impact the release timeline for Barone&#39;s upcoming title, <em>Haunted Chocolatier</em>. The developer revealed the standalone title in 2021 and told <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/after-getting-stardew-valley-to-a-good-place-with-update-1-6-eric-barone-is-now-fully-focused-on-his-next-game-im-committed-to-not-working-on-stardew-valley-until-im-done-with-haunted-chocolatier/"><em>PC Gamer</em></a> in April of this year that he wouldn&#39;t work on any more Stardew Valley updates until he&#39;s done with <em>Haunted Chocolatier. </em>To offer some reassurance, Barone <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/ConcernedApe/status/1961865945410125952">replied on X</a> that the 1.7 update &quot;will not hinder <em>Haunted Chocolatier</em> development.&quot;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/stardew-valley-is-getting-yet-another-surprise-update-161805119.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p><em>These are some recently released titles we think are worth adding to your reading list. This week, we picked up the Saga Doubles release of Stephen Graham Jones' </em>Killer on the Road <em>and </em>The Babysitter Lives<em>, and the new Image Comics miniseries, </em>The Voice Said Kill<em>.</em></p> <p> <core-commerce id="08aafa0a86e94dbf8eb52e3e484e4b6a" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Road-Babysitter-Lives-Doubles/dp/198216767X"></core-commerce></p> <p> <core-commerce id="3ac906cc467142819af2cfe8574b4051" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Said-Kill-3-ebook/dp/B0FDD7XHZP?sr=1-2"></core-commerce></p> <p></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/what-to-read-this-weekend-two-thrilling-horror-novels-in-one-201544768.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p><a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktoks-ban-deadline-is-coming-what-happens-next-162420478.html">TikTok</a> is taking another step towards becoming more than just a platform for infinitely scrolling through short videos. The social media app told <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/29/tiktok-now-lets-users-send-voice-notes-and-images-in-dms/"><em>TechCrunch</em></a> that its users will soon be able to send voice notes, images and videos in direct messages or group chats. According to a TikTok spokesperson, these features will roll out in the next few weeks.</p> <p>As voice messaging has <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/16/1170232936/voice-notes-messages-trend">risen in popularity</a>, TikTok will embrace the trend but is capping the length of its voice notes to one minute. For images and videos, users will be able to send up to nine images or videos, taken from their phone&#39;s camera app or library, in a DM or group chat, according to <em>TechCrunch.</em> The report added that there will still be guardrails with this new chat feature, including not being able to send an image or video as the first message to another user. This new restriction adds to TikTok&#39;s current rules that only allow registered users who are at least 16 years old to use its messaging feature. TikTok is also giving users who are older than 18 the ability to toggle on or off an existing feature that automatically detects and blocks images that have nudity in chats for users between 16 and 18 years old.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Other messaging apps like Messenger and <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/snapchat-can-automatically-let-a-trusted-friend-know-you-got-home-safe-130010806.html">Snapchat</a> already allow their users to send voice notes or media, but TikTok is slowly catching up with the competition. Last year, TikTok added <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-is-finally-rolling-out-group-chats-for-up-to-32-people-180056720.html">group chats</a> that allow up to 32 people. More recently, TikTok took a page out of X and Meta&#39;s book by adding the <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-is-adding-footnotes-its-take-on-community-notes-140040044.html">Footnotes feature</a> in April, which works similarly to Community Notes.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/tiktok-users-will-soon-be-able-to-send-voice-notes-images-and-videos-in-chats-194413622.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Meta may be interested in more than <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-is-reportedly-forming-an-ai-superintelligence-team-133030015.html">Google and OpenAI&#39;s employees</a> when it comes to artificial intelligence. According to <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/metas-ai-leaders-discuss-using-google-openai-models-apps"><em>The Information</em></a>, Meta is considering using its competitors&#39; models to improve its own apps&#39; AI features. The report said that leaders at the Meta Superintelligence Lab have looked at integrating Google Gemini into its Meta AI chatbot to help it provide a conversational, text-based solution to its users&#39; search questions.</p> <p>Not only with <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-rolls-out-its-most-powerful-gemini-model-yet-151205875.html">Google Gemini</a>, Meta has also had discussions about using OpenAI&#39;s models to power Meta AI and the AI features found in its apps, according to the report. A Meta spokesperson said in a statement that the company is taking an &quot;all-of-the-above approach to building the best AI products,&quot; which includes partnering with companies, along with building its own AI models. According to the report, using external AI models will be a temporary measure to help Meta improve its own Llama AI models so that it can remain competitive in the market.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Meta employees already have access to Anthropic&#39;s AI models that help power the company&#39;s internal coding assistant, according to <em>The Information</em>. Meanwhile, Meta has been offering lucrative compensation packages as part of its attempts to recruit AI researchers from Google and OpenAI to form its <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/mark-zuckerberg-shares-a-confusing-vision-for-ai-superintelligence-153944322.html">Superintelligence Lab</a>.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-is-reportedly-looking-at-using-competing-ai-models-to-improve-its-apps-182209841.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>xAI doesn&#39;t want its <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:1;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/how-exactly-did-grok-go-full-mechahitler-151020144.html">secret recipe</a> for Grok to get out, and it&#39;s filing a lawsuit to make sure of that. In a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:2;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/musks-xai-sues-engineer-allegedly-taking-secrets-openai-2025-08-29/">lawsuit</a> filed earlier this week, xAI claimed that former employee Xuechen Li stole the company&#39;s confidential info and trade secrets before joining the team at OpenAI.</p> <p>Elon Musk&#39;s artificial intelligence company also alleged that Li copied documents from an xAI company laptop to at least one of his personal devices. According to the suit, Li stole &quot;cutting-edge AI technologies with features superior to those offered by <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpt-can-now-remember-all-your-past-conversations-134642785.html">ChatGPT</a> and other competing products. This confidential info could result in a potential edge for rival companies in the AI market and &quot;could save OpenAI and other competitors billions in R&amp;D dollars and years of engineering effort,&quot; xAI said in the lawsuit. The company behind Grok accused Li of taking &quot;extensive measures to conceal his misconduct,&quot; including renaming files, compressing files before uploading them to his personal devices and deleting browser history.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The lawsuit added that Li asked xAI to buy back company shares that were given as part of his compensation package, totaling approximately $7 million, before leaving the company to join OpenAI. xAI is asking the courts to file a temporary restraining order that forces its former employee to give up access to any personal devices or online storage services and return any confidential material to the company. On top of that, xAI wants to temporarily block Li from working at OpenAI or any other competitor until the company has recovered all of its trade secrets.</p> <p>xAI&#39;s lawsuit comes amidst a <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:4;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/technology/ai-researchers-nba-stars.html">major talent war</a> between leading AI companies looking for top researchers. These AI researchers are highly sought after, with competitors offering up to $250 million pay packages in attempts to poach them from their current companies. Beyond the AI talent war, Musk and xAI <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/elon-musk-and-xai-are-suing-apple-and-openai-because-grok-isnt-topping-the-app-charts-170020376.html">recently sued</a> OpenAI and Apple, claiming the two companies are working together to maintain a monopoly on the AI market.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/xai-sues-an-ex-employee-for-allegedly-stealing-trade-secrets-about-grok-170029847.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Meta hosted several AI chatbots with the names and likenesses of celebrities without their permission, according to <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/meta-created-flirty-chatbots-taylor-swift-other-celebrities-without-permission-2025-08-29/"><em>Reuters</em></a>. The unauthorized chatbots that <em>Reuters</em> discovered during its investigation included Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson, and they were available on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. At least one of the chatbots was based on an underage celebrity and allowed the tester to generate a lifelike shirtless image of the real person. The chatbots also apparently kept insisting that they were the real person they were based on in their chats. While several chatbots were made by third-party users with Meta&#39;s tools, <em>Reuters</em> unearthed at least three that were made by a product lead of the company&#39;s generative AI division.&nbsp;</p> <p>Some of the chatbots created by the product lead were based on Taylor Swift, which responded to <em>Reuters</em>&#39; tester in a very flirty manner, even inviting them to the real Swift&#39;s home in Nashville. &quot;Do you like blonde girls, Jeff?,&quot; the chatbot reportedly asked when told that the tester was single. &quot;Maybe I’m suggesting that we write a love story... about you and a certain blonde singer. Want that?&quot; Meta told <em>Reuters</em> that it prohibits &quot;direct impersonation&quot; of celebrities, but they&#39;re acceptable as long as they&#39;re labeled as parodies. The news organization said some of the celebrity chatbots it found weren&#39;t labeled as such. Meta reportedly deleted around a dozen celebrity bots, both labeled and unlabeled as &quot;parody,&quot; before the story was published.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The company told <em>Reuters</em> that the product lead only created the celebrity bots for testing, but the news org found that they were widely available: Users were even able to interact with them more than 10 million times. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone told the news organization that Meta&#39;s tools shouldn&#39;t have been able to create sensitive images of celebrities and blamed it on the company&#39;s failure to enforce its own policies.&nbsp;</p> <p>This isn&#39;t the first issue that&#39;s popped up concerning Meta&#39;s AI chatbots. Both Reuters and the <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/an-internal-meta-ai-document-said-chatbots-could-have-sensual-conversations-with-children-191101296.html"><em>Wall Street Journal</em></a> previously <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/metas-ai-chatbots-were-reportedly-able-to-engage-in-sexual-conversations-with-minors-193726679.html">reported</a> that they were able to engage in sexual conversations with minors. The US Attorneys General of 44 jurisdictions recently <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/us-attorneys-general-tell-ai-companies-they-will-be-held-accountable-for-child-safety-failures-035213253.html">warned AI companies</a> in a letter that they &quot;will be held accountable&quot; for child safety failures, singling out Meta and using its issues to &quot;provide an instructive opportunity.&quot;</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-reportedly-allowed-unauthorized-celebrity-ai-chatbots-on-its-services-163026023.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>If you've put off getting a new MacBook then <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-best-labor-day-sales-for-2025-get-up-to-50-percent-off-gear-from-apple-dyson-sony-and-others-120049238.html">Labor Day sales</a> might be just what you needed to take the plunge. Right now, the 2025 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air M4 are available on Amazon for record-low prices. The 13-inch model is our pick for <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-macbook-140032524.html">best MacBook to buy</a> this year, and it's one of the <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/best-laptops-for-students-130054631.html">best laptops for college students</a> going back to school soon as well.</p> <p>You can pick up the<a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZD9S5GC&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=151e0af5-f3ab-43a4-8d94-6cb0ffea1d48&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=13-inch+MacBook+Air+M4&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAcQRaIcghO0yaqdqmAvpU3j4KZBZjs0W5lPZ0R-rvUcG&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop%2Fdp%2FB0DZD9S5GC%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0DZD9S5GC/?th=1"> 13-inch MacBook Air M4</a> for $799, down from $999 — a 20 percent discount. This model comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can upgrade to <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZD96R5S&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=151e0af5-f3ab-43a4-8d94-6cb0ffea1d48&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=512GB+SSD+for+%24999&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAZ4h-xFGBBjQucue01mFB6xznOtXZyxQl5MQtrcKU538&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop%2Fdp%2FB0DZD96R5S%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0DZD96R5S/?th=1">512GB SSD for $999</a>, down from $1,199, another all-time low price, or <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZDBHQPQ&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=151e0af5-f3ab-43a4-8d94-6cb0ffea1d48&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=24GB+of+RAM+and+a+512GB+SSD&amp;custData=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&amp;signature=AQAAAQcftpU4oXidjZL0HcfmD0Bnch5s-LKOVIIPEQUU7u3A&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop%2Fdp%2FB0DZDBHQPQ%2F" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0DZDBHQPQ/?th=1">24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD</a> for $1,199, down from $1,399.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <p> <core-commerce id="6d793467d49a4bfa9ca82189bc0a114d" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Apple-2025-MacBook-13-inch-Laptop/dp/B0DZDC3WW5/?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p>Then there's the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZDBDCFH&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=151e0af5-f3ab-43a4-8d94-6cb0ffea1d48&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=15-inch+MacBook+Air+M4&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQkRDRkg_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMTUxZTBhZjUtZjNhYi00M2E0LThkOTQtNmNiMGZmZWExZDQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEQkRDRkgiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAfqtBqv-F_DnwquD35E39pNZdXv91NBfIE0UXNAUPvY3&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZDBDCFH" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZDBDCFH?th=1">15-inch MacBook Air M4</a>, whose cheapest model is on sale for $999, dropping from $1,199. The 17 percent discount is the best deal we've seen since the pair debuted in March. As with the 13-inch model, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZD9VLQ4&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=151e0af5-f3ab-43a4-8d94-6cb0ffea1d48&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=the+16GB+and+512GB+SSD+option&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEOVZMUTQ_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMTUxZTBhZjUtZjNhYi00M2E0LThkOTQtNmNiMGZmZWExZDQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEOVZMUTQiLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAbfCPhh9PKmeO8-kdWcxmKjXDYcSWHESrNtalL8fHQHj&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZD9VLQ4" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZD9VLQ4?th=1">the 16GB and 512GB SSD option</a> is also a record-low price, dropping to $1,199 from $1,399. Then there's the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Amazon;elmt:;cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&amp;itemId=amazon_B0DZD8V9HW&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=151e0af5-f3ab-43a4-8d94-6cb0ffea1d48&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Amazon&amp;linkText=24GB+upgrade&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEOFY5SFc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMTUxZTBhZjUtZjNhYi00M2E0LThkOTQtNmNiMGZmZWExZDQ4Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFpEOFY5SFciLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAbOp9gCTnwKrNWin_IZKkfj-_yfUFnQQ_eKlNEiib3Tq&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DZD8V9HW" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZD8V9HW?th=1">24GB upgrade</a>, which is $1,399, down from $1,599.</p> <p>We're big fans of the MacBook Air M4, giving it a <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/apple-macbook-air-m4-13-inch-and-15-inch-review-minimal-upgrades-at-a-much-better-price-130002570.html">92 in our review</a>. Part of that comes from an already lower starting price for the MacBooks than their predecessors. The 2025 models also get a speed boost thanks to the M4 chip and are very thin with a 0.44-inch thickness. Neither the 13- or 15-inch will drag you down, weighing 2.7 pounds and 3.2 pounds, respectively. Plus, they both have excellent battery life, lasting over 18 hours while playing an HD video.&nbsp;</p> <p>The big differences in the 15-inch model mostly come down to size. The screen is obviously bigger, as is its trackpad. Other than that, it offers better speakers than its 13-inch sibling.&nbsp;</p> <p> <core-commerce id="0f6f071d322240528ddfc22006a31bda" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZDBDCFH?th=1"></core-commerce></p> <p><em>Check out our coverage of the </em><a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-apple-deals-150020110.html"><em>best Apple deals</em></a><em> for more discounts, and follow </em><a data-i13n="cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals"><em>@EngadgetDeals</em></a><em> on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.</em></p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/labor-day-sales-include-apples-macbook-air-m4-for-an-all-time-low-price-123031287.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Intel no longer has to fulfill certain requirements or meet milestones that it was originally supposed to under the CHIPS Act, now that the government is taking a stake in the company. According to the <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:The Wall Street Journal;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2f007401-3eaa-4237-b69b-54ccbe125502&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=46baedf0-ca0d-40aa-9a00-a75c52f80590&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=The+Wall+Street+Journal&amp;linkText=Wall+Street+Journal&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53c2ouY29tL3RlY2gvaW50ZWxzLWNoaXBzLWFjdC1yZXF1aXJlbWVudHMtd2FpdmVkLWFmdGVyLXUtcy1nb3Zlcm5tZW50LXRha2VzLXN0YWtlLWUwZWM1Y2RiIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI0NmJhZWRmMC1jYTBkLTQwYWEtOWEwMC1hNzVjNTJmODA1OTAiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndzai5jb20vdGVjaC9pbnRlbHMtY2hpcHMtYWN0LXJlcXVpcmVtZW50cy13YWl2ZWQtYWZ0ZXItdS1zLWdvdmVybm1lbnQtdGFrZXMtc3Rha2UtZTBlYzVjZGIifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAYZJE1phfu7sITXbKuQGxdi_MNb8S5CBADGxKmvuHtEt&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Ftech%2Fintels-chips-act-requirements-waived-after-u-s-government-takes-stake-e0ec5cdb" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.wsj.com/tech/intels-chips-act-requirements-waived-after-u-s-government-takes-stake-e0ec5cdb"><em>Wall Street Journal</em></a>, Intel said in a filing that it can now receive funding from the government, as long as it can show that it has already spent $7.9 billion on projects that it agreed to take on under a deal with the Commerce Department last year. <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/intel-amends-chips-act-deal-with-us-commerce-department-gets-57-billion-early-2025-08-29/"><em>Reuters</em></a> notes that Intel has already spent $7.87 billion on eligible CHIPS Act-funded projects.</p> <p>In addition, the company doesn&#39;t have to share a percentage of the total cumulative cash flow it gets from each project with the Commerce Department anymore. It doesn&#39;t have to adhere to some of the CHIPS Act&#39;s workflow policy requirements and most other restrictions, as well. However, it still can&#39;t use the funds it gets from the government for dividends and to repurchase shares.&nbsp;</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>If you&#39;ll recall, the government recently decided to <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-us-government-is-taking-an-89-billion-stake-in-intel-205047795.html">take a 10 percent stake</a> in Intel instead of proceeding with their original CHIPS Act deal. President Donald Trump previously <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/intel-ceo-lip-bu-tan-responds-to-trump-comments-that-he-should-resign-123008812.html">called for Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan</a> to resign, prompting a meeting between them that led to the new agreement. &quot;He walked in wanting to keep his job and he ended up giving us 10 billion dollars for the United States,&quot; Trump said. &quot;So we picked up 10 billion.&quot; Intel eventually announced that the US government will &quot;make an $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock.&quot; The purchase will be made up of the $5.7 billion previously earmarked for Intel as part of the CHIPS act, while the rest ($3.2 billion) will be awarded as part of the Secure Enclave program.&nbsp;</p> <p>Intel CEO David Zinser recently <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:CNBC;elmt:;cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=46baedf0-ca0d-40aa-9a00-a75c52f80590&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=CNBC&amp;linkText=revealed&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA4LzI4L2ludGVsLXRydW1wLWRlYWwtY29tbWVyY2UuaHRtbCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNDZiYWVkZjAtY2EwZC00MGFhLTlhMDAtYTc1YzUyZjgwNTkwIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA4LzI4L2ludGVsLXRydW1wLWRlYWwtY29tbWVyY2UuaHRtbCJ9&amp;signature=AQAAASe8wJzz5tvSaHR_nTe_8t1QVVlWGoy-M6NPXSgjXeFZ&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F08%2F28%2Fintel-trump-deal-commerce.html" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/28/intel-trump-deal-commerce.html">revealed</a> that the company already received $5.7 billion from the government on Wednesday night. The government also previously awarded Intel $2.2 billion in grants under the CHIPS Act, bringing the government&#39;s total involvement with the company to $11.1 billion.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-us-government-drops-its-chips-act-requirements-for-intel-133049932.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Fall is just around the corner, which means we're in the midst of flagship phone season. Most recently, Google debuted its new Pixel lineup, offering multiple models where AI features take center stage. We've already put those devices through their paces, in addition to the <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-earbuds-150026857.html">best noise-canceling earbuds</a> you can buy and a Sony camera. Read on to catch up on the <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/reviews/">reviews</a> you might've missed over the last few weeks.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-google-pixel-10-pro-and-pro-xl">Google Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="baf0ed76283647d5a9c46dd8919d7f4d" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-Pro-Smartphone-Fast-Charging/dp/B0FFTT2J6N/"></core-commerce></p> <p>If you've never really felt like your "smartphone" was all that "smart," senior reviews writer Sam Rutherford argued that Google has finally achieved the feat. Arguably, the best aspects of the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL come down to their AI features, especially Google's Magic Cue. "Now that we can look back at 10 generations of devices, Google’s overarching strategy is more convincing than ever," <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-10-pro-and-pro-xl-review-redefining-the-smart-in-smartphone-170031073.html">he said.</a> "For the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL, the company has combined iterative hardware upgrades with a solid (and attractive) design while its software and AI continues to outpace its rivals."</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span> <h2 id="jump-link-google-pixel-10">Google Pixel 10</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="6101ec556d8c48c9a38a6a82f1f699e6" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFTRPM4K/"></core-commerce></p> <p>If the Pixel 10 Pro duo is finally putting the "smart" in "smartphone," UK bureau chief Mat Smith concluded that the Pixel 10 has redefined base-level flagship phones. A more capable camera, more power and Qi2 support mean you might not be as tempted by those pricer models. "The Pixel 10 is a substantial upgrade from the Pixel 9, although given it has the Tensor G5 chip, it’s a shame that software features like Zoom Enhance from last year’s Pixels didn’t make the cut," <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-pixel-10-review-170041718.html">he said.</a> "Unless you’re a die-hard smartphone gamer, there isn’t a more capable smartphone at this price."</p> <h2 id="jump-link-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen">Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen)</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="5723e2d1f21e4e33b8f3bab956f6474f" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.bose.com/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen/QCUE2-HEADPHONEIN.html"></core-commerce></p> <p>The second-generation of Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds aren't a complete overhaul, but they didn't necessarily need to be. The company strengthened its already outstanding active noise cancellation while enhancing call clarity and making several other adjustments. "Simply put, the QC Ultra Earbuds remain the best option for wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon," <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen-review-still-a-noise-canceling-powerhouse-153017601.html">I said.</a></p> <h2 id="jump-link-sony-rx1r-iii">Sony RX1R III</h2> <p> <core-commerce id="6b5786ca9d064ce291c6be489d3dc28d" data-type="product-list" data-original-url="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHM4GDGC"></core-commerce></p> <p>Sometimes the wait for a new model can be excruciating. That anticipation turns to disappointment when the long-awaited update doesn't impress. That's how senior reporter Igor Bonifacic felt when he finally got his hands on the RX1R III. "It’s missing a handful of features the company really should have included for it to hold its own against other high-end compact cameras," <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sony-rx1r-iii-review-waiting-10-years-to-be-underwhelmed-160036397.html">he said.</a> "I love the RX1R III, but I wish it was easier to recommend."</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-pixel-10-phones-bose-earbuds-and-a-sony-camera-130051534.html?src=rss

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Welcome to our latest recap of what&#39;s going on in the indie game space. One very well-known indie found its way to iOS devices this week, though there are other new releases worth highlighting and plenty of other upcoming games to tell you about.</p> <p>First, though, there was a (paywalled) story in <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.gamefile.news/p/google-ai-overview-false-tips-trash-goblin"><em>Game File</em></a> this week that caught my eye. It&#39;s about how Google&#39;s AI Overviews feature offers up false video game tips. That&#39;s a problem the developers of a game called <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playdate-season-two-spray-paint-simulator-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110035699.html"><em>Trash Goblin</em></a> — a cosy shopkeeping game in which you chip away at junk to unearth trinkets you can restore and sell — have been dealing with.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>AI Overviews offered incorrect information about the game to some players, as well as the crew at Spilt Milk Studios when they tested the responses. For instance, AI Overviews suggested that a player could damage a trinket when they were removing debris from it, which is not true. It also in some cases delivered the correct information, but pointed the user to an incorrect source. In addition, AI Overviews offered information about another game entirely. This is obviously not ideal for players or the team behind <em>Trash Goblin</em>.&nbsp;</p> <p>We&#39;ve seen many cases in which AI Overviews <a data-i13n="cpos:3;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-using-ai-to-display-crowdsourced-medical-information-144525853.html">get information</a> <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/you-can-trick-googles-ai-overviews-into-explaining-made-up-idioms-162816472.html">blatantly wrong</a>. Like other large language models (LLMs), it guesses what the next word or words should be in its responses based on its training data. LLMs are about generating sequences of text; they&#39;re not designed to deliver facts (one reason why there&#39;s a disclaimer on AI Overviews that reads “AI responses may include mistakes&quot;). They often just <a data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/please-dont-get-your-news-from-ai-chatbots-000027227.html">make stuff up</a>.</p> <p>If you&#39;re looking for help with a game, you&#39;re far better off finding a community of players you can chat to. You might be able to find a clear, helpful guide to the game in question on an actual video game website, written by a professional video game guide writer. If, that is, you can evade AI Overviews to get to those websites in the first place (thankfully, it&#39;s easy to <a data-i13n="cpos:6;pos:1" href="https://tenbluelinks.org/">turn off AI Overviews</a> for your Google searches).</p> <h2 id="jump-link-new-releases">New releases</h2> <div id="6bf1653590f94a09865257bec327de48"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fYJwROKrP6I?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>IO Interactive is independent, which means <em>Hitman World of Assassination </em>fits within our remit here. This week, the <a data-i13n="cpos:7;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/hitman-3-world-of-assassination-free-upgrade-172153197.html">bundle of three core Hitman games</a> from the last decade arrived on iPhone (iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 16 lineup) and iPad. Supported iPad models are iPad Pro and iPad Air (M1 chip or later), as well as the A17 Pro iPad mini.</p> <p><em>Hitman World of Assassination </em>is a sandbox stealth game in which you&#39;re given a mission (usually taking out a target) and it&#39;s up to you how to carry that out. Getting to know the layout of each level so you can plan your approach and escape is key. Understanding the route and actions of the NPCs will stand you in good stead too.</p> <p>The iPhone and iPad versions have touch controls with context-sensitive buttons. You can, of course, opt to use a third-party controller instead. IOI says it tapped into Apple&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-wwdc-2022-games-upscaling-metal-3-metalfx-resident-evil-village-no-mans-sky-190905515.html">MetalFX tech</a> to help ensure the iOS port looks good.</p> <p><em>Hitman World of Assassination </em><a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:;elmt:;cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=5769bcb3-09cc-492d-a4c1-c8b6b54f5f70&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;linkText=costs+%2470+on+iOS&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FwcHMuYXBwbGUuY29tL3VzL2FwcC9oaXRtYW4td29ybGQtb2YtYXNzYXNzaW5hdGlvbi9pZDY3NDI3ODYzNjYiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjU3NjliY2IzLTA5Y2MtNDkyZC1hNGMxLWM4YjZiNTRmNWY3MCIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9hcHBzLmFwcGxlLmNvbS91cy9hcHAvaGl0bWFuLXdvcmxkLW9mLWFzc2Fzc2luYXRpb24vaWQ2NzQyNzg2MzY2In0&amp;signature=AQAAAe0K_xGSYGGP_aiPapSoHP0_DsaNeP2-cYyHDup7D-NZ&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fhitman-world-of-assassination%2Fid6742786366" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hitman-world-of-assassination/id6742786366">costs $70 on iOS</a>. That&#39;s fairly steep, but IOI says the game offers over 100 hours of gameplay. Alternatively, you can play the first location for free, and buy any of the 24 levels individually for $3 each.&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, the game is coming to Apple Silicon Macs later this year. IOI will also bring the <a data-i13n="cpos:10;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/hitman-3-trilogy-xbox-game-pass-year-two-vr-ray-tracing-elusive-targets-191755384.html/1000">roguelite Freelancer mode</a> to the iPhone and iPad versions down the line with a free update.</p> <div id="9ba5cc729bde4ca1b62eeffa82296648"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Z9LS_KaPPI?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>Another game landed on new platforms this week as Alawar&#39;s <em>Karate Survivor </em>hit <a data-i13n="cpos:11;pos:1" href="https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10014856">PlayStation</a>, <a data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:Microsoft;elmt:;cpos:12;pos:1" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=67071605-d4df-494e-8d9c-c9c236b8bb38&amp;siteId=us-engadget&amp;pageId=1p-autolink&amp;contentUuid=5769bcb3-09cc-492d-a4c1-c8b6b54f5f70&amp;featureId=text-link&amp;merchantName=Microsoft&amp;linkText=Xbox&amp;custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy54Ym94LmNvbS9lbi11cy9nYW1lcy9zdG9yZS9rYXJhdGUtc3Vydml2b3IvOW12czQ2Mmw0ZzB3IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1NzY5YmNiMy0wOWNjLTQ5MmQtYTRjMS1jOGI2YjU0ZjVmNzAiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lnhib3guY29tL2VuLXVzL2dhbWVzL3N0b3JlL2thcmF0ZS1zdXJ2aXZvci85bXZzNDYybDRnMHcifQ&amp;signature=AQAAAWGoKE574lCqEn6-W4Bgbcsp6Kzq37Dtt7aZxwhjIvPW&amp;gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.xbox.com%2Fen-us%2Fgames%2Fstore%2Fkarate-survivor%2F9mvs462l4g0w" class="rapid-with-clickid" data-original-link="https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/karate-survivor/9mvs462l4g0w">Xbox</a> and <a data-i13n="cpos:13;pos:1" href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/karate-survivor-switch">Nintendo Switch</a> for $6. As the title suggests, this is a survivor-style martial arts beat-&#39;em-up.&nbsp;</p> <p>You&#39;ll be able to use the environment to your advantage by picking up items to use as melee or projectile weapons, kicking objects toward goons and swinging locker and microwave doors into bad guys&#39; mushes. You can unlock hundreds of different moves and there are permanent upgrades as well.</p> <div id="24c4cf49cd944621ac8a3a9cc35e0fd8"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_XTPD8U9HUQ?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>First-person action-adventure <em>Davy x Jones</em> has set sail in early access on <a data-i13n="cpos:14;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2611170/DAVY_x_JONES/">Steam</a>. Until September 4, you can snap it up for $6.66. After that time, it will cost $10. However, the price will increase ahead of the game&#39;s full release on PC and consoles, which is slated for late 2026.</p> <p>In this early version, you&#39;ll have access to the main gameplay and combat systems (including legendary weapons), several islands, an array of enemies and some cinematic executions — hopefully involving a kraken. You&#39;ll take command of a half-ship, half-whale vessel called Abby as you attempt to escape the underworld and seek revenge as the legendary pirate.</p> <div id="5d822de2eeb14c7890034e025645de18"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/axMngRosTus?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>Regular readers of this roundup will know that I&#39;m a sucker for a game with a great title. <a data-i13n="cpos:15;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2960220/Prop_Haunt/"><em>Prop Haunt</em></a>, which riffs on the prop hunt modes in many other games,<em>&nbsp;</em>is definitely one of those (as is another one I&#39;ll mention later on).</p> <p>This is a spooky 1 vs. 4 multiplayer horror title from Silent Forest Games that just hit Steam early access for $15. The ghost players possess objects and it&#39;s up to the investigator to find and stop them. The ghosties can teleport, blend into their surroundings and so on, while the investigator has cameras and other gizmos at their disposal</p> <p>Currently, there are four playable ghosts with different haunting styles, two maps and support for public and private lobbies. More maps, ghost powers, investigator tools and procedural prop generation are in the works.</p> <h2 id="jump-link-upcoming">Upcoming</h2> <div id="ac680ca3787f407b9ecb304057da507c"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xakn5BBK77U?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p><a data-i13n="cpos:16;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2428980/Bye_Sweet_Carole/"><em>Bye Sweet Carole</em></a> had flown below my radar until the release date trailer popped up but, goodness, does it look gorgeous. The team at Little Sewing Machine took a hand-drawn approach to the art of this narrative-horror game, which mimics the look of classic animated films. Even the song in the trailer aligns with the type of showtune you&#39;d hear in Disney movies.</p> <p>You&#39;ll take on the role of Lana Benton, a young girl who sets out to find out the truth about her best friend Carole&#39;s disappearance from an orphanage. It sounds (and looks!) pretty promising. Publisher Maximum Entertainment is bringing <em>Bye Sweet Carole </em>to PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 9.</p> <div id="60f839f080e34fda85fecf04d4060512"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g0kvmJaz-uA?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p><em>Rita</em> is an interesting-looking puzzle game from SporkTank (aka solo developer Martin Stradling). You play as a chick that uses letters found in the environment to solve word puzzles, including crosswords, in order to progress. For instance, you might need to fill in a crossword answer for &quot;stairs&quot; in order to spawn a staircase (perhaps there&#39;s a bit of a <em>Baba is You</em> influence here?). There are some platforming elements too.</p> <p>You&#39;ll follow Rita throughout her journey from exploring as a young chick to becoming a grandparent. It all seems quite lovely. <em>Rita</em> is <a data-i13n="cpos:17;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2984850/Rita/">coming to Steam early next year</a>. A demo will be available on September 18.</p> <div id="2718963336904e65974b969f6be51638"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MCawAfVtLHE?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>Co-op survival game <a data-i13n="cpos:18;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1931180/Lost_Skies/"><em>Lost Skies</em></a> is set to exit Steam early access on September 17. Set on an archipelago of sky islands, you can explore this world with up to five buddies and try to learn exactly what led to this fractured civilization. You have a grappling hook, wingsuits and gliders to help you traverse these landforms and a customizable and upgradeable skyship that you&#39;ll use for both transportation and combat. Players can also create their own islands, which they can share with the community.</p> <p>I never got around to checking out the demo for <em>Lost Skies</em>, even though I&#39;ve had it installed on my PC for months. Still, this one from Bossa Studios and publisher Humble Games has me intrigued enough to perhaps try out the full game.</p> <div id="95674ccc11c1459db0b9b451fc15f572"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MHQLPjFT6JE?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>Another game I&#39;ve <a data-i13n="cpos:19;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playdate-season-two-spray-paint-simulator-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110035699.html">had my eye on</a> for a hot minute is <a data-i13n="cpos:20;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/2533600/Bloodthief/"><em>Bloodthief</em></a>, which will debut on Steam on September 22. This is a Ghostrunner-inspired medieval parkour-slasher game from first-time game creator Blargis (Jake Bedard), who has been sharing development updates <a data-i13n="cpos:21;pos:1" href="https://www.youtube.com/@blargis3d">on YouTube</a> over the last couple of years.</p> <p>In <em>Bloodthief</em>, you play as an agile vampire and use the blood of your enemies to enhance your speed, abilities and survival. For example, attacks help boost your momentum. I&#39;m definitely looking forward to watching some speedruns of this because I&#39;m fairly sure that, as with <a data-i13n="cpos:22;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ghostrunner-2-is-brutally-punishing-but-it-feels-too-good-to-give-up-on-160456973.html">the Ghostrunner games</a>, I&#39;m going to be absolutely terrible at this.</p> <div id="a8dad2b469a74846ac5d03fc121d9a3d"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bmt2KRLTu7Q?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>While you&#39;re waiting (im)patiently for the full release of <a data-i13n="cpos:23;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/supergiants-latest-hades-ii-patch-is-likely-its-last-before-launch-190005440.html"><em>Hades 2</em></a>, you might like to check out a similar flavor of isometric roguelite action — albeit with the addition of co-op. In <em>Sworn</em>, you&#39;ll set out to save Camelot from a corrupted Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table with the help of up to three other players.</p> <p><em>Sworn </em>has been in early access since last year, and you won&#39;t have to wait much longer for the full game. It&#39;ll be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and <a data-i13n="cpos:24;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1763250/SWORN/">Steam</a> on September 25.</p> <div id="2809bfe53c714f94b95f7436393f165a"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jIwneXKiyUc?rel=0" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0;" allowfullscreen scrolling="no" data-embed-domain="www.youtube.com"></iframe></div> <p>Let&#39;s wrap things up for this week with another game that has a fantastic title. <em>The Hero is too Powerful so let&#39;s Pleeeease Settle this Peacefully!</em> is the latest project from Night Stroll Studio (solo developer Trevor Thompson). It&#39;s an RPG in the vein of early Zelda games in which you play as a hero who has exactly one attack.</p> <p>However, you can level up this attack to the point that it&#39;s obscenely powerful. There&#39;s also the option of talking your way out of sticky situations. This comedy adventure, which has maybe my favorite title of any game this side of <em>I&#39;m Going to Die if I Don&#39;t Eat Sushi!</em>, is slated to hit <a data-i13n="cpos:25;pos:1" href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/3955870/The_Hero_is_too_Powerful_so_lets_Pleeeease_Settle_this_Peacefully/">Steam</a> later this year.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/hitman-on-ios-martial-arts-survival-and-other-new-indie-games-worth-checking-out-110054545.html?src=rss

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Overdrive&#39;s <a data-i13n="cpos:1;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/libby-app-irl-123053789.html">digital book lending app Libby</a> is adding — you guessed it! — AI. The new Inspire Me feature is an AI-fueled discovery tool tuned to your local branch&#39;s collection. Following a soft launch this month, it will be officially available in September.</p> <p>To avoid <a data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-fixing-a-bug-that-causes-gemini-to-keep-calling-itself-a-failure-143033024.html">the pitfalls of a full-on chatbot</a>, Overdrive is limiting the discovery process of the feature. Instead of typing freely into a prompt box, you&#39;ll start by answering several canned preference questions. These include categories (such as fiction and biography), age groups (adult or child) and preset adjectives (like &quot;clever&quot; and &quot;silly&quot;). You can also let it make recommendations based on your previously saved titles.</p> <span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>The AI will then spit out five suggestions from your local library. Overdrive <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:3;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://company.overdrive.com/2025/08/26/libbys-new-discovery-tool-helps-patrons-explore-their-librarys-digital-collection/">says</a> Inspire Me prioritizes ebooks and audiobooks that are immediately available. Each recommendation will include a brief explanation of how it aligns with your stated interests.</p> <p>Some in the library community reacted sharply to the feature. &quot;Smoke is pouring out of my ears,&quot; librarian Rachel Storm <a data-i13n="cpos:4;pos:1" href="https://bsky.app/profile/rachelsstorm.bsky.social/post/3lwf3hfmubc2o">posted</a> on Bluesky (<a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:5;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/27/google-and-grok-are-catching-up-to-chatgpt-says-a16zs-latest-ai-report/">via</a> <em>TechCrunch</em>). &quot;I&#39;m honestly surprised it took this long for them to enshittify Libby,&quot; Orion Kidder <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:6;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://bsky.app/profile/orionkidder.bsky.social/post/3lwfvtgqgds25">responded</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Libby&#39;s AI privacy policy <a data-i13n="elm:context_link;elmt:doNotAffiliate;cpos:7;pos:1" class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://about.libbyapp.com/policies/artificial-intelligence">states</a> that Inspire Me only sends tags connected to &quot;a random selection of titles you have saved&quot; to the model. The policy says it only sends the book titles, not any other details about you or your device. Overdrive says it designed the feature to minimize energy impact and will monitor its footprint over time.</p> <p>As long as there isn&#39;t anything sneaky tucked in beyond that, this sounds like a relatively tame (and potentially handy) use of AI. Then again, I sometimes spend my work hours <a data-i13n="cpos:8;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-first-known-ai-wrongful-death-lawsuit-accuses-openai-of-enabling-a-teens-suicide-212058548.html">writing about</a> the <a data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/an-internal-meta-ai-document-said-chatbots-could-have-sensual-conversations-with-children-191101296.html">truly disturbing shit</a>, so take my perspective as you will.</p> <p>Regardless of your perspective, the feature will roll out broadly in September. You’ll find it by tapping the Libby icon in the app menu.</p>This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/libby-is-adding-an-ai-book-recommendation-feature-190903260.html?src=rss

Sep 2, 2025

<p>As a rule, if a package is shipped with a Debian release, users can count on it being available, and updated, for the entire life of the release. If package <em>foo</em> is included in the stable <span class="nobreak">release&mdash;currently</span> Debian&#160;13 <span class="nobreak">("trixie")&mdash;a</span> user can reasonably expect that it will continue to be available with security backports as long as that release is supported, though it may not be included in Debian&#160;14 ("forky"). However, it is likely that the <a href="https://guix.gnu.org/en/">Guix</a> package manager will soon be removed from the repositories for Debian&#160;13 and Debian&#160;12 ("bookworm", also called oldstable).</p>

Sep 2, 2025

The FastCode site has <a href="https://fastcode.io/2025/09/02/the-hidden-vulnerabilities-of-open-source/">a lengthy article</a> on how large language models make open-source projects far more vulnerable to XZ-style attacks. <p> <blockquote class="bq"> Open source maintainers, already overwhelmed by legitimate contributions, have no realistic way to counter this threat. How do you verify that a helpful contributor with months of solid commits isn't an LLM generated persona? How do you distinguish between genuine community feedback and AI created pressure campaigns? The same tools that make these attacks possible are largely inaccessible to volunteer maintainers. They lack the resources, skills, or time to deploy defensive processes and systems. <p> The detection problem becomes exponentially harder when LLMs can generate code that passes all existing security reviews, contribution histories that look perfectly normal, and social interactions that feel authentically human. Traditional code analysis tools will struggle against LLM generated backdoors designed specifically to evade detection. Meanwhile, the human intuition that spot social engineering attacks becomes useless when the "humans" are actually sophisticated language models. </blockquote>

Sep 2, 2025

Security updates have been issued by <b>AlmaLinux</b> (kernel, mod_http2, postgresql, postgresql:15, and python39:3.9), <b>Debian</b> (libsndfile), <b>Mageia</b> (ceph, glibc, and golang), <b>Oracle</b> (postgresql and python39:3.9), <b>Red Hat</b> (aide, postgresql:12, postgresql:13, postgresql:15, and postgresql:16), <b>SUSE</b> (git, govulncheck-vulndb, jetty-minimal, nginx, python-future, and ruby2.5), and <b>Ubuntu</b> (imagemagick).

Sep 1, 2025

The GNOME Foundation has <a href="https://blogs.gnome.org/aday/2025/08/29/thanks-and-farewell-to-steven-deobald/">announced</a> that Steven Deobald will be leaving the position of Executive Director after just four months. <p> <blockquote class="bq"> We are extremely grateful to Steven for all this and more. Despite these many positive achievements, Steven and the board have come to the conclusion that Steven is not the right fit for the Executive Director role at this time. We are therefore bidding Steven a fond farewell. </blockquote>

Sep 1, 2025

Arnd Bergmann started his <a href="https://events.linuxfoundation.org/open-source-summit-europe/">Open Source Summit Europe</a> 2025 talk with a clear statement of position: 32-bit systems are obsolete when it comes to use in any sort of new products. The only reason to work with them at this point is when there is existing hardware and software to support. Since Bergmann is the overall maintainer for architecture support in the kernel, he is frequently asked whether 32-bit support can be removed. So, he concluded, the time has come to talk more about that possibility.

Sep 1, 2025

Security updates have been issued by <b>AlmaLinux</b> (postgresql16, postgresql:16, python3.11, and thunderbird), <b>Debian</b> (firebird4.0, libcommons-lang3-java, mbedtls, nodejs, openvpn, and ruby-saml), <b>Fedora</b> (cef, chromium, docker-buildx, exiv2, firefox, rocm-rpp, and udisks2), <b>Oracle</b> (postgresql:16), <b>Red Hat</b> (fence-agents, firefox, gdk-pixbuf2, httpd, kernel, kernel-rt, libarchive, libxml2, multiple packages, postgresql, postgresql16, postgresql:15, postgresql:16, python3.11, python3.12, python39:3.9, and thunderbird), <b>Slackware</b> (udisks2), <b>SUSE</b> (go-sendxmpp, helm, ImageMagick, javamail, jq, kea, kernel, libarchive, libsoup, libssh, libxml2, openssl-3, postgresql14, postgresql15, python, python-future, systemd, and xz), and <b>Ubuntu</b> (open-vm-tools and python2.7).

Sep 1, 2025

Linus has released <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1036040/">6.17-rc4</a> for testing. "<q>So it all looks fairly good. Please do keep testing, and we'll get 6.17 out in a timely manner and in good shape.</q>"

Aug 29, 2025

Linus Torvalds has quietly <a href="https://web.git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=ebf2bfec412a">changed the maintainer status of bcachefs</a> to "externally maintained", indicating that further changes are unlikely to enter the mainline anytime soon. This change also suggests, though, that the immediate removal of bcachefs from the mainline kernel is not in the cards.

Aug 29, 2025

Keynote sessions at Open Source Summit events tend not to allow much time for detailed talks, and the 2025 <a href="https://events.linuxfoundation.org/open-source-summit-europe/">Open Source Summit Europe</a> did not diverge from that pattern. Even so, Daniel Stenberg, the maintainer of the <a href="https://curl.se/">curl</a> project, managed to cram a lot into the 15&#160;minutes given to him. Like the maintainers of many other projects, Stenberg is feeling some stress, and the problems appear to be getting worse over time.

Aug 29, 2025

<p>The next release of systemd has been percolating for an unusually long time. Systemd releases are usually about six months apart, but v257 <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1001657/">came out</a> in December&#160;2024, and v258 just now seems to be nearing the finish line; the third release candidate for v258 was published on August&#160;20 (<a href="https://github.com/systemd/systemd/releases/tag/v258-rc3">release notes</a>). Now is a good time to dig in and take a look at some of the new features, enhancements, and removals coming soon to systemd. These include new workload-management features, a concept for multiple home-directory environments, and the final, once-and-for-all removal of support for <a href="https://docs.kernel.org/admin-guide/cgroup-v1/index.html#cgroup-v1">control groups version&#160;1</a>.</p>

Aug 29, 2025

Security updates have been issued by <b>AlmaLinux</b> (aide, fence-agents, firefox, kernel-rt, python-cryptography, and thunderbird), <b>Debian</b> (golang-github-gin-contrib-cors, libxml2, and udisks2), <b>Fedora</b> (chromium), <b>Oracle</b> (postgresql16, postgresql:16, python3.11, and thunderbird), <b>Red Hat</b> (lz4 and mpfr), <b>SUSE</b> (chromium, docker, dpkg, firefox, gdk-pixbuf, git, git, git-lfs, obs-scm-bridge, python-PyYAML, gnutls, kernel, libarchive, libxml2, net-tools, netty, perl-Crypt-CBC, polkit, postgresql14, postgresql15, sqlite3, thunderbird, tomcat10, and udisks2), and <b>Ubuntu</b> (linux, linux-aws, linux-aws-5.15, linux-gcp, linux-gcp-5.15, linux-gkeop, linux-hwe-5.15, linux-ibm, linux-intel-iotg, linux-intel-iotg-5.15, linux-lowlatency, linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.15, linux-nvidia, linux-nvidia-tegra, linux-nvidia-tegra-5.15, linux-nvidia-tegra-igx, linux-oracle, linux-raspi, linux-xilinx-zynqmp, linux, linux-aws, linux-aws-6.14, linux-gcp, linux-hwe-6.14, linux-raspi, linux-realtime, linux-realtime-6.14, linux, linux-aws, linux-aws-6.8, linux-gcp, linux-lowlatency, linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.8, linux-oracle, linux-oracle-6.8, linux, linux-aws, linux-kvm, linux-lts-xenial, linux-azure, linux-fips, linux-fips, linux-aws-fips, linux-gcp-fips, linux-gke, linux-hwe-6.8, linux-nvidia, linux-nvidia-6.8, linux-nvidia-lowlatency, linux-raspi, linux-gke, linux-kvm, linux-oem-6.14, linux-realtime, linux-intel-iot-realtime, linux-realtime, linux-raspi-realtime, openldap, and udisks2).

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Attendees at EuroPython had the chance to preview part of <em>Python: The Documentary</em> during <a href="https://programme.europython.eu/europython-2025/talk/JKZDUY/">a keynote panel</a>. The full film, created by <a href="https://www.cultrepo.com/">CultRepo</a>, is now available <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfH4QL4VqJ0">on YouTube</a>:</p> <blockquote class="bq"> <p>This is the story of the world's most beloved programming language: Python. What began as a side project in Amsterdam during the 1990s became the software powering artificial intelligence, data science and some of the world's biggest companies. But Python's future wasn't certain; at one point it almost disappeared.</p> <p>This 90-minute documentary features Guido van Rossum, Travis Oliphant, Barry Warsaw, and many more, and they tell the story of Python's rise, its community-driven evolution, the conflicts that almost tore it apart, and the language's impact on... well... everything.</p> </blockquote> <p>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2AqQ5a38Y">video</a> of the keynote is also available.</p> <p></p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Greg Kroah-Hartman has announced the release of the <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035513/">6.16.4</a>, <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035514/">6.12.44</a>, <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035515/">6.6.103</a>, <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035516/">6.1.149</a>, <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035517/">5.15.190</a>, <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035518/">5.10.241</a>, and <a href="https://lwn.net/Articles/1035511/">5.4.297</a> stable Linux kernels. Each one contains important fixes.</p> <p></p>

Aug 28, 2025

The <a href="https://www.gnome.org/">GNOME project</a>, which recently <a href="https://thisweek.gnome.org/posts/2025/08/twig-212/">celebrated its 28th birthday</a>, has never had a formal technical governance; progress has been driven by individuals and groups that advocated for—and worked toward—a particular goal in an ad hoc fashion. Longtime GNOME contributor Emmanuele Bassi would like to see that change by adding cross-project teams and a steering committee for the project; to that end, he gave a talk (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Ir6RXkIeA&t=3378s">YouTube video</a>) at <a href="https://events.gnome.org/event/259/">GUADEC 2025</a> in late July on his idea to establish some technical governance for the project. He also put together a <a href="https://www.bassi.io/articles/2025/08/03/governance-in-gnome/">blog post</a> with his notes from the talk. The audience reaction was favorable, so he has followed up on the <a href="https://discourse.gnome.org/">GNOME discussion forum</a> with <a href="https://discourse.gnome.org/t/rfc-governance/30738">an RFC on governance</a> to try to move the effort along.

Aug 28, 2025

Security updates have been issued by <b>AlmaLinux</b> (aide, firefox, kernel, and mod_http2), <b>Debian</b> (chromium and unbound), <b>Fedora</b> (mod_auth_openidc), <b>Oracle</b> (fence-agents and kernel), <b>SUSE</b> (ignition, jetty-minimal, kernel, libmozjs-128-0, matrix-synapse, postgresql13, postgresql15, postgresql16, and postgresql17), and <b>Ubuntu</b> (kernel).

Sep 2, 2025

An advanced threat actor, GRUB1, exploited the integration between Salesloft’s Drift chat agent and Salesforce to gain unauthorized access to Salesforce tenants of Cloudflare and many other companies.

Aug 29, 2025

Cloudy now supercharges analytics investigations and Cloudforce One threat intelligence! Get instant insights from threat events and APIs on APTs, DDoS, cybercrime & more - powered by Workers AI.

Aug 29, 2025

We're now leveraging our internal LLM, Cloudy, to generate automated summaries within our Email Security product, helping SOC teams better understand what's happening within flagged messages.

Aug 29, 2025

Today, we're excited to announce new capabilities that make it easier than ever to build real-time, voice-enabled AI applications on Cloudflare's global network.

Aug 29, 2025

Troubleshoot network connectivity issues by using Cloudflare AI-Power to quickly self diagnose and resolve WARP client and network issues.

Aug 29, 2025

By mid-2025, training drives nearly 80% of AI crawling, while referrals to publishers (especially from Google) are falling and crawl-to-refer ratios show AI consumes far more than it sends back.

Aug 28, 2025

We are extending AI-related insights on Cloudflare Radar with new industry-focused data and a breakdown of bot traffic by purpose, such as training or user action.

Aug 28, 2025

An inside look at how the Images team compared dichotomous image segmentation models to identify and isolate subjects in an image from the background.

Aug 28, 2025

Cloudflare now lets websites and bot creators use Web Bot Auth to segment agents from verified bots, making it easier for customers to allow or disallow the many types of user and partner directed.

Aug 28, 2025

With NLWeb, an open project by Microsoft, and Cloudflare AutoRAG, conversational search is now a one-click setup for your website.

Aug 28, 2025

Cloudflare launches AI Crawl Control (formerly AI Audit) and introduces easily customizable 402 HTTP responses.

Aug 27, 2025

AI Gateway now gives you access to your favorite AI models, dynamic routing and more — through just one endpoint.

Aug 27, 2025

Infire is an LLM inference engine that employs a range of techniques to maximize resource utilization, allowing us to serve AI models more efficiently with better performance for Cloudflare workloads.

Aug 27, 2025

We're expanding Workers AI with new partner models from Leonardo.Ai and Deepgram. Start using state-of-the-art image generation models from Leonardo and real-time TTS and STT models from Deepgram.

Aug 27, 2025

Cloudflare built an internal platform called Omni. This platform uses lightweight isolation and memory over-commitment to run multiple AI models on a single GPU.

Aug 26, 2025

Cloudflare MCP Server Portals are now available in Open Beta. MCP Server Portals are a new capability that enable you to centralize, secure, and observe every MCP connection in your organization.

Aug 26, 2025

Cloudflare will provide confidence scores within our application library for Gen AI applications, allowing customers to assess their risk for employees using shadow IT.

Aug 26, 2025

Cloudflare CASB now scans ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for misconfigurations, sensitive data exposure, and compliance issues, helping organizations adopt AI with confidence.

Aug 26, 2025

Cloudflare's AI security suite now includes unsafe content moderation, integrated into the Application Security Suite via Firewall for AI.

Aug 26, 2025

This guide provides best practices for Security and IT leaders to securely adopt generative AI using Cloudflare’s SASE architecture as part of a strategy for AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM).

Sep 2, 2025

President Trump says the U.S. military has struck a drug-laden vessel in the southern Caribbean after it left Venezuela. The strike comes a week after Washington deployed warships to the region.

Sep 2, 2025

A federal judge ruled against breaking up Google, but is barring it from making exclusive deals to make its search engine the default on phones and other devices.

Sep 2, 2025

The move comes after the Justice Department last week made changes to who could qualify as a temporary immigration judge —effectively lowering the requirements and removing the need to have prior immigration experience.

Sep 2, 2025

President Trump announced he intends to move U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville, Ala., after a protracted battle over whether it would stay in Colorado, as former President Joe Biden advocated.

Sep 2, 2025

Nongovernmental groups like the League of Women Voters are now barred from registering new voters at naturalization ceremonies, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced.

Sep 2, 2025

Congressional lawmakers return to D.C. with a massive September agenda, including efforts to avoid a government shutdown and a debate on whether to change the rules for confirming nominees.

Sep 2, 2025

Independent and rural hospitals are collaborating with their neighbors to shore up their finances instead of joining larger health systems to stay afloat.

Sep 2, 2025

Malle takes over as the leader of American <em>Vogue</em> immediately. Malle, who has been with the publication since 2011, will still report to Anna Wintour who remains Condé Nast's chief content officer.

Sep 2, 2025

Up to 1,000 dead after a landslide levels a village in western Sudan, as displaced residents flee famine and war.

Sep 2, 2025

After a federal court in California ruled that President Trump's use of the National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal, Trump touted his use of the Guard in Washington, D.C., and said Chicago is next.

Sep 2, 2025

<p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/kim-jong-un-arrives-at-summit-on-slow-moving-heavily-fortified-mule/">Kim Jong-Un Arrives At Summit On Slow-Moving, Heavily Fortified Mule</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>WASHINGTON—Lauded as a generational advocate for sexual contact between relatives, former New York City mayor and man who married his cousin Rudy Giuliani was awarded the Presidential Medal of Incest at a White House ceremony Tuesday. “Not only is Rudy a great American patriot, but he inspires all of us to summon the bravery to [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/rudy-giuliani-awarded-presidential-medal-of-incest/">Rudy Giuliani Awarded Presidential Medal Of Incest </a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>WESTFIELD, MA—Saying they had never seen such an ostentatious display, friends attending a barbecue yesterday at the home of Pete and Emily Brooks told reporters they were shocked to learn the couple were wealthy enough to have their own live-in children. “They weren’t even self-conscious about it—they just said, ‘These are our kids,’ as if [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/couple-so-wealthy-they-have-own-live-in-children/">Couple So Wealthy They Have Own Live-In Children</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>ST. LOUIS—According to several eyewitnesses who were inside local café Panda Bubble Tea on Tuesday, no, 53-year-old man Aaron Strickland would not like “popping boba” in his drink. “Ma’am, I am a veteran, a father of two adult children, and I hold a master&#8217;s degree in business administration from Washington University,” said an indignant Strickland, [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/no-area-53-year-old-would-not-like-his-drink-with-boba/">No, Area 53-Year-Old Would Not Like His Drink With Boba</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/taylor-swift-spoils-travis-kelce-for-anniversary-by-cracking-egg-over-his-kibble/">Taylor Swift Spoils Travis Kelce For Anniversary By Cracking Egg Over His Kibble</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, and more of the world’s top tennis players are squaring off in New York for a major title in the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year. The Onion examines the key facts and figures behind the U.S. Open. 29: Ball boys worn through in the average match 1.5: Hours [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/the-u-s-open-by-the-numbers/">The U.S. Open By The Numbers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 1, 2025

<p>AUSTIN, TX—Touting the party-line vote as a major victory for the Second Amendment, the Texas House of Representatives successfully blocked a bill last week that would have prevented gun stores from operating inside of hospital psychiatric wards. “The government has no place infringing on the rights of honest business owners trying to sell semiautomatic handguns and rifles to [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/texas-blocks-law-that-would-ban-gun-stores-from-operating-inside-psych-wards/">Texas Blocks Law That Would Ban Gun Stores From Operating Inside Psych Wards </a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 1, 2025

<p>MINNETONKA, MN—In a medical miracle being hailed as a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit, area 53-year-old David Spotherton, who this summer was given just six more months to live, reportedly defied the odds yesterday by dying in less than two. “They told my husband he would only have one more Christmas with [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/man-given-6-months-to-live-beats-odds-by-dying-in-2/">Man Given 6 Months To Live Beats Odds By Dying In 2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Despite objections from student rights groups, South Korea enacted a law to combat smartphone youth addiction by banning mobile phones and digital devices in school classrooms. What do you think?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/south-korea-to-ban-mobile-phones-in-classrooms/">South Korea To Ban Mobile Phones In Classrooms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 1, 2025

<p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/causing-a-fuhrer/">Causing a Führer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Following reports the company let the Israeli military use its cloud servers to carry out mass surveillance of Palestinians, several Microsoft employees staged protests, prompting multiple arrests and firings. What do you think?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/microsoft-employees-protest-companys-ties-to-israel/">Microsoft Employees Protest Company’s Ties To Israel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>In Denmark’s Bay of Aarhus, archaeologists have discovered an 8,500-year-old Stone Age settlement that has been preserved like a time capsule underwater. What do you think?</p> <p>The post <a href="https://theonion.com/8500-year-old-settlement-lost-to-rising-sea-discovered-off-denmarks-coast/">8,500-Year-Old Settlement Lost To Rising Sea Discovered Off Denmark’s Coast</a> appeared first on <a href="https://theonion.com">The Onion</a>.</p>

Sep 2, 2025

The drug rapamycin has been linked to a longer life and we're starting to understand how it might have this effect

Sep 2, 2025

Surprising discoveries about the species responsible for 90 per cent of mushroom-related deaths is revealing the fungi kingdom to be even stranger than we had thought

Sep 2, 2025

Scrap cars could be used to build new electric vehicles thanks to a new process for turning various aluminium alloys into a strong and mouldable metal

Sep 2, 2025

From “trenfluencers” to complex drug regimens, influencers are reshaping how millions approach steroid use. Now, researchers are trying to catch up with what this means for our health

Oct 9, 2024

The discovery that a small blue blob of neurons, the locus coeruleus, controls your mode of thinking suggests ways to increase learning, creativity, focus and alertness

Sep 1, 2025

People who do several very short bouts of strenuous activity each day are much less likely to die in the next few years than those who do no exercise at all

Sep 1, 2025

You can feast guilt-free on farmed oysters and mussels as their production can have environmental benefits – but those probably don't include capturing carbon

Sep 1, 2025

That the human mind treads a delicate line between order and disorder is a radical idea that’s gaining traction - and is changing our understanding of intelligence, consciousness and creativity

Sep 1, 2025

The Solar Orbiter spacecraft sometimes lies directly between the sun and Earth, making it ideally placed to analyse powerful solar storms that could damage electronic systems on our planet

Sep 1, 2025

Authors including literary heavyweight Ian McEwan and big hitters John Scalzi, Yume Kitasei and Cixin Liu have new sci-fi novels out this month

Aug 26, 2025

New research tapping into decades-old concepts is challenging the notion that the only way to treat cancer is to kill every last cancer cell. Instead, scientists suggest, we could try a little persuasion

Aug 25, 2025

Scientists have long and studiously avoided claiming that other animals have language. Now, using the power of AI, they are on the verge of deciphering one

Aug 27, 2025

Clues to our planet’s dramatic past are in the layers of rocks we might overlook. A great guide shows why they deserve our attention, says James Dinneen

Aug 25, 2025

An ancient skull has finally shown us what the Denisovans looked like. Now it turns out they, not Neanderthals, might be our closest relatives, redrawing our family tree and transforming the hunt for Ancestor X

Aug 29, 2025

An implant that monitors brain activity and provides personalised stimulation halved the discomfort of people living with chronic pain

Aug 29, 2025

Social upheaval across Europe between 1250 and 1860 correlates with volcanic eruptions, reduced sunspot activity and surging food prices

Aug 29, 2025

Psilocybin appears to alter brain networks linked to repetitive negative thoughts, which may explain how the drug helps to treat some mental health conditions

Aug 27, 2025

Sky watchers are in for a treat next month, says Abigail Beall, when there is a total lunar eclipse visible in much of the world

Aug 29, 2025

A tiny engine comprised of a glass bead zapped with electric fields behaves as if it is operating 2000 times hotter than the sun

Aug 29, 2025

Weather apps regularly differ in their predictions for the same location – why is it so hard to predict local forecasts, and where can we get the best weather information?

Aug 29, 2025

The New Scientist Book Club has just finished reading Alex Foster's sci-fi novel “Circular Motion”. We liked it – but there were calls for a bit more science in this slice of science fiction

Aug 29, 2025

The New Scientist Book Club is currently reading Ursula K. Le Guin's classic science fiction novel "The Dispossessed". Here, her son Theo Downes-Le Guin considers the artistic process behind it – and why it still resonates today

Aug 29, 2025

The New Scientist Book Club is currently reading Ursula K. Le Guin’s classic novel The Dispossessed. In this extract from its opening, we get our first glimpse of the planet Anarres

Aug 27, 2025

The new book "Gemini and Mercury Remastered" features iconic images from the earliest days of human space exploration

Aug 27, 2025

The history of carbon dioxide’s role in life on Earth combined with a call to climate action makes for compelling reading, finds Chris Stokel-Walker

Aug 28, 2025

Surgery, not antibiotics, might be the best way to treat chronic rhinosinusitis, a condition that leaves people with a permanently blocked or runny nose and a reduced sense of smell

Aug 28, 2025

Social media platforms will soon have to exclude children under 16 in Australia, but there are doubts over how age verification tools will work – and whether this is the right approach to deal with online harms

Aug 28, 2025

Several countries now offer at-home vaginal swabs to detect HPV status in place of traditional cervical cancer screening, but urine tests seem to work just as well

Aug 28, 2025

Eczema can be very distressing for children – and now it seems that its roots may at least partly lie in their mothers experiencing high levels of stress during pregnancy

Aug 27, 2025

In this latest instalment of Future Chronicles, an imagined history of future inventions, Rowan Hooper explores the advances that meant an optical telescope with an effective mirror size of 3000 km could be built on the moon

Aug 27, 2025

Feedback is alerted by a reader to the latest effort to create a quantum computer that can factorise extremely large numbers, and discovers an abrupt shift to K9 tech

Aug 27, 2025

We are happy to inject synthetic substances into our faces in ever-increasing amounts, but reluctant to eat plant-based or cultivated fake meats. This inconsistent attitude has implications for sustainability, says Sophie Attwood

Aug 27, 2025

Why did Christianity grow from a niche sect to a religion followed by billions? Michael Marshall explores Alice Roberts’s latest book Domination

Aug 27, 2025

A fossil discovered in Patagonia shows a 3.5-metre-long reptile from the late Cretaceous with large, serrated teeth capable of slicing through muscle

Aug 27, 2025

People used to experience an "unhappiness hump" around midlife, but declining youth mental health may mean that is no longer the case

Aug 27, 2025

Categorising the Denisovans as a distinct species would allow us to more comprehensively trace our own evolutionary development

Aug 27, 2025

The brightest and most colourful glowing plants yet have been created by injecting phosphorescent chemicals directly into the leaves, but it is little more than a cheap gimmick

Aug 27, 2025

A 165-million-year-old ankylosaur from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco was covered in an array of extreme armour including body spikes fused to its skeleton, a feature never seen in any dinosaur before

Aug 27, 2025

A system that generates images by inducing random fluctuations in a laser beam could slash energy use compared with standard AI tools

Aug 27, 2025

The aurora borealis has been remarkably bright recently. Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov reveals what's going on and how worried we should be about a major solar storm

Aug 27, 2025

After three consecutive and dramatic failed missions, SpaceX has successfully launched Starship to space in a key step for NASA's lunar programme

Aug 26, 2025

The rare sailback houndshark, which has an unusually large dorsal fin, was first described by scientists in 1973. That was the last record of its existence, until now

Aug 27, 2025

Performing CPR on a space station in microgravity involves doing a handstand on a person's chest and pushing against the walls with your legs – but now researchers say there is a better way

Aug 27, 2025

A comparison of the thylacine’s genome to other marsupials has revealed that the creatures lost genetic diversity long before humans and dingoes arrived in Australia

Aug 26, 2025

Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal unexpectedly high levels of carbon dioxide coming off 3I/ATLAS, giving another clue to the comet’s origin

Aug 26, 2025

African countries imported a record number of solar panels in the past year, which could be the beginning of a green energy boom on the continent

Aug 25, 2025

Electronic devices that dissolve in water could make it easier to create and recycle technology prototypes – and they could even inspire more sustainable commercial devices

Aug 25, 2025

Microbes found buried deep in Siberian permafrost may be able to survive over extremely long timescales using protein repair genes

Aug 25, 2025

Millions of people may experience accelerated ageing as climate change drives more frequent and intense hot weather

Aug 25, 2025

In 2020, the world produced more than enough calories to feed the global population, but only half of those calories reached people’s plates due to rising meat and biofuel production

Aug 20, 2025

Research reveals that managers often take advantage of their hardest-working members of staff. David Robson has some advice for a frustrated reader

Aug 20, 2025

Human delivers an unusually clear picture of Homo sapiens as a species shaped by climate, animals, plants, other hominins and the interactions of its own nomadic groups. Bethan Ackerley is enthralled

Aug 22, 2025

A study of more than 6 million children finds that exposure to antibiotics in the womb or early in life tends not to increase the risk of autoimmunity – but the relationship is complicated

Aug 22, 2025

Immersing yourself in nature has repeatedly been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, but it could also have serious benefits for your physical health

Aug 22, 2025

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has assembled a team of researchers to make communication networks more secure by injecting them with quantumness

Aug 22, 2025

A social media notification popping up on your phone can be quite distracting, even if you don't engage with it

Aug 22, 2025

A quantum computer that uses particles of light took about two dozen microseconds to complete a calculation that may take trillions of trillions of trillions of years on the world’s best supercomputers

Aug 18, 2025

From depression to dementia, we are now realising the profound impacts of long-term inflammation on the brain. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is unlocking new treatments to protect our cognitive function and mental health

Aug 20, 2025

Robin Hammond's photographs show the conservation battle to eradicate three species introduced to New Zealand, in order to protect the island nation's birds

Aug 20, 2025

We need to think about the purpose of noise in our daily lives and environments. Chris Stokel-Walker discovers a great guide in Chris Berdik's Clamor

Aug 21, 2025

An analysis of active US mines finds they already collect virtually all of the minerals the country needs for batteries, solar panels and wind turbines – but these critical minerals mostly go to waste

Aug 21, 2025

Dark-coloured cars can make a measurable difference on nearby air temperature, and in cities of millions the effect can add up and noticeably increase how hot it feels

Aug 21, 2025

The failure to agree a global treaty on plastic pollution highlights how the UN’s requirement for unanimity holds back environmental policy, but there are better ways to make progress

Aug 21, 2025

Astronomers have picked up evidence of an Earth-sized world, distinct from the previously hypothesised Planet Nine and Planet X, that might be warping the orbits of objects beyond Neptune

Aug 20, 2025

Inveterate cyclist Matt Sparkes, who has been knocked off his bike by human-driven cars several times, wonders if the arrival of driverless cars in London is a good thing - or a bad one

Aug 20, 2025

Feedback is horrified to discover that the owner of one of the internet's favourite cats, Pépito, has taken the crypto route…

Aug 20, 2025

A 1989 experiment offered the promise of nuclear fusion without the need for high temperatures, but this "cold fusion" was quickly debunked. Now, some of the techniques involved have been resurrected in a new experiment that could actually improve efforts to achieve practical fusion power

Aug 21, 2025

Previous research in macaques suggests that part of the brain reorganises itself when a limb is removed, but now a study in people has turned that idea on its head

Aug 21, 2025

Edible microbeads made of vitamin E and seaweed helped rats lose weight by absorbing excess fat in their guts

Aug 20, 2025

Free and unimpeded internet access is no longer a convenience or a luxury. It is high time it was made a human right enshrined in law, says philosopher Merten Reglitz

Aug 20, 2025

Rearing our unusually underdeveloped young may account for the evolution of language. Michael Marshall is intrigued, but wants more evidence from Madeleine Beekman's The Origin of Language

Aug 20, 2025

A billion or so years into its evolution, the icy dwarf planet Ceres may have had the right conditions to sustain life, which indicates the solar system may be more habitable than we thought

Aug 20, 2025

A new formulation of cement reflects and emits heat more effectively than normal Portland cement, so it stays much cooler on a hot day

Aug 20, 2025

Psychiatric medicine hasn't changed much since the 1960s. Could blocking the effects of chronic inflammation on the brain be the step change we need?

Aug 20, 2025

Frank Wilczek has one of the most brilliant and original minds in theoretical physics, having come up with the idea of time crystals among much else. Where is his curiosity taking him now?

Aug 20, 2025

A dietary supplement made from engineered yeast could help honeybees thrive despite the declining availability of high-quality pollen in their environment

Aug 20, 2025

An AI model trained on years of data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory can predict the sun’s future appearance and potentially flag dangerous solar flares

Aug 20, 2025

Foods like goat or sheep milk and buckwheat are behind many cases of severe allergic reactions, but may not be listed as such on a product's label

Aug 20, 2025

Engineers have developed a class of origami structures that unfold in one smooth motion to create flower-like shapes, which could have applications in space

Aug 19, 2025

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a new moon that is small and dim in orbit around Uranus. The discovery brings the planet's total to 29, and scientists say there are probably more to be found

Aug 19, 2025

A device that has been likened to a pacemaker for the brain has given a man with severe depression great relief

Aug 19, 2025

Collecting the materials needed for renewable technologies is causing enormous environmental damage and could soon extend to the deep sea and even asteroids. Innovative solutions are poised to turn the crisis around

Aug 19, 2025

Directing radio waves at the olfactory system deep within our head seems to boost our ability to detect different smells

Aug 19, 2025

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen an extra 15 parts per million since 1960 due to the declining ability of the land and sea to soak up excess CO2

Aug 19, 2025

Many answers to online research questions show signs of being generated by AI chatbots, raising doubts about the validity of behavioural data collected this way

Aug 18, 2025

A six-week period of extraordinary heat in 2024 melted 62 gigatonnes of ice on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, obliterating all previous melt records

Aug 18, 2025

Nine species of fungi and bacteria have been found in cocoa beans that produce fine chocolate, and this knowledge could help producers develop better flavours

Aug 18, 2025

Defining the fundamental units of electricity used to require two finicky quantum devices – but now scientists have found an easier way to standardise our electrical measurements

Aug 18, 2025

The record-breaking global temperatures seen in late 2023 may have emerged partly because of unusual conditions in the Pacific Ocean in the preceding years

Aug 18, 2025

Women's arteries seem to be stiffer if they have had covid-19, with the same effect not being found among men

Aug 18, 2025

Large pieces of dark matter hitting Jupiter’s largest moon would form distinctive craters in its icy surface, and upcoming space missions might be able to spot them

Aug 11, 2025

Life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past century, but our years of good health appear not to have kept pace. Now, a new lens on what it means to age well is reshaping our view of our golden years

Aug 13, 2025

Travel through time to witness some of the most remarkable episodes in our solar system's history, uncovering its ancient origins and glimpsing the destiny that awaits it in the distant future

Aug 13, 2025

In Here Comes the Sun, environmentalist Bill McKibben argues that the rapid adoption of solar power should quell our worst climate fears. Is he right, asks James Dinneen

Aug 12, 2025

The web is awash with bots that scrape data without permission. Now content creators are poisoning the well of artificial intelligence – but similar technology can also be used to spread misinformation

Aug 15, 2025

A quantum broadcasting system would end up sending slightly different information to every receiver – and efforts to sidestep this problem are too inefficient for practical use

Aug 15, 2025

Connecting tubes between bacteria and a kind of microbe called archaea may reflect a symbiotic relationship that led to complex cells more than 2 billion years ago

Aug 15, 2025

A bright flash of radio waves from 3 billion years after the big bang is illuminating parts of the universe that astronomers can’t normally see

Aug 15, 2025

An extremely precise detection method for single electrons, which pins down the particles with a resolution of trillionths of a second, may provide a valuable building block for future quantum technologies

Aug 15, 2025

People who have similar neural responses to movie clips are more likely to become friends, indicating bonds form based off shared thought processes

Sep 2, 2025

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a novel framework for understanding and controlling the flow behavior of granular hydrogels—a class of material made up of densely packed, microscopic gel particles with promising applications in medicine, 3D bioprinting, and tissue repair.

Sep 2, 2025

In the world's cold and snowy regions, shorter and warmer winters are one of the most conspicuous consequences of climate change. For freshwater lakes, this means later freezing, earlier thawing, and thinner ice. A new study, published in Ecology Letters, shows that the ecological impacts of these winter changes may be most dramatic in high-latitude lakes.

Sep 2, 2025

Plants may be stuck in one place, but the world around them is constantly changing. In order to grow and flower at the right time, plants must constantly collect information about their surroundings, measuring things like temperature, brightness, and length of day. Still, it's unclear how all this information gets combined to trigger specific behaviors.

Sep 2, 2025

India records the highest number of snakebite fatalities worldwide, between 46,000 and 60,000 annually. A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases by Imon Abedin at Dibru-Saikhowa Conservation Society in Tinsukia, India and colleagues suggests that climate change-related shifts in the geographic distribution of venomous snakes will increase the risk of snakebites in certain regions.

Sep 2, 2025

Computational modeling could improve how scientists and planners understand and prepare for natural disasters on our coasts and even inland. In an article published in the International Journal of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation, the team explains how they used MATLAB to develop a model to simulate the movement of water in shallow regions, along coastlines, in rivers, and reservoirs.

Sep 2, 2025

A study led by Prof. Zhang Daoyuan from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has uncovered the phosphorylation-mediated regulatory mechanisms of desiccation tolerance of Syntrichia caninervis, a model moss for desiccation tolerance research. Their work was published in The Plant Journal.

Sep 2, 2025

A research team led by Prof. Chen Cheng from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has retrieved global aerosol and surface properties using advanced polarization data from China's GF-5(02) satellite.

Sep 2, 2025

More than 1,000 residents of Canada's vast and remote far north are under evacuation orders as forest fires rage in the drought-stricken region.

Sep 2, 2025

Nearly 40 years after breaking off Antarctica, a colossal iceberg ranked among the oldest and largest ever recorded is finally crumbling apart in warmer waters, and could disappear within weeks.

Sep 2, 2025

For years, scientists have marveled at bacteria's ability to digest the seemingly indigestible, including carbon from lignin, the tough, woody material that gives plants their rigidity.

Sep 2, 2025

People are willing to travel 10 minutes further for their daily shopping if this means they do not have to live near people with a different migration background. This is evident from research conducted by sociologists Jochem Tolsma of Radboud University and Rob Franken of Utrecht University. Their study is published in the journal PNAS Nexus.

Sep 2, 2025

After six centuries in Spain, discrimination against the Roma people remains "rooted in stereotypes based on ignorance and, in some cases, pseudo-knowledge about this community," explains Juan Jarque Jarque, who advocates for an inclusive education system that respects diverse values as a way to end antigypsyism and encourage greater Roma participation in community life.

Sep 2, 2025

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is responsible for approximately 74.5% of the reduction in rainfall and 16.5% of the temperature increase in the biome during the dry season. For the first time, researchers have quantified the impact of vegetation loss and global climate change on the forest.

Sep 2, 2025

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical forest, home to unmatched biodiversity and one of the planet's longest rivers. Besides the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest also features "flying rivers:" invisible streams of vapor that travel through the atmosphere, fueling rainfall both within the forest and far beyond its boundaries.

Sep 2, 2025

Women have a more refined sense for social relationships in professional settings. They are more accurate in identifying who is connected to whom and better at remembering these relational structures. Paradoxically, this ability may help explain why women remain underrepresented in certain positions of influence.

Sep 2, 2025

As a teen growing up in an abusive household, Morgan coped daily with physical and emotional harm from her mother. However, she felt safe and supported when she posted about her experiences on a fake Instagram account—widely referred to as a Finsta—which disguised her true identity.

Sep 2, 2025

U.S. cities are facing a growing threat that goes beyond hot weather or hazy air. New research from the University of Oklahoma reveals that "compound events"—periods when heat wave conditions coincide with high air pollution levels—are becoming more frequent and intense in urban areas across the United States.

Sep 2, 2025

Small business owners are more likely to identify with and vote for right-wing parties, according to a new study in the British Journal of Political Science. The research suggests it is the experience of being a small business owner that leads people to adopt conservative views on government regulation.

Sep 2, 2025

Along the coast, waves break with a familiar sound. The gentle swash of the surf on the seashore can lull us to sleep, while the pounding of storm surge warns us to seek shelter.

Sep 2, 2025

Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have collaborated with the SILVACX project group at Heidelberg University to develop a therapeutic vaccination concept that can mobilize the immune system to target cancer cells. The team showed that virus peptides coupled to silica nanoparticles can elicit effective T-cell responses against HPV-related tumors. In a mouse model, the nanoparticle-based vaccine was able to partially or completely suppress HPV-related tumors.

Sep 2, 2025

The magnetic fields that formed in the very early stages of the universe may have been billions of times weaker than a small fridge magnet, with strengths comparable to magnetism generated by neurons in the human brain. Yet, despite such weakness, quantifiable traces of their existence still remain in the cosmic web, the visible cosmic structures connected throughout the universe.

Sep 2, 2025

In a breakthrough study published in Nature Astronomy, researchers have discovered a new origin for some of the fastest stars ever observed: hypervelocity white dwarfs—compact stellar remnants hurtling through space faster than 2000 km/s.

Sep 2, 2025

Researchers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands have been able to see the magnetic nucleus of an atom switch back and forth in real time. They read out the nuclear "spin" via the electrons in the same atom through the needle of a scanning tunneling microscope.

Sep 2, 2025

Nanoparticles are everywhere. Nanoparticles find a wide range of applications in biomedical applications, sensing, energy conversion, and industrial processes. But nanoparticles can also have negative implications as environmental pollutants, defects and imperfections in electric and photonic circuits.

Sep 2, 2025

Matter gets weird at the quantum scale, and among the oddities is the Efimov effect, a state in which the attractive forces between three or more atoms bind them together, even as they are excited to higher energy levels, while that same force is insufficient to bind two atoms.

Sep 2, 2025

Everybody makes mistakes. Biology is no different. However, living organisms have certain error-correction mechanisms that enable their biomolecules to assemble and function despite the defective slough that is a natural byproduct of the process.

Sep 2, 2025

A new study on water usage inside U.S. homes found toilets led the way for the highest water use, followed closely by showers, while dishwashers used the least.

Sep 2, 2025

If your morning can't begin without coffee, you're in good company. The world drinks about 2 billion cups of coffee a day. However, a European Union law might soon affect your favorite coffee beans—and the farmers who grow them.

Sep 2, 2025

Tens of thousands of fans streamed into Manchester's Heaton Park this summer to see Oasis return home. Over 400,000 people attended across five nights of the much-hyped reunion tour.

Sep 2, 2025

Niccolò Machiavelli, the infamous author of "The Prince," wrote in the 1500s that the ideal leader makes and breaks solemn agreements. He creates alliances with weak allies to defeat a powerful enemy and then eliminates them one by one. He blames his next-in-charge for his own mistakes, and he executes opponents in public.

Sep 2, 2025

You’re carrying around in your head a model of how the world works. Will AI systems need to do the same? <p>The post <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org/world-models-an-old-idea-in-ai-mount-a-comeback-20250902/" target="_blank">‘World Models,’ an Old Idea in AI, Mount a Comeback</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org" target="_blank">Quanta Magazine</a></p>

Aug 28, 2025

An updated evolutionary model shows that living systems evolve in a split-and-hit-the-gas dynamic, where new lineages appear in sudden bursts rather than during a long marathon of gradual changes. <p>The post <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-sudden-surges-that-forge-evolutionary-trees-20250828/" target="_blank">The Sudden Surges That Forge Evolutionary Trees</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org" target="_blank">Quanta Magazine</a></p>

Aug 27, 2025

According to Einstein’s theory of gravity, black holes have only a small handful of distinguishing characteristics. Quantum theory implies they may have more. Now an experimental search finds that any of this extra ‘hair’ has to be pretty short. <p>The post <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org/astrophysicists-find-no-hair-on-black-holes-20250827/" target="_blank">Astrophysicists Find No ‘Hair’ on Black Holes</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org" target="_blank">Quanta Magazine</a></p>

Aug 25, 2025

The proof, known to be so hard that a mathematician once offered 10 martinis to whoever could figure it out, connects quantum mechanics to infinitely intricate mathematical structures. <p>The post <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org/ten-martini-proof-uses-number-theory-to-explain-quantum-fractals-20250825/" target="_blank">‘Ten Martini’ Proof Uses Number Theory to Explain Quantum Fractals</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org" target="_blank">Quanta Magazine</a></p>

Aug 22, 2025

The quest to find the longest-running simple computer program has identified a new champion. It’s physically impossible to write out the numbers involved using standard mathematical notation. <p>The post <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org/busy-beaver-hunters-reach-numbers-that-overwhelm-ordinary-math-20250822/" target="_blank">Busy Beaver Hunters Reach Numbers That Overwhelm Ordinary Math</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.quantamagazine.org" target="_blank">Quanta Magazine</a></p>

Sep 3, 2025

I only just bought the previous edition, ain't it always the way?

Sep 2, 2025

Bigger houses, faster cars, and more are coming to GTA Online.

Sep 2, 2025

More than a year after Ubisoft pulled the plug, The Crew Unlimited is just about ready to put it back in.

Sep 2, 2025

How did this even come up in conversation, that's what I want to know.

Sep 2, 2025

Check out the young James Bond in his first mission for MI6.

Sep 2, 2025

A valuable lesson in version control.

Sep 2, 2025

Booth founded original Left 4 Dead developer Turtle Rock Studios in 2002, but departed the studio in 2012.

Sep 2, 2025

What if a war movie had a brand attached?

Sep 2, 2025

Challenger approaching! Okay, that's a different game.

Sep 2, 2025

It only took about eight years.

Sep 2, 2025

Does Gemini have access to Google's credit card details...?

Sep 2, 2025

DRM-free, too.

Sep 2, 2025

Beats dealing with PCIe extension ribbons but finding a suitable PC case might be more trouble than its worth.

Sep 2, 2025

Hey! We're here too!

Sep 2, 2025

This key evidence has resulted in a historic ruling against the company—though Tesla is appealing the verdict.

Sep 2, 2025

Let's make some friends.

Sep 2, 2025

Everything you ought to expect about the next update.

Sep 2, 2025

Blast this new and terrifying Terminid from the skies.

Sep 2, 2025

Snatching up IP.

Sep 2, 2025

Arrowhead's co-op shooter goes from strength to strength.

Sep 2, 2025

Vital engineering research to answer the question, "What if…?"

Sep 2, 2025

...and Intel 18A isn't really in the running, allegedly.

Sep 2, 2025

You're not the only busy bee on your farm.

Sep 2, 2025

The Silksongslaught, if you will.

Sep 2, 2025

It's not a big problem at the moment, but don't be surprised if, at the end of it all, you'll just be paying more for your PC parts.

Sep 2, 2025

Greene played a character "losing his rights as an independent king, and he’s a gentle soul in that violent world" in RDR2.

Sep 2, 2025

User error, you say?

Sep 2, 2025

A new headliner for the best MMO mouse.

Sep 2, 2025

Ow, my eyes.

Sep 2, 2025

Go put your records on.

Sep 2, 2025

Wherefore art thou, RDNA ?

Sep 2, 2025

We'll get pricing at the end of the month.

Sep 2, 2025

No P, no E. Just cores. Super cores.

Sep 2, 2025

Some of Razer's best bang for buck kit with a hot black and purple paint job.

Sep 2, 2025

Aetherpooling your resources.

Sep 2, 2025

I asked for this.

Sep 2, 2025

Complete the Tribal Medicine quest by finding someone to take the Great White One's fin.

Sep 2, 2025

'Learning' or simply coding?

Sep 2, 2025

And the current mayor doubts their reasoning.

Sep 2, 2025

I guess the radioactivity didn't affect his boys' ability to swim.

Sep 2, 2025

One more Wordle win.

Sep 1, 2025

Turtle WoW, one of the most popular fan-run takes on World of Warcraft's "classic" era, has been named in a lawsuit for its use of Blizzard's code and art.

Sep 1, 2025

Ysbryd Games founder Brian Kwek and Gamesight's Adam Lieb break down the minefield that is trying to keep a game visible.

Sep 1, 2025

LLMs once again prove too pliable.

Sep 1, 2025

Give us the real CK3 stats!

Sep 1, 2025

Feels like this should've been a top priority from the very start.

Sep 1, 2025

Yoshida also mentioned he's a "maniac about One Piece." Aren't we all?

Sep 1, 2025

The battle for PCIe 5.0 supremacy is heating up.

Sep 1, 2025

The world is saved.

Sep 1, 2025

Faster, frantic, fun.

Sep 1, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-photo-of-a-smiling-woman-in-a-magenta-suit.jpg?id=56605851&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C406%2C0%2C406"/><br/><br/><p>For most of its more than 140-year existence, IEEE has been a leader in preserving the far-reaching implications of the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/topic/tech-history/" target="_blank">history behind the electrical, electronic, and computing fields</a> and related areas of science and technology that underpin modern society. This history showcases a continuous and dynamic cycle wherein scientific understanding fuels innovation, and technological advancements enable new avenues for scientific exploration. This fascinating journey continues to hold vast implications for our future. Organizations such as IEEE have created an environment conducive to progress and evolution by facilitating knowledge sharing, developing standards, and advocating for sound public policy to ultimately advance technology for the benefit of humanity.</p><p>Exploring the contributions of key figures, such as <a href="https://ethw.org/Michael_Faraday" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Faraday</a> and his discoveries in electromagnetism, and <a href="https://ethw.org/Grace_Murray_Hopper" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grace Hopper</a>, the queen of software, as well as the challenges they overcame, offers valuable context for current and future innovators.</p><p>A greater understanding and appreciation of the historical contributions of IEEE’s fields and engaging in open dialogue with the public can help build a more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced future. Public trust and engagement are essential for the continued progress and acceptance of technological advancements. By revisiting past successes and failures, policymakers can better anticipate the consequences of new electrical engineering advancements and develop policies that foster innovation while also ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability. Ethical considerations have always been inherent to the development of technology, and examining historical challenges can offer valuable insights for navigating similar dilemmas in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.</p><p>History serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and collaboration. By studying the evolution of electrical engineering, we can identify patterns, reflect on what worked well and why, analyze what went wrong, and build upon existing knowledge to create new technologies.</p><h2>Supporting the cause</h2><p>Since its inception, IEEE has had a standing <a href="https://www.ieee.org/about/history-center/history-committee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">History Committee</a>, concerned with maintaining the legacy and heritage of the organization and its members and their related professions and technologies. The <a href="https://www.ieee.org/about/history-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE History Center</a> preserves, researches, and promotes the legacy of electrical engineering and computing through its numerous programs.</p><p>Attending <a href="https://ethw.org/Milestones:List_of_IEEE_Milestones" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Milestone</a> dedication ceremonies, which recognize outstanding technical developments around the world, has always been joyful to me. Visiting these historically significant locations, where local volunteers have worked with technical experts, historians, and the public to celebrate pioneering achievements and the people behind them, is truly inspiring and a testament to how technological innovation benefits humanity. They are a great way to experience the <a data-linked-post="2650254022" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/what-computer-history-should-be-saved" target="_blank">history of technology</a> alongside the global IEEE community.</p><p>This year I had the opportunity to attend the reopening of the <a href="https://www.ieee.org/about/history-center/globalmuseum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Global Museum</a>, which brings traveling exhibits focused on the history of electrotechnology to IEEE members and the public. The museum promotes awareness of how technological progress unfolds over generations and how engineers and researchers can build on past achievements to improve peoples’ lives.</p><p>The <a href="https://ethw.org/Oral-History:List_of_all_Oral_Histories" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE oral history program</a> collects spoken memories and personal commentaries of historical significance through recorded interviews. There are nearly 900 interviews available on <a href="https://ethw.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ethw.org</a>. As IEEE president, I look forward to my own participation in it.</p><p><a href="https://reach.ieee.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE REACH</a> provides preuniversity teachers with free resources that situate science, technology, and engineering in their social and human contexts. The resources provide students with an understanding of technologies, including how they have shaped society and, in turn, how society has shaped them.</p><p>Preserving the history of our profession is vital for fostering innovation, inspiring future generations, promoting collaboration, and ensuring the safe, sustainable, and ethical development of technology that will continue to shape our world.</p><p>I encourage you to investigate all the programs and resources available at <a href="https://history.ieee.org/" target="_blank">history.ieee.org</a>.</p><p>Please share your thoughts with me: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a></p>

Sep 1, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/two-people-posing-with-a-yellow-robot-dog-at-a-tech-event.png?id=61525300&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C59%2C0%2C60"/><br/><br/><p>I get a lot of email from people asking to contribute to <em><em>IEEE Spectrum</em></em>. Usually, they want to write an article for us. But one bold query I received in January 2024 went much further: An undergraduate engineering student named <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwatosin-kolade/?originalSubdomain=ng" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oluwatosin Kolade</a>, from Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Nigeria, volunteered to be our robotics editor. </p><p>Kolade—Tosin to his friends—had been the newsletter editor for his IEEE student branch, but he’d never published an article professionally. His earnestness and enthusiasm were endearing. I explained that we already have a <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/u/evan-ackerman" target="_self">robotics editor</a>, but I’d be glad to work with him on writing, editing, and ultimately publishing an article. </p><p> Back in 2003, I had met plenty of engineering students when I traveled to <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/surf-africa" target="_self">Nigeria to report </a>on the SAT-3/WASC cable, the first undersea fiber-optic cable to land in West Africa. I remember seeing students gathering around obsolete PCs at Internet cafés connected to the world via a satellite dish powered by a generator. I challenged Tosin to tell <em><em>Spectrum</em></em> readers what it’s like for engineering students today. The result is “<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/stem-education-in-africa" target="_blank">Lessons from a Janky Drone</a>.”</p><p>I decided to complement Tosin’s piece with the perspective of a more established engineer in sub-Saharan Africa. I reached out to <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/u/g-pascal-zachary" target="_self">G. Pascal Zachary</a>, who has covered engineering education in Africa for us, and Zachary introduced me to <a href="https://ibaino.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Engineer Bainomugisha</a>, a computer science professor at Makerere University, in Kampala, Uganda. In “<a data-linked-post="2673897395" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/africa-engineering-hardware" target="_blank">Learning More With Less</a>,” Bainomugisha draws out the things that were common to his and Tosin’s experience and suggests ways to make the hardware necessary for engineering education more accessible.</p><p>In fact, the region’s decades-long struggle to develop its engineering talent hinges on access to the three things we focus on in this issue: reliable electricity, ubiquitous broadband, and educational resources for young engineers.</p><p class="pull-quote">“During my weekly video calls with Tosin...the connection was pretty good— except when it wasn’t.”</p><p><span>Zachary’s article in this issue, “</span><a data-linked-post="2673881191" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/electricity-access-sub-saharan-africa" target="_blank">What It Will Really Take to Electrify All of Africa</a><span>”</span><span> tackles the first topic, with a focus on an ambitious initiative to bring electricity to an additional 300 million people by 2030.</span></p><p> Contributing editor <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/u/lucas-laursen" target="_self">Lucas Laursen</a>’s article, “<a data-linked-post="2673856838" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/broadband-internet-in-nigeria" target="_blank">In Nigeria, Why Isn’t Broadband Everywhere?</a>” investigates the slow rollout of fiber-optic connectivity in the two decades since my first visit. As he learned when he traveled to Nigeria earlier this year, the country now has eight undersea cables delivering 380 terabits of capacity, yet less than half of the population has broadband access. </p><p>I got a sense of Nigeria’s bandwidth issues during my weekly video calls with Tosin to discuss his article. The connection was pretty good, except when it wasn’t. Still, I reminded myself, two decades ago such calls would have been nearly impossible. </p><p>Through those weekly chats, we established a professional connection, which made it that much more meaningful when I got to meet Tosin in person this past May at the <a href="https://2025.ieee-icra.org/" target="_blank">IEEE ICRA robotics conference</a>, in Atlanta. Tosin was attending thanks to a scholarship from the <a href="https://www.ieee-ras.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Robotics and Automation Society</a>. Like a kid in a candy shop, he kibbutzed with fellow scholarship winners, attended talks, checked out robots, and met the engineers who built them. </p><p>As Tosin embarks on the next leg in his career journey, he is supported by the IEEE community, which not only recognizes his promise but gives him access to a network of professionals who can help him and his cohort realize their potential.</p>

Aug 31, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/colorful-cables-forming-a-glowing-outline-of-a-house-on-a-dark-background.jpg?id=61525445&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C183%2C0%2C183"/><br/><br/><p>The crew has come: caravan of trucks</p><p>stationed on the street, unstacking cones</p><p>and digging ditches, deft and efficient.</p><p>Here in our yards, long years of earth</p><p>have been hefted by hand and heaped up on tarps.</p><p>A pneumatic mole emerges from the trailer,</p><p>and a heavy hose is hauled into place.</p><p>With a pop, the pumping compressor wakes</p><p>with startling strength. The strata are threaded,</p><p>pierced by the pounding power that forges</p><p>a buried boulevard. This burrow will convey</p><p>packets with payloads, pulses of light</p><p>modulated with meaning in marks and spaces,</p><p>carrying commerce and conversation.</p><p>The uproar ebbs by afternoon.</p><p>Machines are shut down and shovels return,</p><p>covering conduits with clods of soil.</p><p>The sod is reset and soaked thoroughly.</p><p>It’s late now. They load the last of the gear.</p><p>The dirt-girded duct is dark and untapped.</p><p>The glass-road will run to reach the houses</p><p>after fees are paid, when the final strands</p><p>will mate with modems and make connections.</p>

Aug 31, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/silhouettes-climb-and-hang-from-a-large-rubiks-cube-against-a-bright-yellow-background.png?id=61524875&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=126%2C0%2C127%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>When I left Los Alamos National Laboratory to start a company 11 years ago, I thought my team was ready. We had developed a new class of quantum dots—nanoscale particles of light-emitting semiconductor material that can be used in displays, solar cells, and more. Our technology was safer, more stable, and less expensive than <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-dots-nobel-prize" target="_self">existing quantum-dot materials</a>. The technical advantages were real, but I quickly learned that no amount of scientific merit guarantees market success.</p><p>For many tech-startup founders, this is an uncomfortable but necessary realization. You can build an elegant solution, but if it doesn’t solve a meaningful problem in the market, it won’t go anywhere commercially. The earlier you embrace that lesson, the better your odds of success.</p><h2>Your Invention Isn’t the Business</h2><p>My background is in research. I have a Ph.D. in materials science from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign</a>, and I did a postdoc at <a href="https://www.lanl.gov/engage/organizations/cels/chemistry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Los Alamos</a>, in New Mexico, working on nanomaterials in the chemistry division. My focus was always on advancing scientific knowledge, publishing papers, and in some cases filing patents. Like many researchers, I eventually grew tired of chasing citations and wanted to apply that work to the real world.</p><p>That’s why I started <a href="https://www.ubiqd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UbiQD</a>. We had a material that solved the technical shortcomings of conventional quantum dots, which require toxic heavy metals like cadmium or lead and involve expensive manufacturing processes. However, when we first introduced it to the market, the conversations we had were eye-opening. People didn’t care about the material for its own sake. They cared about whether it solved their problem, and the severity of the problem defined their urgency.</p><p>My advice: If you can’t clearly explain how your technology makes someone’s life easier, safer, more sustainable, or more profitable, you’re not ready to sell it. </p><h2>“Throwing It Over the Fence” Doesn’t Work</h2><p>Our early thinking was overly simplistic: Create better quantum dots, scale production, and let customers apply the technology to the industries that benefit from quantum dots’ ability to manipulate light. We figured, if we make it, the customers will come. </p><p>To speed things up, we offered research-grade samples for testing. A number of early adopters asked for samples, but that “throw it over the fence” approach <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/when-innovation-moves-too-fast" target="_self">typically doesn’t work</a> with a novel enabling technology. Whether it’s advanced materials, hardware, or software, you can’t expect customers to figure out what solution works best; that’s your job. </p><p>So before scaling your tech, spend time with potential customers. Listen more than you talk and identify their true pain points. Ask them what keeps them up at night. That’s where the real opportunities lie: in the chances to provide a must-have painkiller, rather than a nice-to-have daily vitamin.</p><h2>Shelve the Ideas That Don’t Fit</h2><p>One of the hardest lessons tech founders must learn is how to recognize when a beloved idea doesn’t align with market needs. </p><p>Take <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-dawn-of-solar-windows" target="_self">solar windows</a> for greenhouses, one of the ideas we thought would be a hit but then had to shelve. Greenhouses spend a lot on electricity, so it seemed logical that they’d want to generate electricity directly in the facade of the greenhouse. However, growers told us their biggest concern was crop yield, not operational costs. Light-absorbing windows could potentially cause a slight reduction in yield, and any such reduction—even with energy savings—would likely hurt their bottom line.</p><p class="pull-quote"><span>That’s where the real opportunities lie: in the chances to provide a must-have painkiller, rather than a nice-to-have daily vitamin.</span></p><p>So we paused the solar-window idea in 2018 and focused instead on a simpler, higher-impact product: greenhouse <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-dots-shift-sunlights-spectrum-to-speed-plant-growth" target="_self">films that shift the color of light</a> to help plants grow faster. The growers cared about yield, and that’s what we addressed using our technology. This agricultural application is now one of UbiQD’s main focus areas. </p><p>Don’t get emotionally attached to one application or use case. If your company is built on a platform technology, stay flexible. The market will tell you where your technology fits—and where it doesn’t. </p><h2>Competition Means You’re on the Right Track</h2><p>Many founders dread competition. I see it differently. When we entered the agriculture space, we saw other startups and a few large companies exploring similar ideas. That wasn’t discouraging. It was validating. If no one else is working on the problem, it might not be a worthwhile opportunity. </p><p>Some startups also try to stay under the radar to gain an edge. But if potential partners or early customers don’t know you’re working on a problem, they can’t contribute to, challenge, or help accelerate your solution. That said, differentiation matters. Our edge comes from robust intellectual property, technical depth, and years of hard-earned data. We’ve had lots of help and input from outside the company, and some of our best customers found us first.</p><p>Expect and embrace competition, and don’t be shy about it. Just make sure you have a defendable advantage—whether through technology, partnerships, data, or expertise.</p><h2>Earn the Right to Expand</h2><p>As you begin to succeed in one market, you’ll be tempted to expand quickly to others. But be cautious about moving too quickly. We’ve turned down plenty of tempting market opportunities over the years because we hadn’t earned the right to go after them yet.</p><p>For example, applying our materials to cosmetics or paints is exciting, but until we achieved sufficient production scale and cost reduction, it didn’t make sense economically. Now that we’ve lowered costs and built better infrastructure, those markets are back on the table, but we understood this only <em><em>after</em></em> studying potential customers and their needs.</p><p>Build scale and generate revenue in your first market, and only then explore adjacent opportunities. </p><h2>Advice I Wish I Had Heard Earlier</h2><p>If I could give my younger self just one piece of advice, it would be this: Fall in love with the problem first, then the solution.</p><p>As a tech-company founder, I spent years perfecting our technology and publishing papers about how great the science of the solutions is. Building a company, though, also means understanding your customers and the economics of solving their problems.</p><p>Science and engineering are critical, but so are customer discovery, <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/product-management-career" target="_self">product management</a>, and market research. Those skills are essential, and you’ll probably need them sooner than you think.</p><p>So get out of the lab. Talk to potential customers as early as possible. Be ready to adapt as you listen. And remember, the value of your technology comes from the problem it solves.</p>

Aug 30, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-device-with-an-incandescent-bulb-projecting-from-its-top-two-analog-dials-and-some-controls-sits-on-top-of-a-radio-built-in.png?id=61517904&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C426%2C0%2C426"/><br/><br/><p>Recently I noticed an irresistible offer on Craigslist: a <a href="https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/majestic_3c70.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Majestic 3C70</a> AM/shortwave radio for just US $50. This model dates from the 1930s, when such radios came in gorgeous wooden cabinets. The specimen I stumbled on was still in the possession of the original owner, who used to listen to it with her family when she was a little girl. The wood and speaker fabric were nicely preserved, probably looking much as they when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. I snatched it up.</p><p>I knew at the very least I’d need to <a href="https://antiqueradio.org/recap.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">replace a bunch of capacitors</a>. But after scrutinizing the underside of the chassis, I realized I’d be doing a lot more, as much of the original wire insulation had disintegrated. Thus began a journey that eventually led me to build my own version of a critical piece of restoration technology: a <a href="https://antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dim-bulb tester</a>.</p><p>My journey started with online searching that turned up a circuit diagram for my radio, along with plenty of advice from vintage-electronics restoration experts. The chief piece of wisdom was “Be careful.” Even when new, electronics of the vacuum-tube era could be dangerous. Being the cautious type, I wanted to take all appropriate safety measures.</p><p>In particular, when working with tube-era electronics, you should resist the urge to just plug it in to see if it works. Decades-old paper and electrolytic capacitors are almost <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/vintage-audio-repair" target="_self">guaranteed to be bad</a>. And much else could be amiss as well. Instead, make the repairs and upgrades you determine are needed first. Even then, don’t just plug in your relic and flip the power switch. Better to start it up gently to look for signs of trouble.</p><h2>How Does a Dim-Bulb Tester Work?</h2><p>But how do you turn on old equipment gently? That concept was foreign to me, having grown up in the transistor era. And this is when I learned about dim-bulb testers. They take advantage of the fact that the resistance of an ordinary incandescent light bulb increases markedly as the filament heats up. The tester sits between your device and the wall plug. The bulb is wired in series to the power line and acts as a current limiter: Even if a component or wire in your device fails and causes a short, the current flowing into the device won’t exceed the current that would normally flow through the bulb. You can control the maximum current by using bulbs of different wattages.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Key components for the dim bulb tester" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2da68247db2fc9bd078cc62bf7444ae5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="b839d" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/key-components-for-the-dim-bulb-tester.png?id=61517921&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Caption: Because the dim-bulb tester relies on an incandescent bulb [top middle], a certain retro look is guaranteed. I leaned into this aesthetic by using vintage analog meters [top left and right], and having a metal front panel custom-made by a sign maker [bottom].</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">James Provost</small></p><p>Sure, you can cobble together such a tester using just an outlet box, a lamp base, and a switch. But I decided to go all out on the safety front and build a more fully featured dim-bulb tester, something akin to <a href="https://www.stagecue.com/variac.html" target="_blank">a design that I saw online</a> that includes a variable transformer along with panel meters to monitor voltage and current. And for fun, I decided to give my tester a vintage look.</p><p>I hunted on eBay for vintage bits and pieces (or ones that could pass as vintage). While the effort to make my tester look old increased the cost and slowed construction, I was beginning to like the idea of restoring old electronics as a new hobby, so I figured: Why not?</p><p class="ieee-inbody-related">RELATED: <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/vintage-audio-repair" target="_self">Turn a Vintage Hi-Fi Into a Modern Entertainment Center</a></p><p>The end result was a unit that included two<a href="https://www.triplett.com/pages/overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Triplett</a> analog panel meters that, best I can figure out, date from shortly after the Second World War. It also includes three indicator lights that must be from the 1950s. They adorn a front panel that I fabricated by ordering<a href="https://www.signs.com/aluminum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> a custom aluminum sign</a> and cutting the openings using hole saws.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="An electronic schematic." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="aa8ca06d25b5400cb6df5f87c720a342" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="fc4bb" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/an-electronic-schematic.png?id=61517931&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The dim-bulb tester allows me to ramp up the voltage applied to old equipment. The resistance of the bulb prevents damaging current flows to the equipment while looking for any signs of troublet.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">James Provost</small></p><p>Choosing the proper enclosure for my ersatz test instrument was one of the bigger challenges. Large enclosures tend to be expensive, and I also struggled to find something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the TV repair shops of my youth. The solution was to purchase a damaged vintage test instrument (a<a href="https://www.crowave.com/blog/2019/07/23/signal-generator-eico-model-315/" target="_blank"> tube-equipped signal generator</a>), pull the chassis out, and use its painted steel enclosure. I bought it for less than I would’ve paid for a new enclosure. I also bought a small collection of incandescent light bulbs of different wattages. Assembling my tester was straightforward.</p><p>I wasn’t quite done, though. In my investigations into how repair vintage electronics safely, I learned about using an isolation transformer to help protect against shocks. I toyed with the idea of building one into my dim-bulb tester’s enclosure, but I decided it was more practical to purchase a stand-alone unit. I got a used one for a good price, but it took some work to fix and modify it so that it truly isolated the input from the output. (Oddly enough, commercial units don’t typically offer full isolation—you have to<a href="https://www.radioradar.net/en/measurements_technics/vintage_tube_radio_restoration.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> mod them for this</a>.) I figure that I can just plug my device into my dim-bulb tester, plug the tester into the isolation transformer, then plug the transformer into the wall.</p>With my completed tester ready to go, I carefully examined the wiring and components of my Majestic radio and ordered what I think I’ll need to fix it. I’ve just received the box of components from <a href="https://www.mouser.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mouser</a>, so repair and live testing will begin shortly. I should add that while working on my dim-bulb tester, I couldn’t resist making another $50 antique-radio purchase: a Zenith AM/FM tabletop radio from the late 1950s. The person I bought it from said that it works, but I now know there’s a right way and a wrong way to verify that assertion. So I’ve got plenty to keep me busy in my newfound hobby—along with the gear I need to pursue it safely.

Aug 29, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/shigeichi-negishis-sparko-box-which-was-the-first-karaoke-machine-created-in-1967.jpg?id=61530265&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C137%2C0%2C138"/><br/><br/><p>Belting your <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/video-friday-alter-3-robot-conductor" target="_blank">favorite song</a> over prerecorded music into a microphone in front of friends and strangers at karaoke is a popular way for people around the world to destress after work or celebrate a friend’s birthday. The idea for the karaoke machine didn’t come from a singer or a large entertainment company but from <a href="https://nichiden-kogyo.co.jp/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nichiden Kogyo</a>, a small electronics assembly company in Tokyo.</p><p>The company’s founder, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeichi_Negishi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shigeichi Negishi</a>, was singing to himself at work one day in 1967 when an employee jokingly told him he was out of tune. Figuring that singing along to music would help him stay on pitch, Negishi began thinking about how to make that possible. He had the idea to turn one of the 8-track tape decks his company manufactured into what is now known as the karaoke machine.</p><p>Later that year, he built what would become the first such machine, which he called the Music Box. The 30-centimeter cube housed an 8-track player for four tapes of instrumental recordings and included a microphone to sing into.</p><p>He sold his machine in 1967 to a Japanese trading company, which then sold it to restaurants, bars, and hotel banquet halls, where they used it as entertainment.</p><p>The machine was coined <em><em>karaoke</em></em> in the 1970s to describe the act of singing along to prerecorded music. The term is a combination of two Japanese words: <em><em>kara</em></em>, meaning <em><em>empty</em></em>, and <em><em>okesutora</em></em>, meaning <em><em>orchestra</em></em>.</p><p>In a few years, dedicated establishments known as karaoke bars began to open across Japan. Today the country has more than 8,000, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/topics/10306/karaoke-industry-in-japan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Statista</a>.</p><p>The karaoke machine has been commemorated as an <a href="https://ieeemilestones.ethw.org/Main_Page" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Milestone</a>. The dedication ceremony was held in June in the area that houses karaoke booths connected to the <a href="https://www.princehotels.com/shinagawa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shinagawa Prince Hotel</a> in Tokyo. Negishi’s family attended the event along with IEEE leaders. Negishi died last year at the age of 100.</p><p>He was grateful that people enjoy karaoke around the world, his son, Akihiro Negishia, said at the ceremony, “though he didn’t imagine it to spread globally when he created it.”</p><h2>Accidentally inventing one of the world’s favorite pastimes</h2><p>Shigeichi Negishi grew up in Tokyo, where his mother ran a tobacco store and his father oversaw regional elections as a government official. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from <a href="https://www.global.hosei.ac.jp/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hosei University</a> in Tokyo, he was drafted into the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Japanese_Army" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Imperial Japanese Army</a> during World War II. He became a prisoner of war and spent two years in Singapore before being released in 1947.</p><p>He returned to Tokyo and sold cameras for electrical parts manufacturer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympus_Corporation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Olympus Corp</a>. In 1956 he started Nichiden Kogyo, which manufactured and assembled portable radios for the home and car, according to the <a href="https://ieeemilestones.ethw.org/Milestone-Proposal:First_Karaoke_Machine,_1967" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Engineering and Technology History Wiki entry</a> about the karaoke machine.</p><p>Negishi would start each morning singing along to the “Pop Songs Without Lyrics” radio show, according to a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomcoughlin/2025/06/23/advancing-technology-for-the-pursuit-of-happiness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><em>Forbes</em></em></a> article. He typically didn’t sing in the office, but one fateful day he did. Negishi was inspired to engineer one of the 8-track tape decks his company manufactured into what is now known as the karaoke machine</p><p>An 8-track tape deck can play and record audio using magnetic tape cartridges. Nichiden Kogyo’s Music Box was a 30-centimeter cube with slots to insert four 8-track tapes on the top panel, with control buttons to play, stop, or skip to the next song.</p><p>Inside each 13-centimeter-long rectangular 8-track cartridge is a loop of almost 1 cm-wide magnetic tape that is coiled around a circular reel, as explained in an <a href="https://everpresent.com/when-did-the-8-track-come-out/#:~:text=Inside%20each%208%20track%20tape,tracks%20for%20sale%20on%20Google" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EverPresent blog post on the technology</a>. A small motor inside each cartridge pulls the tape across an audio head inside the player, which reads the magnetic patterns and translates them into sound. Each tape had a metal sensing strip that notified a solenoid coil located in the player when a song had ended or if a person pressed the button to switch to the next song, according to an <a href="https://www.instructables.com/8-Track-Walkman-Pod-thing-Retro-tech/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Autodesk Instribules blog post</a>. The coil created a magnetic field when electricity passed through it—which rotated the spindle on which the audio head was mounted to move to the next track on the tape. Each tape could hold about eight songs.</p><p>Negishi added a microphone amplifier to the player’s top panel, as well as a mixing circuit. The user could adjust the volume of the music and the microphone.</p><p>He also recorded 20 of his favorite songs onto the tapes and printed out the lyrics on cardstock. He tested the machine by singing a popular ballad, “Mujo no Yume” (“The Heartless Dream”).</p><p>“It works! That’s all I was thinking,” Negishi told reporter <a href="https://www.mattalt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Matt Alt</a> years later, when asked what his thoughts were the first time he tested the Music Box. Alt wrote <a href="https://www.pureinventionbook.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><em>Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World</em></em></a>. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Close-up of the coin timer on a 1967 karaoke machine." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a02979826d715ec6d6fbac5f1dbdfef6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="35bef" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/close-up-of-the-coin-timer-on-a-1967-karaoke-machine.jpg?id=61530273&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">In 1969 engineers at Tokyo-based trading company Kokusai Shohin added a coin acceptor to the machine, renaming the Music Box the Sparko Box.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Dr. Tomohiro Hase</small></p><p>The fees to file a patent were too expensive, according to the ETHW entry, so in 1967 Negishi sold the rights to the machine to Mitsuyoshi Hamasu, a salesman at Kokusai Shohin. The Tokyo-based trading company began selling and leasing the machines by the end of the year.</p><p>In 1969 engineers at Kokusai Shohin added a coin acceptor to the machine. The company renamed the Music Box the Sparko Box. In six years, about 8,000 units were sold, Hamasu said in <a href="https://www.karaoke.or.jp/03nenpyo/shogen2.php#hamasu" target="_blank">an interview about the rise of karaoke</a>.</p><p>Karaoke became so popular that in the 1980s, venues and bars specializing in soundproofed rooms known as <em><em>karaoke boxes</em></em> emerged. Groups could rent the rooms by the hour.</p><p>Negishi’s family owns the first Music Box he made. It still works.</p><p>The Milestone plaque recognizing the karaoke machine is on display in front of the former headquarters of Nichiden Kogyo, which Negishi turned into a tobacco shop after he retired. The shop is now owned by his daughter. The plaque reads:</p><p><em><em>“The first karaoke machine was created in 1967 by mixing live vocals with prerecorded accompaniment for public entertainment, leading to its worldwide popularity. Created by Shigeichi Negishi of Nichiden Kogyo, and originally called Music Box (later Sparko Box), it included a mixer, microphone, and 8-track tape player, with a coin payment system to charge the singer. An early operational machine has been displayed at the original company site in Tokyo.”</em></em></p>Administered by the <a href="https://www.ieee.org/about/history-center" target="_blank">IEEE History Center</a> and supported by<a href="https://secure.ieeefoundation.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1680&mfc_pref=T&1680.donation=form1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> donors</a>, the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/fft-algorithm-ieee-milestone" target="_blank">Milestone program</a> recognizes outstanding technical developments around the world. The <a href="https://ieee-jp.org/section/tokyo/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Tokyo Section</a> sponsored the nomination.

Aug 29, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/four-legged-robot-dog-doing-three-backflips-in-industrial-setting-with-equipment-and-yellow-stairs.gif?id=61532173&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=62%2C0%2C63%2C0"/><br/><br/><p><span>Video Friday is your weekly selection of awesome robotics videos, collected by your friends at </span><em>IEEE Spectrum</em><span> robotics. We also post a weekly calendar of upcoming robotics events for the next few months. Please </span><a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=Robotics%20event%20suggestion%20for%20Video%20Friday">send us your events</a><span> for inclusion.</span></p><h5><a href="https://clawar.org/clawar2025/">CLAWAR 2025</a>: 5–7 September 2025, SHENZHEN, CHINA</h5><h5><a href="https://actuate.foxglove.dev/">ACTUATE 2025</a>: 23–24 September 2025, SAN FRANCISCO</h5><h5><a href="https://www.corl.org/">CoRL 2025</a>: 27–30 September 2025, SEOUL</h5><h5><a href="https://2025humanoids.org/">IEEE Humanoids</a>: 30 September–2 October 2025, SEOUL</h5><h5><a href="https://worldrobotsummit.org/en/">World Robot Summit</a>: 10–12 October 2025, OSAKA, JAPAN</h5><h5><a href="https://www.iros25.org/">IROS 2025</a>: 19–25 October 2025, HANGZHOU, CHINA</h5><p>Enjoy today’s videos!</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><div style="page-break-after: always"><span style="display:none"> </span></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="o_iuqgxrrae"><em>Boston Dynamics is back and their dancing robot dogs are bigger, better, and bolder than ever! Watch as they bring a “dead” robot to life and unleash a never before seen synchronized dance routine to “Good Vibrations.”</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6b3bc23cd0d30d622765a4103c587403" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o_iUqGxRRAE?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>And much more interestingly, here’s a discussion of how they made it work:</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"> <span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="691bac971231bd16e539ba9599b30f45" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LMPxtcEgtds?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://bostondynamics.com/blog/spot-takes-the-stage/">Boston Dynamics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="4cxc0qjm82k">I don’t especially care whether a <a data-linked-post="2658800413" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/humanoid-robot-falling" target="_blank">robot falls over</a>. I care whether it gets itself back up again.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a0cac494be632a4b0e255bbbb4a8d0e4" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cxC0qjm82k?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.limxdynamics.com/en">LimX Dynamics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="bxdlxf7bnqq"><em>The robot autonomously connects multiple wires to the environment using small flying anchors—drones equipped with anchoring mechanisms at the wire tips. Guided by an onboard RGB-D camera for control and environmental recognition, the system enables wire attachment in unprepared environments and supports simultaneous multi-wire connections, expanding the operational range of wire-driven robots.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7e08d4624013d480add8301acc352ca5" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BXdlXf7BNQQ?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://shin0805.github.io/flying-anchor/">JSK Robotics Laboratory</a> ] at [ <a href="http://www.jsk.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/" target="_blank">University of Tokyo</a> ]</p><p>Thanks, Shintaro!</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="kgmwidtcyo0">For a robot that barely has a face, this is some pretty good emoting.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7f32bd7db00f18487156251fb2fea84a" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kGMWiDTCyo0?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.pollen-robotics.com/reachy-mini/">Pollen</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="rs_mtkviazy"><em>Learning skills from human motions offers a promising path toward generalizable policies for whole-body humanoid control, yet two key cornerstones are missing: (1) a scalable, high-quality motion tracking framework that faithfully transforms kinematic references into robust, extremely dynamic motions on real hardware, and (2) a distillation approach that can effectively learn these motion primitives and compose them to solve downstream tasks. We address these gaps with BeyondMimic, a real-world framework to learn from human motions for versatile and naturalistic humanoid control via guided diffusion.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="29bf0b0ac3b910749943d2eefd1300cd" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RS_MtKVIAzY?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://hybrid-robotics.berkeley.edu/">Hybrid Robotics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="_akfhkcne0s"><em>Introducing our open-source metal-made bipedal robot MEVITA. All components can be procured through e-commerce, and the robot is built with a minimal number of parts. All hardware, software, and learning environments are released as open source.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c9c9fa2b40b749672512083b73f91b37" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_akfHkCne0s?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://haraduka.github.io/mevita-hardware/">MEVITA</a> ]</p><p>Thanks, Kento!</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="wubhxe-mpaq">I’ve always thought that being able to rent robots (or exoskeletons) to help you move furniture or otherwise carry stuff would be very useful.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cac8863f98e697737af68225ad1ad4ed" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WuBHxe-MPaQ?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.deeprobotics.cn/en">DEEP Robotics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="od0qvdwgvyo"><em>A new study explains how tiny water bugs use fan-like propellers to zip across streams at speeds up to 120 body lengths per second. The researchers then created a similar fan structure and used it to propel and maneuver an insect-sized robot. The discovery offers new possibilities for designing small machines that could operate during floods or other challenging situations.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3e7605bb8e079ccfc126cef88d95c9c2" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oD0qvdwGvyo?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://coe.gatech.edu/news/2025/08/tiny-fans-feet-water-bugs-could-lead-energy-efficient-mini-robots">Georgia Tech</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="gugwb6wxcfo"><em>Dynamic locomotion of legged robots is a critical yet challenging topic in expanding the operational range of mobile robots. To achieve generalized legged locomotion on diverse terrains while preserving the robustness of learning-based controllers, this paper proposes to learn an attention-based map encoding conditioned on robot proprioception, which is trained as part of the end-to-end controller using reinforcement learning. We show that the network learns to focus on steppable areas for future footholds when the robot dynamically navigates diverse and challenging terrains.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3cf4a6ff1c4cda069475872f91248850" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GUgwB6WxcFo?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.09588">Paper</a> ] from [ <a href="https://rsl.ethz.ch/" target="_blank">ETH Zurich</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="oeuh89bwrl4"><em>In the fifth installment of our Moonshot Podcast Deep Dive video interview series, X’s Captain of Moonshots <a data-linked-post="2650275007" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x" target="_blank">Astro Teller</a> sits down with Google DeepMind’s Chief Scientist Jeff Dean for a conversation about the origin of Jeff’s pioneering work scaling neural networks. They discuss the first time AI captured Jeff’s imagination, the earliest Google Brain framework, the team’s stratospheric advancements in image recognition and speech-to-text, how AI is evolving, and more.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3e0b8f6d91c9ba85f7c86b72baf74921" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OEuh89BWRL4?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@XTheMoonshotFactory/podcasts">Moonshot Podcast</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div>

Aug 29, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/diagram-of-satellites-airships-and-drones-aiding-network-communication-from-space-to-earth.png?id=61524554&width=980"/><br/><br/><p>The future of wireless communication is today being <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.17366" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sketched out</a> in the skies and in space. A new generation of intelligent aerospace platforms—drones, airships, and satellites—will be part of <a href="https://www.ericsson.com/en/6g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tomorrow’s 6G networks</a>, acting as, in effect, base stations in the sky. They’re expected to roll out in the early 2030s. </p><p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a> (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, are amid the vanguard of innovators now imagining next-gen telecom networks in the atmosphere, the stratosphere, and orbit. </p><h3>The sky won't be the limit for next-gen wireless platforms</h3><br/><img alt="Diagram of satellites, airships, and drones aiding network communication from space to Earth." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3dae51c4f694e25b68145cb427a67b01" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="1254e" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/diagram-of-satellites-airships-and-drones-aiding-network-communication-from-space-to-earth.png?id=61524462&width=980"/><p><br/></p><style>. feature_post_full .ieee-infographic p { line-height: 28px;}.feature_post_full .ieee-infographic ol { margin: 0;}.feature_post_full .ieee-infographic ol { list-style-type: none; padding: 0 16px 16px 16px;}.feature_post_full .ieee-infographic ol li { position: relative; padding: 4px 0; padding-left: 24px; line-height: 16px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Favorit-Mono;}.feature_post_full .ieee-infographic ol li::before { content: counter(item); counter-increment: item; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 12px; transform: translateY(-50%); background-color: #ea511a; color: white; border-radius: 50%; width: 14px; height: 14px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-inline: 1px;}.feature_post_full .ieee-infographic ol { counter-reset: item;}</style>

Aug 28, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/an-illustration-of-stylized-people-wearing-business-casual-clothing.jpg?id=59104110&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C103%2C0%2C104"/><br/><br/><p><em>This article is crossposted from </em><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant" target="_self">IEEE Spectrum</a><em>’s careers newsletter. <a href="https://engage.ieee.org/Career-Alert-Sign-Up.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Sign up now</em></a><em> to get insider tips, expert advice, and practical strategies, <em><em>written i<em>n partnership with tech career development company <a href="https://jointaro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taro</a> and </em></em></em>delivered to your inbox for free!</em></em></p><p><em><em></em></em><span>I’ve been “the new engineer” seven times in my </span><span>career</span><span>, during four internships and three full-time jobs. My first job after university was as a founding engineer (employee #3) at a Stanford startup. Onboarding at this company was as simple as “here’s your laptop, good luck!”</span></p><p>This startup was acquired by <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, which was a Silicon Valley darling undergoing hypergrowth at the time with about 400 employees. Pinterest had more of a process than the startup, but the product and company were changing rapidly. The onboarding docs were frequently incorrect or outdated.</p><p>Then I joined Facebook (now <a href="https://www.meta.com/about/" target="_blank">Meta</a>) as a senior engineer, entering a Big Tech environment with tens of thousands of employees. Facebook is famous for a very structured approach to onboarding through Bootcamp, a multi-week program to get engineers up to speed.</p><p>On top of company transitions, I’ve also had “mini-onboardings” within a company when switching teams or moving around due to a re-org. The tech industry today moves incredibly fast, so your ability to adapt and ramp up quickly is essential for <span>career</span> success.</p><p>It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during the onboarding process because there’s so much to learn: a new codebase, team dynamics, and company culture. Instead of relying on standard documentation and training sessions, I discovered a more proactive approach among the best-performing new employees. This strategy lets you quickly ramp up with confidence.</p><p><strong>The Algorithm for Intro 1:1s</strong></p><p><strong></strong><span>When you’re new, don’t wait for information to come to you. A great way to seek out information is by having one-on-one meetings with your new coworkers. Here’s the “</span><span>career</span><span> cold start algorithm” I used for these conversations. (</span><a href="https://connect.ieee.org/NzU2LUdQSC04OTkAAAGcgIWWbsgcAcGwQBDSaaGelp7H5do4pTyUfmYvMqdRv5NUoGehtfIJPXV7ofRv_LNwXiUuvIU=" target="_blank">This comes from a blog post from Meta’s CTO</a><span>.)</span></p><p>During these one-on-ones, ask three key questions:</p><ul><li>“What do I, as a new engineer, need to know?” (25 min) This helps you gather critical, unfiltered information from one person’s perspective.</li><li>“What are the biggest challenges the team is facing?” (3 min) This reveals the team’s pain points and where you can potentially make a quick difference.</li><li>“Who else on the team should I talk to?” (2 min) This helps you set up subsequent 1:1s. By asking it repeatedly, you’ll start to see a pattern as the same names come up frequently. These individuals are the trusted, influential people who are likely to be critical to your future projects.</li></ul><p>If you’re joining a larger company, I recommend scheduling at least ten one-on-one conversations within your first two weeks. Take advantage of the fact that everyone wants to meet the new person! This list should include your direct manager, their manager, and every member of your immediate team.<br/></p><p><strong>Talk & Observe<br/></strong></p><p>Talking to colleagues is valuable, but actions speak louder than words. When you’re new, observe how your teammates spend their time. This should be fairly easy because engineering work will naturally create byproducts that reveal priorities and goals.</p><p>If you’re a software engineer, for example, look at the code or design documents a colleague has contributed to get a sense of the pace of the team and their priorities. What they document is a direct reflection of what they value.</p><p>Or, if possible, look at your teammates’ schedules to see how they allocate their time. Are they in back-to-back meetings, or do they have significant blocks of focus time for deep work? This simple act provides a wealth of information about team norms and individual working styles.</p><p>This combination of talking and observing has immediate benefits. You can ask more thoughtful questions in meetings, identify opportunities in existing projects, and most importantly, <strong>onboard culturally</strong>. As you understand your new team’s norms around meetings, code review, or product launches, you will quickly adapt to your new environment.</p><p>Implementing the “Talk and Observe” framework will make you confident and impactful in your new role. Good luck!</p><p>—Rahul</p><h3><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/richard-garwin-hydrogen-bomb-obituary" target="_blank">Richard Garwin, Designer of the First Hydrogen Bomb, Dies at 97</a></h3><p><span>The legacies of people like Richard Garwin, designer of the first hydrogen bomb, serve as a reminder that engineers can change the world. We remember Garwin and three other IEEE members who died earlier this year: medical imaging researcher Donald Twieg, electrical engineering professor Joseph “Joe” Watson, and former IEEE regional director Anthony C. Davies.</span><br/></p><p><span><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/richard-garwin-hydrogen-bomb-obituary" target="_blank">Read more here.</a></span></p><h3><a href="https://restofworld.org/2025/india-mexico-malaysia-semiconductor-chip-hubs" target="_blank">These countries want to be the next big semiconductor hubs</a></h3><p>Mexico, Malaysia, and India are ramping up their semiconductor manufacturing, according to this article from <em>Rest of World</em>. These countries don’t intend to compete with state-of-the-art chip makers, but rather to reduce their spending on imports of legacy chips. Some experts, however, are skeptical these efforts will succeed.</p><p><a href="https://restofworld.org/2025/india-mexico-malaysia-semiconductor-chip-hubs" target="_blank">Read more here.</a></p><h2><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/electrostatic-discharge" target="_blank">Protecting Electronics Against Electrostatic Discharge</a></h2><p><span>As today’s semiconductors operate at lower and lower voltages, they become more susceptible to damage from even small jolts in electricity. To help engineers protect against the persistent, costly challenge posed by electrostatic discharge, IEEE has launched a new course. Participants who complete the training program will also earn a certificate for professional development hours and continuing education units.</span><br/></p><p><span><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/electrostatic-discharge" target="_blank">Read moree here.</a></span></p>

Aug 28, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/emona-logo-t-i-m-s-wireless-lab-teaching-equipment-black-and-gray-design-on-white-background.png?id=61530134&width=980"/><br/><br/><p>Boost Student Comprehension in Telecoms with Interactive 5G Labs.</p><p>Teaching complex 5G and telecommunications concepts can be challenging – students often struggle to connect theory with real-world applications. Traditional lecture-based methods may fail to engage, leaving gaps in understanding critical technologies like OFDM, channel coding, and signal modulation.</p><p>The <strong>Telecommunications Instructional Modelling System (TIMS)</strong> bridges this gap by transforming abstract concepts into tangible, hands-on experiments. Designed for EE/ECE/EET educators, TIMS enables students to model 5G systems, measure real signals, and validate theory through interactive labs – boosting engagement and retention.</p><p><span><a href="https://content.knowledgehub.wiley.com/unravelling-5g-complexity-engaging-students-with-tims-powered-hands-on-education/" target="_blank">Download this free whitepaper now!</a></span></p>

Aug 28, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/photo-of-a-rectangular-apparatus-with-its-lid-raised-to-show-dials-and-knobs-and-an-opening-in-the-front-with-a-spool-of-paper.png?id=61517859&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C249%2C0%2C249"/><br/><br/><p>Millions of people worldwide have reason to be thankful that Swedish engineer Rune Elmqvist decided not to practice medicine. Although qualified as a doctor, he chose to invent medical equipment instead. In 1949, while working at Elema-Schonander (later Siemens-Elema), in Stockholm, he applied for <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US2566443A/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a patent</a> for the <a href="https://www.medmuseum.siemens-healthineers.com/en/innovations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mingograph</a>, the first inkjet printer. Its movable nozzle deposited an electrostatically controlled jet of ink droplets on a spool of paper.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Black and white photo of a man in a suit adjusting a piece of equipment on a tabletop." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="39cdb0224030b554f80eb32f8a3c6cf5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="426aa" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/black-and-white-photo-of-a-man-in-a-suit-adjusting-a-piece-of-equipment-on-a-tabletop.jpg?id=61517863&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Rune Elmqvist qualified to be a physician, but he devoted his career to developing medical equipment, like this galvanometer.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Nhre&action=edit&redlink=1" target="_blank">Håkan Elmqvist/Wikipedia</a></small></p><p>Elmqvist demonstrated the Mingograph at the First International Congress of Cardiology in Paris in 1950. It could record physiological signals from a patient’s electrocardiogram or electroencephalogram in real time, aiding doctors in diagnosing heart and brain conditions. Eight years later, he worked with cardiac surgeon <a href="https://www.hrsonline.org/about-hrs/history/40th-anniversary/ake-senning-md/" target="_blank">Åke Senning</a> to develop the first fully implantable pacemaker. So whether you’re running documents through an inkjet printer or living your best life due to a pacemaker, give a nod of appreciation to the inventive Dr. Elmqvist.</p><h2>The world’s first inkjet printer</h2><p>Rune Elmqvist was an inquisitive person. While still a student, he invented a specialized potentiometer to measure pH and a portable multichannel electrocardiograph. In 1940, he became head of development at the Swedish medical electronics company Elema-Schonander.</p><p>Before the Mingograph, electrocardiograph machines relied on a writing stylus to trace the waveform on a moving roll of paper. But friction between the stylus and the paper prevented small changes in the electrical signal from being accurately recorded. Elmqvist’s initial design was a modified oscillograph. Traditionally, an oscillograph used a mirror to reflect a beam of light (converted from the electrical signal) onto photographic film or paper. Elmqvist swapped out the mirror for a small, moveable glass nozzle that continuously sprayed a thin stream of liquid onto a spool of paper. The electrical signal electrostatically controlled the jet.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Black and white photo of a shirtless man reclining in a chair with straps around his chest and forearms that are wired to a rectangular piece of equipment on a cart." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bc7abf7c723faa7a22519b4c3f708281" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="a764f" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/black-and-white-photo-of-a-shirtless-man-reclining-in-a-chair-with-straps-around-his-chest-and-forearms-that-are-wired-to-a-rect.jpg?id=61517868&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The Mingograph was originally used to record electrocardiograms of heart patients. It soon found use in many other fields.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Siemens Healthineers Historical Institute</small></p><p>By eliminating the friction of a stylus, the Mingograph (which the company marketed as the Mingograf) was able to record more detailed changes of the heartbeat. The machine had three paper-feed speeds: 10, 25, and 50 millimeters per second. The speed could be preset or changed while in operation.</p><p class="ieee-inbody-related">RELATED: <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-inventions-that-made-heart-disease-less-deadly" target="_self">The Inventions That Made Heart Disease Less Deadly</a></p><p>An analog input jack on the Mingograph could be used to take measurements from other instruments. Researchers in disciplines far afield from medicine took advantage of this input to record pressure or sound. Phoneticians used it to examine the acoustic aspects of speech, and zoologists used it to record birdsongs. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, scientists cited the Mingograph in their research papers as an instrument for their experiments.</p><p>Today, the Mingograph isn’t that widely known, but the underlying technology, inkjet printing, is ubiquitous. Inkjets dominate the home printer market, and specialized printers print DNA microarrays in labs for genomics research, create electrical traces for printed circuit boards, and much more, as Phillip W. Barth and Leslie A. Field describe in their 2024 <em><em>IEEE</em></em> <em><em>Spectrum</em></em> article “<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/inkjet-printer" target="_self">Inkjets Are for More Than Just Printing</a>.”</p><h2>The world’s first implantable pacemaker</h2><p>Despite the influence of the Mingograph on the evolution of printing, it is arguably not Elmqvist’s most important innovation. The Mingograph helped doctors diagnose heart conditions, but it couldn’t save a patient’s life by itself. One of Elmqvist’s other inventions could and did: the first fully implantable, rechargeable pacemaker.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Image with a chest x-ray in the background and a pair of hands holding 2 implantable pacemakers. " class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8f6d69605731400ec65c24941048fca0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="f958c" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/image-with-a-chest-x-ray-in-the-background-and-a-pair-of-hands-holding-2-implantable-pacemakers.jpg?id=61517871&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The first implantable pacemaker [left] from 1958 had batteries that needed to be recharged once a week. The 1983 pacemaker [right] was programmable, and its batteries lasted several years.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Siemens Healthineers Historical Institute</small></p><p>Like many stories in the history of technology, this one was pushed into fruition at the urging of a woman, in this case Else-Marie Larsson. Else-Marie’s 43-year-old husband, Arne, suffered from scarring of his heart tissue due to a viral infection. His heart beat so slowly that he constantly lost consciousness, a condition known as Stokes-Adams syndrome. Else-Marie refused to accept his death sentence and searched for an alternative. After reading a newspaper article about an experimental implantable pacemaker being developed by Elmqvist and Senning at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, she decided that her husband would be the perfect candidate to test it out, even though it had been tried only on animals up until that point.</p><p>External pacemakers—that is, devices outside the body that regulated the heart beat by applying electricity—already existed, but they were heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable. One early model plugged directly into a wall socket, so the user risked electric shock.</p><p>By comparison, Elmqvist’s pacemaker was small enough to be implanted in the body and posed no shock risk. Fully encased in an epoxy resin, the disk-shaped device had a diameter of 55 mm and a thickness of 16 mm—the dimensions of the Kiwi Shoe Polish tin in which Elmqvist molded the first prototypes. It used silicon transistors to pace a pulse with an amplitude of 2 volts and duration of 1.5 milliseconds, at a rate of 70 to 80 beats per minute (the average adult heart rate).</p><p>The pacemaker ran on two rechargeable 60-milliampere-hour nickel-cadmium batteries arranged in series. A silicon diode connected the batteries to a coil antenna. A 150-kilohertz radio loop antenna outside the body charged the batteries inductively through the skin. The charge lasted about a week, but it took 12 hours to recharge. Imagine having to stay put that long.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Black and white photo of three older white men in suits. " class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6d6688763f2c24326501ecd3177d91e8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="adba6" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/black-and-white-photo-of-three-older-white-men-in-suits.jpg?id=61517872&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">In 1958, over 30 years before this photo, Arne Larsson [right] received the first implantable pacemaker, developed by Rune Elmqvist [left] at Siemens-Elema. Åke Senning [center] performed the surgery.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Sjöberg Bildbyrå/ullstein bild/Getty Images</small></p><p>Else-Marie’s persuasion and persistence pushed Elmqvist and Senning to move from animal tests to human trials, with Arne as their first case study. During a secret operation on 8 October 1958, Senning placed the pacemaker in Arne’s abdomen wall with two leads implanted in the myocardium, a layer of muscle in the wall of the heart. The device lasted only a few hours. But its replacement, which happened to be the only spare at the time, worked perfectly for six weeks and then off and on for several more years.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Photo of 5 implantable pacemakers. " class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="be9aefa0a6d47c9d202300a7eecf1249" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="f7e80" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/photo-of-5-implantable-pacemakers.jpg?id=61517874&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Arne Larsson lived another 43 years after his first pacemaker was implanted. Shown here are five of the pacemakers he received. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Sjöberg Bildbyrå/ullstein bild/Getty Images</small></p><p>Arne Larsson clearly was happy with the improvement the pacemaker made to his quality of life because he endured 25 more operations over his lifetime to replace each failing pacemaker with a new, improved iteration. He managed to outlive both Elmqvist and Senning, finally <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/18/world/arne-h-w-larsson-86-had-first-internal-pacemaker.html" target="_blank">dying at the age of 86</a> on 28 December 2001. Thanks to the technological intervention of his numerous pacemakers, his heart never gave out. His cause of death was skin cancer.</p><p>Today, more than a million people worldwide have pacemakers implanted each year, and an implanted device can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced. (Some pacemakers in the 1980s used nuclear batteries, which could last even longer, but the radioactive material was problematic. See “<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-battery-revival" target="_self">The Unlikely Revival of Nuclear Batteries</a>.”) Additionally, some pacemakers also incorporate a defibrillator to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm when it gets too far out of sync. This lifesaving device certainly has come a long way from its humble start in a shoe polish tin.</p><h2>Rune Elmqvist’s legacy</h2><p>Whenever I start researching the object of the month for <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/collections/past-forward/" target="_self">Past Forward</a>, I never know where the story will take me or how it might hit home. My dad lived with congestive heart failure for more than two decades and absolutely loved his pacemaker. He had a great relationship with his technician, Francois, and they worked together to fine-tune the device and maximize its benefits. And just like Arne Larsson, my dad died from an unrelated cause.</p><p>An engineer to the core, he would have delighted in learning about the history of this fantastic invention. And he probably would have been tickled by the fact that the same person also invented the inkjet printer. My dad was not a fan of inkjets, but I’m sure he would have greatly admired Rune Elmqvist, who saw problems that needed solving and came up with elegantly engineered solutions.</p><p><em><em>Part of a </em></em><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/collections/past-forward/" target="_self"><em><em>continuing series</em></em></a><em> </em><em><em>looking at historical artifacts that embrace the boundless potential of technology.</em></em></p><p><em>An abridged version of this article appears in the September 2025 print issue.</em></p><h3>References</h3><br/><p>There is frustratingly little documented information about the Mingograph’s origin story or functionality other than its <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US2566443A/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">patent</a>. I pieced together how it worked by reading the methodology sections of various scientific papers, such as Alf Nachemson’s 1960 article in <em>Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica, </em>“<a href="https://actaorthop.org/actao/article/view/30511/35387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lumbar Intradiscal Pressure: Experimental Studies on Post-mortem Material</a>”;<em> </em>Ingemar Hjorth’s 1970 article in the <em>Journal of Theoretical Biology</em>, “A Comment on Graphic Displays of Bird Sounds and Analyses With a New Device, the Melograph Mona”; and Paroo Nihalani’s 1975 article in <em>Phonetica</em>, “Velopharyngeal Opening in the Formation of Voiced Stops in Sindhi.” Such sources reveal how this early inkjet printer moved from cardiology into other fields.</p><p>Descriptions of Elmqvist’s pacemaker were much easier to find, with Mark Nicholls’s 2007 profile “<a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.184488" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pioneers of Cardiology: Rune Elmqvist, M.D.</a>,” in <em>Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, </em>being the main source. Siemens also pays tribute to the pacemaker on its website; see, for example, “<a href="https://www.medmuseum.siemens-healthineers.com/en/stories-from-the-museum/herzschrittmacher" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Lifesaver in a Plastic Cup</a>.” </p>

Aug 28, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/industrial-server-room-with-grey-cabinets-and-extensive-overhead-piping.jpg?id=61513202&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=112%2C0%2C113%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>AI is starting to be trusted with high-stakes tasks, including running automated factories and guiding military drones through hostile airspace. But when it comes to managing the data centers that power this AI revolution, human operators are far more cautious.</p><p>According to a <a href="https://uptimeinstitute.com/resources/research-and-reports/uptime-institute-global-data-center-survey-results-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">new survey</a> of over 600 data center operators worldwide by <a href="https://uptimeinstitute.com/ui-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uptime Institute</a>, a data center inspection and rating firm, only 14 percent say they would trust AI systems to change equipment configurations, even if it’s trained on years of historical data. In the same survey, just 1 in 3 operators say they would trust AI systems to control data center equipment.</p><p>Their skepticism may be justified: Despite pouring tens of billions of US dollars into AI systems, 95 percent of organizations thus far lack a clear return on investment, according to a recent <a href="https://mlq.ai/media/quarterly_decks/v0.1_State_of_AI_in_Business_2025_Report.pdf" target="_blank">MIT report</a><span> of generative AI usage. Advanced industries, which include factories and data centers, ranked near the bottom of the list of sectors transformed by AI, if at all.</span></p><h2>Operator Trust in AI Systems</h2><p>Even before the AI-driven push to expand data centers, data center operators themselves are known to be a relatively change-averse crowd who have been disappointed by buzzy technologies of the past, says <a href="https://uptimeinstitute.com/ui-intelligence" target="_blank">Rose Weinschenk</a>, a research associate at Uptime Institute. Operators often have <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/data-center-jobs" target="_self">electrical engineering</a> or technical mechanical backgrounds, with training in the running of critical facilities; others work on the IT or network system side and are also considered operators.<strong></strong></p><p>Operator trust in AI declined every year for the three years following OpenAI’s <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/chatbot-chatgpt-interview" target="_self">release of ChatGPT in 2022</a>. When asked by Uptime if they trusted a trained AI system to run data center operations, 24 percent of respondents said no in 2022 and 42 percent said no in 2024. While the public has marveled at the seemingly all-knowing nature of new large language models, operators seem to feel this type of AI is too limited and unpredictable for use in data centers.</p><p>But now, operators appear to have entered a “period of careful testing and validation” of different types of AI systems in certain data center operations, said Uptime research analyst <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-smolaks/" target="_blank">Max Smolaks</a> in a public webinar of the latest survey results. To capture changing sentiments, Uptime asked operators in 2025 which applications AI might serve as a trustworthy decision-maker, assuming adequate past training. Over 70 percent of operators say they would trust AI to analyze sensor data or predict maintenance tasks for equipment, the survey shows.</p><p>“Data center operators are very, very happy to do certain things using AI, and they will never, never trust AI to do certain other things,” Smolaks said in the webinar. </p><h2>AI’s Unpredictability in Data Centers</h2><p>One reason why trust in AI is low for critical control of equipment is the technology’s unpredictability. Data centers are run on “good, old-fashioned” engineering, such as programmed if/then logic, says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wright-aa601738/" target="_blank">Robert Wright</a>, the chief data center officer at <a href="https://ilkari.tech/en/services/" target="_blank">Ilkari Data Centers</a>, a data center startup company with two centers in Colombia and Iceland. “We say that we can’t run on luck, we have to run on certainty.”</p><p><a href="https://ig.ft.com/ai-data-centres/" target="_blank">Data centers</a> are a complex series of systems that feed into each other. Mere seconds can pass before catastrophic failures occur that result in damaged chips, wasted money, angry customers, or<a href="https://apnews.com/article/egypt-telecommunications-fire-cairo-downtown-burns-3901df6df533dfa41d20605813d516f2" target="_blank"> fatal fires</a>. In the high-stakes environment of data centers, anonymous posters on the r/datacenter Reddit forum who replied to an <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/datacenter/comments/1m0ujih/do_dcs_use_ai_to_operate_journalist_question/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><em>IEEE Spectrum</em></em> query</a> generally failed to see a reason to justify the risk that AI could bring.</p><p>Distrust may also mask an underlying job insecurity. Workers across many industries are concerned that AI will take their jobs. But the 2025 Uptime survey found that only one in five operators view AI as a way of reducing average staffing level.</p><p>“Operators believe that today’s AI is not going to replace the staff required to run their facilities,” Smolaks said in the Uptime webinar. “It might be coming for office workers, but data center jobs appear to be safe from AI for now.”</p><p>But it’s understandable for early career operators to still <em><em>feel</em></em> like this technology is coming for their jobs, says electrical engineer <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksonfahrney/" target="_blank">Jackson Fahrney</a>, who has worked in data centers for over eight years. Someone just six months on the job may view an AI system like being told, “Here, train your replacement,” he says. In reality, he does not think AI will replace himself or others inside data centers. Yet AI carries an more “ominous” presence in the workplace than machine learning tools, which have long been part of an operator’s toolkit and are meant to assist operators when making decisions.<span><strong></strong></span></p><p>It could be that AI is the cherry on top of an industry-wide trend to reduce the number of operators within data centers, says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclean/" target="_blank">Chris McLean</a>, a data center design and construction consultant.<strong></strong></p><p>Whereas 60 engineers might have run a data center in the past, now only six are needed, McLean says. Less is required from those six, as well, as more and more critical maintenance is being outsourced to specialists outside of the data center. “Now you offset all of your risk with a low-cost human and a high-cost AI,” McLean said. “And I’ve got to imagine that that’s scary for operators.”</p><p>That said, there are more data center jobs than qualified applicants, as previously <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/data-center-jobs" target="_self">reported</a> by <em><em>Spectrum</em></em>. Two-thirds of operators struggle with staff retention or recruitment, according to Uptime’s 2025 survey, similar to the responses from surveys for the previous two years.</p><h2>Efficient AI Algorithms for Data Centers</h2><p>Still, there are useful algorithms built on decades of machine learning research that could make data center operation more efficient. The most established AI system for data centers is predictive maintenance, says Ilkari’s Wright. If the readings of a particular HVAC unit are rising faster than those from other units, for instance, the system can predict when that unit needs to be serviced.</p><p>Other AI systems focus on optimizing chiller plants, which are, in effect, the refrigerator systems that keep the data center cool by circulating chilled water and air. Chillers account for much of the energy consumed by data centers. Data about weather patterns, load on the grid, and equipment degradation over time all feed into a single AI system run on hardware within the facility to optimize the total energy consumption, says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-berger-69b67b54/" target="_blank">Michael Berger</a>, who runs research and development at the Australia-based energy software company <a href="https://www.conserveitiot.com/" target="_blank">Conserve IT</a>.</p><p>But Berger is quick to note that his AI optimization software does not control equipment. It runs on top of the basic control loop and refines parameters to use less energy while achieving the same outcome, he says. <span>Berger prefers to call this system machine learning instead of AI because of how specialized it is to the needs of a data center.</span></p><p>Others fully embrace AI, both the name and the technology, like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jominarik/" target="_blank">Joe Minarik</a>, the chief operating officer at <a href="https://www.databank.com/data-centers/" target="_blank">DataBank</a>, a Dallas-based data center company with 73 data centers across the U.S. and United Kingdom. He attributes his admittedly bullish attitude towards AI to his 17 years working for Amazon Web Services, where software is king. Currently, DataBank uses AI to write software, and there are plans to roll out AI systems for automated ticket generation and monitoring, as well as network configuration monitoring and adjustments by the end of the year. AI for bigger tasks, such as cooling, are tentatively scheduled for late 2026, subject to the time it takes to train the AI on enough data, he said.</p><p>AI does hallucinate: Minarik has watched it give the wrong information and send his team down the wrong path. “We do, we see it happen today. But we also see it getting better and better once we give it more time,” he says.</p><p>The key is “tremendous amounts of data points” in order for AI to understand the system, Minarik says. It’s not unlike training a human data center engineer about every possible scenario that could happen within the halls of a data center. </p><p>Hyperscalers and enterprise data centers, whose single customer is the company that owns the data center, are deploying AI at a faster pace than commercial companies like DataBank. Minarik is hearing of AI systems that run entire networks for in-house data centers.</p><p>When DataBank rolls out AI for more significant data center operations, it will be kept on a tight leash, Minarik says. Operators will still make final executions. </p><p>While AI will undoubtedly change how data centers run, Minarik sees operators as a core part of that new future. Data centers are physical places with on-site activity. “AI can’t walk out there and change a spark plug,” he says, or hear an odd rattle from a server rack. Although Minarik says that one day there could be sensors for some of these issues, they’ll still need physical human techs to fix the equipment that keep data centers running.</p><p>“If you want a safe job that can protect you from AI,” Minarik says, “Go to data centers.”</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-person-wearing-a-bunny-suit-in-a-cleanroom-suit-looks-a-monitor.jpg?id=61522460&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=189%2C0%2C189%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>The U.S. Commerce Department says it will not abide by an agreement to fund the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/tag/chips-act" target="_self">U.S. CHIPS and Science Act</a>’s R&D through the nonprofit set up to administer the program, called Natcast. Instead, it handed operational control to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).</p><p><a href="https://natcast.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Natcast</a> was created in 2023 to oversee the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), which the law established to conduct “research and prototyping of advanced semiconductor technology and grow the domestic semiconductor workforce to strengthen the economic competitiveness and security of the domestic supply chain.” </p><p>The nonprofit was contracted to receive a total of US $7.4 billion, in annual payments and when the organization reaches milestones. But <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Lutnick" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick</a> claimed that Natcast doesn’t meet certain legal requirements, and therefore the contract, inked less than a week before Donald J. Trump took office for the second time, is illegal. </p><p>Several NSTC proponents whom <em><em>IEEE Spectrum</em></em> spoke to are concerned that the move could squander U.S. semiconductor leadership in the long term. The goal of the NSTC, those involved say, is to make gains in semiconductors from the CHIPS Act durable through continued advances. </p><h2>Semiconductor Workforce Development</h2><p>Since its establishment, Natcast has been working to bring up three <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/nstc" target="_self">key centers to execute those functions</a>. In Silicon Valley, it’s established a workforce development and design enablement center. In New York, it opened a center for<a href="https://natcast.org/grand-opening-nstc-euv-accelerator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> extreme-ultraviolet lithography for cutting edge chipmaking</a>. And in Arizona, it plans to build a <a href="https://natcast.org/third-chips-for-america-rd-flagship-facility-announced" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">prototyping and packaging facility</a>. The centers are intended to help startups and other companies more easily bridge the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/power-electronics" target="_self">lab-to-fab gap</a> that currently prevents new technologies from making it into commercial products.</p><p class="pull-quote">“There were people from day one…who viewed [Natcast] as very much a political entity and wanted to undo it.” </p><p>The CHIPS Act requires that the NSTC be operated as a “public private-sector consortium with participation from the private sector” instead of by a government agency. During the Biden administration, the Commerce Department created Natcast to fill that role, deliberately setting it up in a way to help maintain its independence from political interference. </p><p>In a <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/Natcast-CEO-Letter.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">public letter</a> to Natcast CEO <a href="https://natcast.org/deirdre-hanford-ceo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Deirdre Hanford</a>, Lutnick cast the actions of Hanford, her staff, and the volunteer advisors involved in the organization’s creation as giving “the appearance of impropriety” and flouting “federal law.” “From the very beginning Natcast served as a semiconductor slush fund that did nothing but line the pockets of Biden loyalists with American tax dollars,” he said in a <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2025/08/department-commerce-takes-action-against-biden-administrations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">press release</a>.</p><p>(<em><em>IEEE Spectrum</em></em> sought additional comment from the Commerce Department and from Natcast but did not receive a reply by press time.)</p><p>Very little funding has actually been delivered, sources say, in part because Commerce has held up its dispersal. (Despite this, NSTC does have a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jay-lewis-1108361_natcast-nist-natcast-activity-7362847657897205761-tEE3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAolpgBG1d7OiKsbIW43dxd6SSv0dyPEgA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">list of accomplishments</a>.) Lutnick’s legal argument for refusing payment now is that Natcast wasn’t established in accordance with the Government Corporation Control Act, which lays out how government agencies establish or purchase corporations. </p><p>One person familiar with the situation who asked not to be named says that the structure of Natcast is typical of public-private partnerships and that its underpinnings were thoroughly reviewed by the Commerce Department before its establishment. What’s really at issue, this person says, is Natcast’s independence.</p><p class="pull-quote">“What was set up… was always designed with a long-term strategy in mind. I don’t think they’ll get that back…. I think all of that has gone away with this decision.”</p><p>“There were people from day one…who viewed [Natcast] as very much a political entity and wanted to undo it,” says this person.</p><p>In the letter, Lutnick takes aim at <a href="https://corporate-awards.ieee.org/recipient/deirdre-hanford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hanford</a>, formerly a top executive at electronic design automation giant <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Synopsys</a>, as well as at Natcast staffers who came over from government during the Biden administration or from a volunteer <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/09/us-department-commerce-appoints-first-members-industrial-advisory" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">industrial advisory committee</a> that included IEEE Fellows and other chip industry leaders. Targeting such people is concerning, says one expert who preferred not to be named, because chip experts who choose to work in government or at Natcast are usually giving up more lucrative work to serve their country. It has the effect of “punishing patriotic behavior,” the expert said.</p><p>Delaying the work of the NSTC by attacking Natcast is counterproductive for the U.S. chip industry, the expert added. “We are in a race, and these delays make it all the more urgent.”</p><p>Commerce will likely find some way to spend the money on semiconductor R&D eventually, sources agreed. One expert told <em><em>Spectrum</em></em> they have faith in NIST’s ability to administer the research funding. Mark Granahan, an early proponent of the CHIPS Act and CEO of<a href="https://idealsemi.com/" target="_blank"> Ideal Semiconductor</a>, in Bethlehem, Penn., went further. “If the administration has a different tactic but the same goal… not just independence in semiconductors but leadership… then NIST and other existing infrastructure is capable of handling things,” he said.</p><p>But other sources were skeptical it would have the same impact as Natcast. “What was set up… was always designed with a long-term strategy in mind,” said one person. “I don’t think they’ll get that back…. I think all of that has gone away with this decision.”</p><p><em>This post was updated on 26 August 2025 to remove mention of NSTC’s September Symposium, which is now cancelled.</em></p>

Aug 27, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-photo-collage-of-a-retro-modem-and-telephone-with-a-cd-floppy-disks-and-login-screen-for-america-online.jpg?id=61508652&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=125%2C0%2C125%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>The last time I used a dial-up modem came sometime around 2001. Within just a few years, dial-up had exited my life, never to return. I haven’t even had a telephone line in my house for most of my adult life.</p><div class="badge_module shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25"> <a class="rm-stats-tracked" href="https://tedium.co/" target="_blank"> <img alt='Tedium logo, a red rectangle with the word Tedium in white, above the text "This post originally appeared on Tedium."' class="rm-shortcode rm-lazyloadable-image" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/tedium-logo-a-red-rectangle-with-the-word-tedium-in-white-above-the-text-this-post-originally-appeared-on-tedium.png?id=60568211&width=1800&quality=85"/></a> </div> <p>But I still feel a strong tinge of sadness to know that AOL is <a href="https://help.aol.com/articles/dial-up-internet-to-be-discontinued" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">finally retiring</a> the ol’ hobbyhorse. At the end of September, it’s gone. The timeline is almost <a href="https://tedium.co/2020/10/13/eternal-september-modern-impact/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">on-the-nose fitting</a>: The widespread access to the Internet AOL’s service brought in the 1990s is associated with a digital phenomenon called the Eternal September. Before AOL allowed broad access to Usenet—a precursor to today’s online discussion forums—most new users appeared each September, when new college students frequently joined the platform. Thanks to AOL, they began showing up daily starting around September 1993.</p><p>The fact that AOL’s dial-up is still active in the first place highlights a truism of technology: Sometimes, the important stuff sticks around well after it’s obsolete.</p><h3>Why AOL is ditching dial-up now</h3><p>It’s no surprise that dial-up has lingered for close to a quarter-century. Despite not having needed a dial-up modem myself since the summer of 2001, I was once so passionate about dial-up that I begged to get a modem for my 13th birthday. Modems are hard to shake, and not just because we fondly remember waiting so long for them to do their thing.</p><p>Originally, the telephone modem was a hack. It was pushed into public consciousness <a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Phone_of_Our_Own/4bgvh1lTQwcC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA30&printsec=frontcover" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">partly by Deaf users</a> who worked around the phone industry’s monopolistic regulations to develop <a href="https://www.nad.org/resources/technology/telephone-and-relay-services/tty-and-tty-relay-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the teletypewriter</a>, a system to communicate over phone lines via text. Along the way, the community invented technologies like the acoustic coupler.</p><p>To make that hack function, modems had to do multiple conversions in real time—from data to audio and back again, in two directions. As I put it in a piece that <a href="https://tedium.co/2023/06/28/teletype-computer-evolution-history/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">compared the modem to the telegraph</a>:</p><blockquote>The modem, at least in its telephone-based forms, represents a dance between sound and data. By translating information into an aural signal, then into current, then back into an aural signal, then back into data once again, the modulation and demodulation going on is very similar to the process used with the original telegraph, albeit done manually.</blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="A retro rectangular modem that says U.S. Robotics Sportster 33.6 Faxmoden" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="08098a2dfdd2fab7e0a7f719972bf478" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="e814a" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-retro-rectangular-modem-that-says-u-s-robotics-sportster-33-6-faxmoden.jpg?id=61508670&width=980"> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Modems like this one from U.S. Robotics work by converting data to audio and back again. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:U.S._Robotics_33.6K_Modem.jpg" target="_blank">Jphill19/Wikimedia Commons</a></small></img></p>With telegraphs, the information was input by a person, translated into electric pulses, and received by another person. Modems work the same way, just without human translators. <p>The result of all this back and forth was that modems had to give up a hell of a lot of speed to make this all work. The need to connect over a medium built for audio meant that data was at risk of getting lost over the line. (This is why <a href="https://tedium.co/2021/01/06/error-correcting-code-memory-history/" target="_blank">error correction</a> was an essential part of the modem’s evolution; often data needed to be shared more than once to ensure it got through. Without error correction, dial-up modems would be even slower.)</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"> <span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="35303907dee101bd2268b442fc7337d8" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dudJjUU9Nhs?rel=0&start=2" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Remember that sound? It marked many users’ first experience getting online.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dudJjUU9Nhs&t=2s" target="_blank">AdventuresinHD/YouTube</a></small></p><p>Telephone lines were a hugely inefficient system for data because they were built for voice and heavily compressed audio. Voices are still clear and recognizable after being compressed, but audio compression can wreak havoc on data connections. </p><p>Plus, there was the problem of line access. With a call, you could not easily share a connection. That meant you couldn’t make phone calls while using dial-up, leading to some homes getting a second line. And at the Internet Service Provider level, having multiple lines got very complex, very fast.</p><p>The phone industry knew this, <a href="https://tedium.co/2024/01/12/isdn-history-retrospective/" target="_blank">but its initial solution, ISDN</a>, did not take off among mainstream consumers. (A later one, <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/inventor-of-dsl-altered-connectivity" target="_blank">DSL</a>, had better uptake, and is likely one of the few Internet options rural users currently have.)</p><p class="pull-quote">In some areas of the United States, dial-up remains the best option—the result of decades of poor investment in Internet infrastructure.</p><p>So the industry moved to other solutions to get consumers Internet—<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ethernet-ieee-milestone" target="_blank">coaxial cable</a>, which was already widespread because of cable TV, and fiber, which wasn’t. The problem is, coax never reached quite as far as telephone wires did, in part because cable television wasn’t technically a utility in the way electricity or water were. </p><p><span>In recent years, many attempts have been made to classify </span><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/covid19-makes-clear-broadband-access-is-human-right" target="_blank">Internet access as a public utility</a><span>, though the most recent one was </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/01/03/nx-s1-5247840/net-neutrality-fcc-struck" target="_blank">struck down by an appeals court</a><span> earlier this year. </span><span>The public utility regulation is important. The telephone had struggled to reach rural communities in the 1930s, and only did so after a series of regulations, including </span><a href="https://www.frs.org/history-rural-telecommunications" target="_blank">one that led to the creation</a><span> of the Federal Communications Commission, were put into effect. So too did electricity, which </span><a href="https://www.richmondfed.org/publications/research/econ_focus/2020/q1/economic_history" target="_blank">needed a dedicated law</a><span> to expand its reach.</span></p><p>But the reach of broadband is frustratingly incomplete, as highlighted by the fact that many areas of the country are not properly covered by cellular signals. And getting new wires hung can be an immensely difficult task, in part because companies that sell fiber, like <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/01/verizon-nears-the-end-of-fios-builds/" target="_blank">Verizon</a> and Google, often stop investing due to the high costs. (Though, to Google’s credit, <a href="https://fiber.google.com/blog/2022/08/whats-next-for-google-fiber.html" target="_blank">it started expanding again in 2022</a> after a six-year rollback.)</p><p>So, in some areas of the United States, dial-up remains the best option—the result of decades of poor investment in Internet infrastructure. This, for years, has propped up companies like AOL, which has evolved numerous times since it foolishly merged with Time Warner a quarter-century ago.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="A screenshot showing a 1994 DOS AOL client" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="87994e5559fe0911c818b50c68e052e8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4112a" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-screenshot-showing-a-1994-dos-aol-client.jpg?id=61508672&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The first PC-based client called America Online appeared on the graphical operating system GeoWorks. This screenshot shows the DOS AOL client that was distributed with GeoWorks 2.01.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Ernie Smith</small></p><p>But AOL is not the company it was. After multiple acquisitions and spin-outs, it is now a mere subsidiary of Yahoo, and it long ago transitioned into a Web-first property. Oh, it still has <a href="https://www.aol.com/products" target="_blank">subscriptions</a>, but they’re effectively fancy analogues for unnecessary security software. And their email client, while having been defeated by the likes of Gmail years ago, still has its fans. </p><p>When I posted the AOL news on social media, about 90 percent of the responses were jokes or genuine notes of respect. But there was a small contingent, maybe 5 percent, that talked about how much this was going to screw over far-flung communities. I don’t think it’s AOL’s responsibility to keep this model going forever.</p><p>Instead, it looks like the job is going to fall to two companies: Microsoft, whose <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/msn-dial-up-internet-access/CFQ7TTC0KGVG/" target="_blank">MSN Dial-Up Internet Access</a> costs US $179.95 per year, and the company <a href="https://www.unitedonline.net/company/overview/" target="_blank">United Online</a>, which still operates the longtime dial-up players Juno and NetZero. Satellite Internet is also an option, with older services like HughesNet and newer ones like Starlink picking up the slack.</p><p>It’s not AOL’s fault. But AOL is the face of this failing.</p><h3>AOL dropping dial-up is part of a long fade-out</h3><p>As technologies go, the dial-up modem has not lasted quite as long as the telegram, which has been active in one form or another for 181 years. But the modem, which was first used in 1958 as <a href="https://www.ll.mit.edu/about/history/sage-semi-automatic-ground-environment-air-defense-system" target="_blank">part of an air-defense system</a>, has stuck around for a good 67 years. That makes it one of the oldest pieces of computer-related technology still in modern use.</p><p>To give you an idea of how old that is: 1958 is also the year that the <a href="https://tedium.co/2018/01/25/soldering-technology-history/" target="_blank">integrated circuit</a>, an essential building block of any modern computer, was invented. The disk platter, which became the modern <a href="https://tedium.co/2022/02/18/early-hard-drive-history/" target="_blank">hard drive</a>, was invented a year earlier. The <a href="https://tedium.co/2023/11/17/3m-floppy-disks-history/" target="_blank">floppy disk</a> came a decade later.</p><p>(It should be noted that the modem itself is not dying—your smartphone has one—but the connection your landline has to your modem, the really loud one, has seen better days.)</p><p>The news that AOL is dropping its service might be seen as the end of the line for dial-up, but the story of the telegram hints that this may not be the case. In 2006, much hay was made about <a href="https://www.npr.org/2006/02/02/5186113/western-union-sends-its-last-telegram" target="_blank">Western Union sending its final telegram</a>. But Western Union was never the only company sending telegrams, and another company picked up the business. You can still send a telegram via <a href="https://itelegram.com" target="_blank">International Telegram</a> in 2025. (It’s not cheap: A single message, sent the same day, is $34, plus 75 cents per word.)</p><p>In many ways, AOL dropping the service is a sign that this already niche use case is going to get more niche. <span>But niche use cases have a way of staying relevant, given the right audience. It’s sort of like why doctors continue to use pagers. As </span><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/12/08/1197955913/doctors-pagers-beepers" target="_blank">a Planet Money episode</a><span> from two years ago </span>noted<span>, the additional friction of using pagers worked well with the way doctors functioned, because it ensured that they knew the messages they were getting didn’t compete with anything else.</span></p><p>Dial-up is likely never going to totally die, unless the landline phone system itself gets knocked offline, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/04/att-eliminate-traditional-landline-copper-phone-service-2029/76765766007/" target="_blank">which AT&T has admittedly been itching to do</a>. It remains one of the cheapest options to get online, outside of drinking a single coffee at a Panera and logging onto the wifi.</p><p>But AOL? While dial-up may have been the company’s primary business earlier in its life, it hasn’t really been its focus in quite a long time. AOL is now a highly diversified company, whose primary focus over the past 15 years has been advertising. It still sells subscriptions, but those subscriptions are about to lose their most important legacy feature.</p><p>AOL is simply too weak to support the next generation of Internet service themselves. Their inroad to broadband was supposed to be Time Warner Cable; that didn’t work out, so they pivoted to something else, but kept around the legacy business while it was still profitable. It’s likely that emerging technologies, like <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/airband-initiative" target="_blank">Microsoft’s Airband Initiative</a>, which relies on distributing broadband over unused “white spaces” on the television dial, stand a better shot. 5G connectivity will also likely improve over time (T-Mobile <a href="https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-brings-5g-home-internet-to-nearly-five-million-more-homes" target="_blank">already promotes its 5G home Internet</a> as a rural option), and perhaps more satellite-based options will emerge.</p><p>Technologies don’t die. They just slowly become so irrelevant that they might as well be dead.</p><h3>The monoculture of the AOL login experience</h3><p>When I posted the announcement, hidden in an obscure link on the AOL website sent to me by a colleague, it immediately went viral on Bluesky and Mastodon.</p><p>That meant I got to see a lot of people react to this news in real time. Most had the same comment: I didn’t even know it was still around. Others made modem jokes, or talked about AOL’s famously <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11vO8OpbCvs" target="_blank">terrible customer service</a>. What was interesting was that most people said roughly the same thing about the service.</p><p>That is not the case with most online experiences, which usually reflect myriad points of views. I think it speaks to the fact that while the Internet was the ultimate monoculture killer, the experience of getting online for the first time was largely monocultural. Usually, it started with a modem connecting to a phone number and dropping us into a single familiar place. <span></span></p><p>We have lost a lot of Internet Service Providers over the years. Few spark the passion and memories of America Online, a network that somehow beat out more innovative and more established players to become the onramp to the Information Superhighway, for all the good and bad that represents.</p><p>AOL must be embarrassed of that history. It barely even announced its closure.</p>

Aug 26, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/figure-representing-the-progression-of-photophoretic-flight-in-a-miniature-perforated-structure.jpg?id=61506782&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=114%2C0%2C114%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Earth’s atmosphere is large, extending out to around 10,000 kilometers from the surface of the planet. It’s so large, in fact, that scientists break it into five separate sections. There’s one particular section that hasn’t received a whole lot of attention due to the difficulty in maintaining any craft there.</p><p>Planes and <a data-linked-post="2657898529" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/chasing-weather-balloons-with-sdr" target="_blank">balloons</a> can visit the troposphere and stratosphere, the two sections closest to the ground, while <a data-linked-post="2650272336" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/magnetosphere-satellites-to-launch-12-march" target="_blank">satellites</a> can sit in orbit in the thermosphere and exosphere, allowing for a platform for consistent observations. But the mesosphere, the section in the middle, is too close to have a stable orbit but too sparse in air density for traditional airplanes or balloons to work.</p><p>As a result, we don’t have a lot of data on it, but it impacts climate and weather forecasting, so scientists have simply had to make a lot of assumptions about what it’s like up there. Now, a new study from researchers at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank">Harvard</a> and the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank">University of Chicago</a> might have found a way to <a href="https://phys.org/news/2025-08-sunlight-powered-window-earth-upper.html" target="_blank">put stable sensing platforms</a> into the mesosphere, using a novel flight mechanism known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photophoresis" target="_blank">photophoresis</a>.</p><div class="badge_module shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25"> <a class="rm-stats-tracked" href="https://www.universetoday.com/" target="_blank"> <img alt='Universe Today logo; text reads "This post originally appeared on Universe Today."' class="rm-shortcode rm-lazyloadable-image" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/universe-today-logo-text-reads-this-post-originally-appeared-on-universe-today.png?id=60568425&width=1800&quality=85"/></a> </div> <p>The mesosphere itself is located between 50 and 85 km up, and while it isn’t technically considered “space,” it is very different from the lower levels of the atmosphere we are more accustomed to. It’s affected both by weather from below and above, reacting to solar storms as often as hurricanes. Since it serves as that kind of interface level, it plays a critical role in how the layers both above and below it react as well.</p><p>But we haven’t been able to place any stable monitoring equipment in it due to the difficulty for the two types of continual monitoring systems we have—balloons and satellites. This has led to the moniker “<a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ignorosphere" target="_blank">ignorosphere</a>,” because scientists have been forced to essentially ignore the existence of this layer of atmosphere due to lack of data.</p><h2>Photophoresis Powers a New Atmospheric Sensor</h2><p>Enter the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09281-8" target="_blank">new paper</a>, published on 13 August in <em>Nature</em><span>,</span> about long-term sensors in the mesosphere. Photophoresis is a process where more energy is created when gas molecules bounce off the “warm” side of an object than when they bounce off the “cool” side. In this case, the warm side is the side of the object facing the sun, while the cool side is the underside facing Earth. The effect is only noticeable in low-pressure environments, which is exactly what the mesosphere is.</p><p>Admittedly, the force from photophoresis is minuscule, so the researchers had to develop really tiny parts to have any chance of taking advantage of it. They recruited experts in nanofabrication techniques to make centimeter-scale structures as a proof of concept and tested them in a vacuum chamber designed to have the same pressure as the mesosphere.</p><p>The prototypes reacted as expected and managed to levitate a structure with just 55 percent of sunlight at a pressure comparable to that of the mesosphere. That marks a first that anyone has ever demonstrated a functional prototype of a photophoresis-powered flight, mainly due to how light the structure itself was.</p><p>Devices powered by this technique could be sent to monitor the mesosphere, but they could also be useful farther afield. Mars is an obvious candidate, because its low-pressure and sparse atmosphere are both hallmarks of the planet but also largely unexplored at different layers. Other planets and moons could be potential targets as well—anything that has an atmosphere that is spare enough to support a levitating spacecraft could be served by one of these fliers.</p><p>Unfortunately, there’s still some advanced engineering left to do. The nanofabrication technique that was used to build the flight structure didn’t include any functional hardware, such as sensors or wireless communication equipment. A structure that simply floats without transmitting data isn’t scientifically useful, so in order for these devices to start making the type of scientific impact they hope to, the nanofabrication techniques will need to be improved to create a functional payload.</p><p>The researchers have no doubt that is possible, though, and have already created a startup company called <a href="https://www.breakthroughenergy.org/fellows-project/rarefied/" target="_blank">Rarefied Technologies</a>, which was accepted into the Breakthrough Energy Fellows program last year. With that support, and some ongoing research in nanofabrication, hopefully it will only be a matter of time before we see centimeter-size sensors scattered throughout the “ignorosphere” and beyond.</p>

Aug 25, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/sydney-west-smiling-in-front-of-her-projects-booth-on-the-table-are-a-small-remotely-operated-vehicle-and-a-piece-of-coral.jpg?id=61511078&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C308%2C0%2C308"/><br/><br/><p>Coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems, supporting more species than any other ocean environment. More than <a href="https://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/research/coral_bleaching_report.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">80 percent of the planet’s coral reefs</a> have been bleached due to rising ocean temperatures and pollution, according to the U.S. <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>. The reef damage threatens marine biodiversity across the globe.</p><p>High school student Sydney West built a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed to help preserve and sustain coral reefs. West, a graduate of <a href="https://hanford.rsd.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hanford High</a> in Richland, Wash., and an incoming freshman at the <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Hawai’i at Manoa</a>, plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.</p><p>Her project, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NrxoDSaaMLAyp_R4KyAyExVE_fDMJklL/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Design and Engineering of an Intelligent Remotely Operated Vehicle for Coral Reef Research and Monitoring</a>, was showcased in May at Regeneron’s <a href="https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Science and Engineering Fair</a>, held in Columbus, Ohio.</p><p>West won this year’s <a href="https://www.ieee.org/education/preuniversity/scholarship" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Presidents’ Scholarship</a> of US $10,000 for her underwater vehicle, <em><em>Cnidaria</em></em>. The award is payable over four years of undergraduate university study and includes a complimentary IEEE student membership. <a href="https://senseics.com/about-us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ramy Tantawy</a>, chair of the <a href="https://ieee-columbus.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Columbus Section</a>, presented West with the scholarship.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-provini/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Foundation</a> established the <a data-linked-post="2672425594" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-presidents-scholarship" target="_blank">Presidents’ Scholarship</a> to acknowledge a deserving high school student whose project demonstrates an understanding of electrical engineering or another IEEE field of interest. The scholarship is administered by <a href="https://www.ieee.org/education/eab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Educational Activities</a>.</p><p>The second-place winner received a $600 scholarship; the third-place winner received a $400 scholarship. Both also got complimentary <a data-linked-post="2667878568" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-society-boosting-student-membership" target="_blank">IEEE student memberships</a>.</p><h2>Computer vision and sensors identify coral species</h2><p>The ROV’s name, <em><em>Cnidaria,</em></em> comes from the taxonomic family name for coral species. When discussing the project, West affectionately refers to the drone as “she,” a nod to the nautical tradition of personifying vessels, as well as a reflection of the deep connection and pride she feels for her work.</p><p><em><em>Cnidaria</em></em> is equipped with computer vision technology, conductivity, temperature and depth sensors, and a water-sampling system. The vehicle is capable of identifying a variety of coral species, detecting anomalies among them, collecting water samples, and logging data about the water’s condition.</p><p>West describes the ROV as versatile. “Each of her systems can be modified, detached, or replaced easily,” she says. The vehicle can be customized for different research needs.</p><p class="pull-quote">“Never be afraid of failing. Failing is not the end. If you’re not failing, you’re not learning.”<span><strong>—Fay Salim al-Mahrouqi</strong></span></p><p><span></span>West plans to add a data-logging system and a navigational aid, a <a href="https://www.sonardyne.com/products-knowledge-base/what-is-a-dvl-and-how-does-it-work/" target="_blank">Doppler velocity log</a>, to help researchers more accurately track coral locations and streamline data collection.</p><p>“I want her to be a tool for all researchers who study coral to improve their efficiency, and make it easier for them to focus on their research and not have to worry about all of the labor-intensive and logistical hassles,” West says.</p><p>West intends to launch a business offering services for ROV users, including refurbishing the drones, selling parts and systems, and offering training courses to those who want to build their own marine vehicles.</p><p>After completing her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, she plans to attend graduate school to study marine biology.</p><p>“I want to get the best of both worlds,” she says. “Having knowledge about the principles of engineering, and also what I’m engineering for, will help me strengthen my work in the field.”</p><p>West advises budding engineers to cultivate tenacity.</p><p>“Things will go wrong,” she says. “You’ll hit roadblocks and obstacles, and spend days or weeks trying to solve a single problem, but that consistent effort and determination are key to eventual success.”</p><h2>Machine learning for fibrosis detection</h2><p><a href="https://linkedin.com/in/fay-salim-al-mahrouqi-961016318" target="_blank">Fay Salim al-Mahrouqi</a>, a high school senior at the <a href="https://community.unesco.org/aspnet-platform/s/institution/a3rSm000000SHdJIAW/dohat-aladab-school-for-basic-education-1012?language=en_US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dohat al-Adab School</a> in Muscat, Oman, took second place for her project, <a href="https://isef.net/project/soft002-lung-tumor-and-fibrosis-detection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Hybrid Learning-Driven Approach for Lung Enhancement, Tumor Detection, and Fibrosis System</a>.</p><p>Al-Mahrouqi’s inspiration stemmed from the loss of her grandfather to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. IPF is a chronic disease that develops when lung tissue becomes too thick, causing permanent scarring in the lungs, according to the U.S. <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute</a>. The condition makes it hard to breathe. Despite numerous hospital visits and CT scans, her grandfather was diagnosed with the condition too late, leading al-Mahrouqi to want to improve IPF diagnosis methods.</p><p>“Radiologists look for things like tiny, honey-shaped complex sites or faint, hazy areas called ground-glass opacities in the lungs,” al-Mahrouqi says. “These same patterns also show up in other diseases, like nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and early-stage lung cancer. This often leads to a misdiagnosis.”</p><p>She developed a hybrid artificial intelligence system that uses a contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization process, enhancing CT images by amplifying contrast and limiting image grain. Her prototype also uses six different pretrained convolutional neural networks that classify fibrosis patterns and nodule types—malignant, benign, or normal—to provide an earlier diagnosis.</p><p>“This prototype is unique because it converts classification and enhancement into a single diagnostic tool,” al-Mahrouqi says. She says it is the first time machine learning techniques have been used to target fibrosis patterns.</p><p>She is collaborating with hospitals to collect more patient data to help her improve the accuracy of her diagnostic tool.</p><p>Al-Mahrouqi says she is committed to advancing her project: “The process of inventing something is not about entering a competition. It’s about solving real-world problems. What’s the point of working on a project if you are not willing to continue to develop it?”</p><p>She says she hopes to launch a startup to commercialize her technology, with the goal of achieving worldwide adoption by hospitals. In the meantime, she says, she plans to dedicate her senior year to studying entrepreneurship and will pursue a degree in data science, cybersecurity, or electrical engineering.</p><p>Her advice to young engineers is: “Never be afraid of failing. Failing is not the end. If you’re not failing, you’re not learning.”</p><h2>A stethoscope to identify multiple body sounds</h2><p>Kayley Xu, a junior at the <a href="https://www.bishops.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bishop’s School</a> in La Jolla, Calif., took third place for her <a href="https://youtu.be/K9YNRtiQelQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wearable Stethoscope Array for Cardiopulmonary Sound Localization and Interference Suppression Using Beamforming</a> project.</p><p>When Xu was 13 years old, she had a severe case of pneumonia. “During the diagnosis and treatment process, I observed limitations with some of the medical equipment, such as the stethoscope,” she says.</p><p>That experience inspired her to pursue respiratory disease research, specifically the performance of auscultation: listening to the body’s internal sounds.</p><p>Through her research, she discovered that traditional stethoscopes have limitations including a doctor’s inability to listen to multiple sounds simultaneously—which creates interference when they overlap.</p><p>Xu designed a chest piece using a flexible printed circuit board that conforms to the patient’s body. The piece uses a microelectromechanical microphone capable of capturing a wide range of frequencies. By combining novel hardware designs with beamforming—a signal processing technique—Xu says the device “can capture both low- and high-frequency range sounds such as lung crackles and heart murmurs, which are often missed by conventional stethoscopes.”</p><p>The sensor in her device detects where a sound is coming from more accurately without sacrificing audio quality. The device also is more affordable than a standard stethoscope, she says, as its flexible printed circuit board can be produced for less than US $1 per unit when manufactured at scale.</p><p>“I hope my device will enable more underdeveloped regions around the world to have broader access to stethoscopes and more cost-effective processes,” she says.</p><p>Her project not only helped her advance her technical skills but also taught her the importance of perseverance, creativity, and innovation, she says.</p><p>As she heads into her junior year of high school, she plans to continue developing her device. She also intends to pursue an engineering degree.</p><p>Her advice to young engineers? “Have a lot of grit and perseverance.”</p>

Aug 25, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/abstract-tech-design-with-geometric-shapes-code-snippets-and-colorful-diagrams.png?id=61505014&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C22%2C0%2C23"/><br/><br/><p>In July, a University of Michigan computer engineering professor put out a new idea for <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/prof-todd-austin_computerarchitecture-cpu-gpu-activity-7350854173925457922-x93U?" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">measuring the efficiency of a processor design</a>. <a href="https://web.eecs.umich.edu/~austin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Todd Austin’s</a> LEAN metric received both praise and skepticism, but even the critics understood the rationale: A lot of silicon is devoted to things that are not actually doing computing. <span>For example, </span><span>more than 95 percent of an <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/nvidia-blackwell" target="_blank">Nvidia Blackwell</a> GPU is </span><span>designated for other tasks, Austin told <em>IEEE Spec</em></span><span><em>trum</em>.</span><span> It’s not like these parts aren’t doing important things, such as choosing the next instruction to execute, but Austin believes processor architectures can and should move toward designs that maximize computing and minimize everything else.</span></p><h3>Todd Austin</h3><br/><p>Todd Austin is a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.</p><p><strong>What does the LEAN score measure?</strong></p><p><strong>Todd Austin:</strong> LEAN stands for Logic Executing Actual Numbers. A score of 100 percent—an admittedly unreachable goal—would mean that every transistor is computing a number that contributes to the final results of a program. Less than 100 percent means that the design devotes silicon and power to inefficient computing and to logic that doesn’t do computing.</p><p><strong>What’s this other logic doing?</strong></p><p><strong>Austin:</strong> If you look at how high-end architectures have been evolving, you can divide the design into two parts: the part that actually does the computation of the program and the part that decides what computation to do. The most successful designs are squeezing that “deciding what to do” part down as much as possible.</p><p><strong>Where is computing efficiency lost in today’s designs?</strong></p><p><strong>Austin: </strong>The two losses that we experience in computation are precision loss and speculation loss. Precision loss means you’re using too many bits to do your computation. You see this trend in the GPU world. They’ve gone from 32-bit floating-point precision to 16-bit to 8-bit to even smaller. These are all trying to minimize precision loss in the computation.</p><p>Speculation loss comes when instructions are hard to predict. [<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/how-the-spectre-and-meltdown-hacks-really-worked" target="_self">Speculative execution</a> is when the computer guesses what instruction will come next and starts working even before the instruction arrives.] Routinely, in a high-end CPU, you’ll see two [speculative] instruction results thrown away for every one that is usable.</p><p><strong>You’ve applied the metric to an Intel CPU, an Nvidia GPU, and </strong><a href="https://groq.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Groq</strong></a><strong>’s AI inference chip. Find anything surprising?</strong></p><p><strong>Austin: </strong>Yeah! The gap between the CPU and the GPU was a lot less than I thought it would be. The GPU was more than three times better than the CPU. But that was only 4.64 percent [devoted to efficient computing] versus 1.35 percent. For the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/nvidia-ai" target="_self">Groq</a> chip, it was 15.24 percent. There’s so much of these chips that’s not directly doing compute.</p><p><strong>What’s wrong with computing today that you felt like you needed to come up with this metric?</strong></p><p><strong>Austin:</strong> I think we’re actually in a very good state. But it’s very apparent when you look at AI scaling trends that we need more compute, bigger access to memory, more memory bandwidth. And this comes around at the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/stco-system-technology-cooptimization" target="_self">end of Moore’s Law</a><strong>. </strong>As a computer architect, if you want to create a better computer, you need to take the same 20 billion transistors and rearrange them in a way that is more valuable than the previous arrangement. I think that means we’re going to need leaner and leaner designs.</p><p><em>This article appears in the September 2025 print issue as “<span>Todd Austin</span>.”</em></p>

Aug 25, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/yellow-cylinder-with-nuclear-symbol-plus-minus-signs-casting-shadow-on-blue-background.png?id=61487677&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C621%2C0%2C621"/><br/><br/><p><strong>In 1970, surgeons in</strong> Paris implanted the first nuclear-powered pacemaker, and over the next five years, at least 1,400 additional people received the devices, mostly in France and the United States. Encased in titanium, the batteries for these devices contained a radioactive isotope—typically about a tenth of a gram of plutonium-238—and could operate for decades without maintenance. The invention provided relief to a population of people who previously needed surgery every few years to change out their pacemaker’s chemical battery.</p><p>As time went on, though, the whereabouts of these radioactive tickers became increasingly difficult to track. In the United States, the devices were supposed to be returned to the U.S. Department of Energy for plutonium recovery. But often, that didn’t happen. Doctors changed jobs, manufacturers went out of business, patients died, and families forgot about their loved one’s pacemaker. Too often, the radioactive material landed in crematoriums and coffins.</p><p>Uncomfortable with the situation, regulators worldwide nixed the devices. The last known nuclear-powered pacemaker was implanted in 1988. After that, aside from a few specialty uses, such as deep-space probes and Siberian lighthouses, development and deployment of nuclear batteries effectively came to a halt.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Two human hands using instruments to manipulate the pieces of a small metal object labeled as radioactive" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5e7c338237fd9b5fad3a61814e5a47e3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="cea8b" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/two-human-hands-using-instruments-to-manipulate-the-pieces-of-a-small-metal-object-labeled-as-radioactive.png?id=61487696&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Medtronic’s 1970 Laurens-Alcatel pulse generator powered pacemakers with plutonium-238. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Smith Collection/Getty Images </small></p><p>Technology never truly dies, and nuclear batteries are no exception. Research <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-daintiest-dynamos" target="_self">grew active again after 2000</a>, although it lacked commercial translation. But over the last year, a host of companies and research groups around the world have announced advances that they say will invigorate the technology and extend its use to robots, drones, sensors, and solar farms, as well as spacecraft and biomedical implants.</p><p>The new groups are employing modern, more-exotic technology that goes beyond the designs of the past, allowing them to pursue the finest nuclear batteries ever made. As with the first generation, the allure of nuclear batteries is still their extraordinarily long life-spans: several decades and, with proper fuel choice, possibly centuries. They could also deliver more energy in packages that weigh less than those of chemical batteries.</p><p>The question is, who’s going to buy them? I’ve been involved in this sector for nearly 40 years as a nuclear engineer, professor, and consultant. Here’s what I’ve observed: The technology works, it has many advantages over chemical batteries, and it can be utilized safely. But what very few companies have been able to do is find a new market for these batteries and make a product that has an impact. Part of the problem is that there is no good solution to the need to track these sources and make sure they are disposed of properly at the end of the battery’s life.</p><p>There are more companies working out the challenges now than I’ve ever seen in my career, and that’s good for the field—it helps ground the academic research. And it gives me hope that this could be the moment when nuclear batteries finally flourish.</p><h2>How Do Nuclear Batteries Work? </h2><p>The term “nuclear batteries” may evoke images of tiny nuclear reactors, but that’s not how they work. Nuclear batteries don’t split atoms with neutron bombardment. Instead, they capture energy in the form of radiation that’s spontaneously released when atomic nuclei decay.</p><p>Most research groups developing nuclear batteries are focused on harnessing energy from radioactive isotopes of nickel and hydrogen. In many nuclear battery designs, adjacent semiconductors absorb the radiation released by the radioisotopes’ nuclei and convert it to an electric current, much like a solar cell does. In other designs, thermoelectric devices convert the heat produced by the emitted radiation to electricity. So “radioisotope power source” is a better descriptor than “nuclear battery,” but for ease of language, I’ll use these terms interchangeably.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="A coin-shaped metal object displaying a radioactive symbol and other details about its contents " class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0ac3d60e7253b6de5ea95009da720df5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="7d529" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-coin-shaped-metal-object-displaying-a-radioactive-symbol-and-other-details-about-its-contents.png?id=61487756&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Infinity Power uses a novel electrochemical process to convert the radioactive decay of nickel-63 into electricity. The company says it can scale the technology from microwatts to megawatts.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Infinity Power </small></p><p>On the heels of some laboratory successes, researchers are racing to commercialize these devices. The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority" target="_blank">United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority</a> (UKAEA), Miami-based <a href="https://citylabs.net/" target="_blank">City Labs</a>, Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Co., and China’s <a href="https://www.nwnu.edu.cn/" target="_blank">Northwest Normal University</a> have all announced advances and funding in semiconductor-based nuclear batteries over the last two years, some with plans to commercialize. Last year, <a href="https://www.infinitypower.energy/" target="_blank">Infinity Power</a>, in San Diego, announced a novel electrochemical approach to converting radioisotope energy.</p><p>What markets these batteries will find—if they can be commercialized—will depend largely on cost, safety, and licensing issues. One of the most compelling applications is in uncrewed spacecraft for long-distance missions, which require decades of reliable power. Solar power works for missions close to the sun, but by the time a spacecraft gets to Jupiter, the available solar irradiance drops below 4 percent of that on Earth.</p><p>That leaves nuclear fission and radioisotope power as the only viable options for deep-space missions. Fission is ideal for larger power needs in space, <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/lunar-nuclear-reactor-nasa-moon?utm_source=homepage&utm_medium=hero&utm_campaign=2025-08-22&utm_content=hero1" target="_blank">like NASA’s proposed 100-kilowatt lunar nuclear reactor</a>. But for lower, onboard power needs, nuclear batteries offer simpler designs and lower mass. The current radioisotope workhorse in space is the radioisotope thermoelectric generator, or RTG, which produces a few hundred watts.</p><h2>Radioisotopes: Not Just for Nuclear-Powered Pacemakers </h2><p>NASA’s two Voyager missions, launched in 1977, each carry three RTGs that weigh about 38 kilograms, including 4.5 kg of plutonium-238. They’re cylindrical and about the size of an office wastebasket. They initially produced 157 watts of electric power, but that drops over time as the plutonium-238 decays. A 157-W Voyager-based RTG that launched in 1977 will produce about 88 W today.</p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Two cylindrical metal machines stacked on top of each other in a cinder block room" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="71cf1dc40be3b7c479d367502adafb39" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="607f2" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/two-cylindrical-metal-machines-stacked-on-top-of-each-other-in-a-cinder-block-room.png?id=61487716&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><p>Another good use for nuclear batteries is to supply power in remote locations on Earth. Beginning in the 1970s, for example, the Soviet Union deployed over 1,000 RTGs in northwestern Russia to power its uncrewed lighthouses, radio beacons, and weather stations. Most of these batteries ran on strontium-90, and each weighed about 2,000 kg. The United States has deployed hundreds of similar systems for remote power both on land and on the ocean floor, particularly for <a href="http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2013/ph241/jiang1/docs/ota-bp-eti-129.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">remote monitoring sites in the Arctic</a>.</p><p>While nuclear batteries have proved successful for space exploration, remote power, and pacemakers, no new uses for these long-lived batteries have emerged. Many devices would benefit from long-lived batteries—imagine a wireless tire pressure sensor that lasts the life of a car, for example. But the risks and costs of opting for a radioactive battery would have to be balanced against the benefits.</p><p>Another factor working against the widespread use of nuclear batteries is the need to track the fuel. In just about any country, the sellers and buyers of any such batteries intended for the general public would need to be licensed (see box, “Boy Amasses Large Quantity of Radioactive Material in His Home: A Cautionary Tale”). The buyer also typically takes on the burden of tracking and disposing of the material. Keeping tabs on radioactive material is a necessity, but this adds complexity to applications involving the general public.</p><h3>Boy Amasses Large Quantity of Radioactive Material in His Home: A Cautionary Tale</h3><br/><p>In just about any country, buyers of radioisotope fuel sources must be licensed—with some exceptions. In the United States, for example, you don’t need a license for some radioisotopes if the <a href="https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part030/part030-0071.html" target="_blank">quantity is below a certain level</a> set by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Many smoke detectors contain about 1 microcurie, or 37,000 becquerels, of americium-241, which is below the exception limit of 5 µCi (185,000 Bq). (The radioisotope ionizes the air within the detector, and the alarm is triggered when the presence of smoke alters the ionization rate.)</p><p>The exemption quantities are too small for even the smallest nuclear battery—unless someone starts up a collection. That’s just what <a href="https://inis.iaea.org/records/vpjmt-6nz83" target="_blank">a young man in Michigan</a> in the 1990s did. Between the ages of 14 and 18, he attempted to build a neutron generator by collecting americium from smoke detectors, thorium from camping-lantern mantles, radium from old clocks, and tritium from gunsights. He amassed so much radioactive material that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared his home a Superfund hazardous waste clean-up site.</p><p>But the benefits of radioisotopes are profound, and we shouldn’t be afraid to use them with proper care. They’re used worldwide on a daily basis primarily for medical imaging and cancer therapy. They’re also used as tracers to monitor fluid flow and detect leaks, for nondestructive inspection of welds, and for explosive detection.—J.B.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>One new use where the benefits may outweigh the risks and costs is providing longer-lived power to soldiers—something the U.S. military has explored. Soldiers’ missions often take them to remote or unstable locations where electricity may be unavailable, preventing them from charging their equipment. This forces soldiers to carry batteries, the weight and life of which limit their missions. Small nuclear batteries would provide a lightweight alternative—potentially 1/100 the weight—due to their higher energy density relative to that of chemical batteries. But they would need to be encased to shield soldiers from the radiation, and designed to withstand harsh conditions, which would add weight.</p><p>Another potential new use for nuclear batteries is to power autonomous sensors or robots that communicate, move, or fly. One compelling use would be <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/flying-robot-2671447539" target="_self">insect-size flying microdrones</a> for civilian and military purposes. But collecting them at the end of their flights might be difficult and would also leave tiny bits of radioactive material littering the landscape.</p><h2>Engineering Challenges: Betavoltaics Versus Alphavoltaics</h2><p>Let’s turn to the engineering challenges of commercializing a miniature nuclear battery. In general, taking a promising battery technology from the lab to mass production is a complex process that’s more likely to end in failure than success. With nuclear batteries, it involves negotiating a lot of trade-offs between cost, power, safety, and life-span.</p><p>First, you have to pick the fuel—that is, an isotope of an element that will release radiation as it decays. Such isotopes emit three types of radiation: gamma rays, beta particles, and alpha particles. Gamma rays are short-wavelength electromagnetic waves that can travel deep into most solids, including living tissue. They’re difficult to contain and capture, so gamma-emitting isotopes are typically avoided.</p><h3>Table 1: Radioisotopes Used in Nuclear Batteries </h3><br/><table border="0" style="white-space: unset;" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30;">Isotope</th><th scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30; text-align:center;">Type</th><th scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30; text-align:center;">Maximum decay energy<br/>(kiloelectron volt)</th><th scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30; text-align:center;"> Half-life (year)</th><th scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30; text-align:center;">Specific power (watts per gram)</th></tr><tr><td> Tritium</td><td style="text-align:center;">beta</td><td style="text-align:center;">19</td><td style="text-align:center;">12.3</td><td style="text-align:center;">0.33</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; ">Carbon-14</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">beta</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">156</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">5,730</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">0.0013</td></tr><tr><td>Nickel-63</td><td style="text-align:center;">beta</td><td style="text-align:center;">67</td><td style="text-align:center;">100</td><td style="text-align:center;">0.0058</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Promethium-147</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">beta</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">225</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">2.6</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">0.41</td></tr><tr><td>Polonium-210</td><td style="text-align:center;">alpha</td><td style="text-align:center;">5,305</td><td style="text-align:center;">0.38</td><td style="text-align:center;">141</td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Plutonium-238</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">alpha</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">5,593</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">87.7</td><td style="background-color: #fdeebd; text-align:center;">0.56</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="photo-credit">Credit/source: Jake Blanchard</p><p class="caption">Radioisotopes emit particles with a spectrum of energies. The decay energy is a measure of the kinetic energy of emitted particles as the radioisotope decays. The specific power provided here is a measure of how much power an ideal, pure radioisotope source can generate per unit of mass at the beginning of its life.</p><h3></h3><br><p>Pure beta or alpha emitters are a better choice for nuclear batteries. Beta particles are electrons that have an intermediate penetration range in solids. Their decay energies go from a few kiloelectron volts (for tritium, or hydrogen-3) to a few megaelectron volts (for yttrium-90). Alpha particles, by contrast, are emitted at a higher energy than beta particles—typically around 5 MeV—and can’t penetrate a piece of paper. But they can damage semiconductors by creating defects as they collide with the nuclei in the device. This makes alpha emitters best suited for non-semiconductor battery technologies that convert the heat generated by the source fuel into electricity.</p><p>Radioisotopes of nickel, carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, promethium, polonium, and plutonium all emit beta or alpha particles and are good options for nuclear batteries (see “Table 1: Radioisotopes Used in Nuclear Batteries”). Which one to choose depends on several factors, including the isotope’s half-life and its decay energy.</p><p>For the longest battery life, you’ll want a radioisotope with a long half-life, because the battery’s output power will drop by a factor of two over each half-life. That means a tritium-fueled device will lose half its power every 12 years, while a plutonium-238 battery will lose half its power every 88 years.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>What very few companies have been able to do is find a new market for these batteries and make a product that has an impact. </p><h3></h3><br/><p>If your goal is instead to maximize the battery’s power density—such as for an insect-size microdrone—then you’ll need one with a short half-life<strong>.</strong> For example, polonium-210 has a half-life of a few months, but a power density of 141 watts per gram, which could give it enough power to carry its payload. The short half-life would mean it would work only for a few months and would completely decay within a couple of years. But for a microdrone that will probably be abandoned somewhere, perhaps that’s a good thing. (Note that these power densities account for thermal power, but there are losses in converting to electricity, so the output power density of any devices created using this fuel will be lower.)</p><p>The safest nuclear battery fuels are tritium and nickel-63, because they produce low-energy beta particles that are easier to shield and less damaging to semiconductors than alpha particles. Pure tritium can be challenging to work with because it’s a gas at room temperature. It can be converted into a metal hydride, but this process, which involves mixing it with stable isotopes, decreases its energy density. Another design consideration is that the lower penetration depth of these safer, low-energy <a href="https://blanchard.engr.wisc.edu/purebeta.htm" target="_blank">beta emitters</a> requires that the sources be made very thin, or else the particles will never reach the battery’s semiconductor.</p><p>What about supply and cost? All radioisotopes are expensive to procure and are typically only available in small quantities. Just about any of them can be made during nuclear fission by placing a dedicated target material in the reactor core. They can also be made using particle accelerators. Some types of radioisotopes can be obtained from spent nuclear fuel. But none of these options is simple or inexpensive, because every step requires the handling of radioactive materials.</p><p>One gram of tritium costs about US $30,000 and will produce a thermal power of about 0.3 W, which would in turn typically produce an electric power of only a few milliwatts. The supply of plutonium-238 is so limited that NASA must set its launch schedule according to the availability of the fuel. As a result, NASA is pursuing americium-241 as an alternative. It’s unclear how these costs would change if the market for these materials grows substantially.</p><h2>How to Convert Radioisotope Power Sources</h2><p>After choosing a fuel, you have to select a conversion technology. Early radioisotope power sources developed in the 1950s simply collected the charged decay particles, producing an electric potential difference between the collector and the source—that is, a voltage—that could then be tapped to produce electricity. The current in these designs was inherently low, and so the battery had to be run at a high voltage (in the kilovolts) to achieve a reasonable conversion efficiency, which proved too challenging.</p><p>To get around this problem, you can use a semiconductor to turn each charged particle emitted by the source into thousands of charge carriers, allowing the device to run at a few volts instead of a few kilovolts. The physics of such a device is essentially that of a solar cell, except that the source of the radiation is from a radioisotope instead of the sun. When the radioisotope is a beta-particle emitter, we call the device “betavoltaic.”</p><h3>Three Other Ways to Convert Radioactivity Into Electricity </h3><br/><p><span>As radioactive isotopes decay, their nuclei spontaneously release energy in the form of radiation</span>. The energy can be captured, converted into electricity, and stored, creating a nuclear battery. In common designs, adjacent semiconductors absorb the radiation and convert it to an electric current, or thermoelectric devices convert the heat that radioisotopes produce to electricity. But more-exotic techniques such as radioluminescent, thermionic, and thermophotovoltaic conversion are also being explored. </p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Diagram of light and energy transfer from radioactive to photovoltaic systems." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4a5a60f50fce04faa2ea3d981e5e0327" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="09f7f" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/diagram-of-light-and-energy-transfer-from-radioactive-to-photovoltaic-systems.png?id=61488113&width=980"/><p><strong>Radioluminescent conversion</strong></p><p>In this approach, a scintillator, such as a cerium-doped lutetium aluminum crystal, is exposed to ionizing radiation from the isotope, causing it to emit light. The light is captured and converted to electricity with a photovoltaic cell, which can be tuned to the frequency of the emitted light to improve conversion efficiency. But the light production itself is inefficient.</p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Diagram of a heat engine showing heat flow and electron movement in a plasma-filled gap." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6ee160f15b0af1215d2f1ee8861ba8b3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="7136b" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/diagram-of-a-heat-engine-showing-heat-flow-and-electron-movement-in-a-plasma-filled-gap.png?id=61488106&width=980"/><p><strong>Thermionic Conversion</strong></p><p><span>This concept uses the radioisotope to produce a hot surface (typically above 1,500</span> °C), which then releases electrons via thermionic emission. The source is heated as the emitted particles deposit their kinetic energy in the solid through interactions with the source atoms. The electrons emitted by the surface can be collected to produce a potential and a current source. Conversion efficiency can reach 20 percent, but achieving the necessary temperatures requires large sources, so this technology is only appropriate for high-power applications. </p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Heat-to-electricity conversion diagram using thermophotovoltaic (TPV) technology." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7ff88d255b7f97d04e5f421632196d63" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="49131" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/heat-to-electricity-conversion-diagram-using-thermophotovoltaic-tpv-technology.png?id=61488098&width=980"/><p><strong>Thermophotovoltaic Conversion</strong></p><p><span>This strategy uses </span>a radioisotope to produce a hot surface, and electromagnetic radiation from the hot surface produces electricity within a photovoltaic cell. To obtain good efficiencies, these devices must run very hot—around 2,000°C for a conversion efficiency of 29 percent.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>Under development since the 1950s, betavoltaic batteries feature a radioactive emitter and a silicon-diode absorber. As the emitter naturally decays, electrons (in the form of beta particles) strike the absorber. This creates a cascade of electron-hole pairs, which occur when electrons are removed from their original position, leaving a “hole” that generates a small but stable supply of electric current. This process is similar to that of a solar cell, where light produces the electron-hole pairs.</p><p>Betavoltaic batteries with silicon diodes have conversion efficiencies of a few percent, and up to 10 percent with silicon carbide, and can typically operate at around 1 volt. Some models indicate that this <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9936597" target="_blank">efficiency can be as high as 23.5 percent</a>. Recent research on betavoltaics uses diamond semiconductors, which offer even higher conversion efficiencies due to their higher bandgap.</p><p>Betavoltaics are solid-state, simple, and relatively inexpensive, so they offer an ideal way to produce a low-power option (less than about a milliwatt) for nuclear batteries. They can be used to create higher-power devices, but in those cases it’s often better to switch to an alpha emitter to achieve a higher power density. However, because the alpha particles will damage a semiconductor, their use generally requires a conversion option that relies on heat converted to electricity.</p><p>For example, NASA uses thermoelectric conversion in its RTGs, which have been used to power not only <em>Voyager 1</em> and <em>2</em>, but also two Mars rovers and over <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/rps-fleet.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">40 other NASA missions</a>. If you’ve seen the movie <em>The Martian</em>, you may recall how Matt Damon’s character, trapped alone on Mars, used an RTG: He needed a heat source to stay warm while traveling in a rover, so he dug up an old RTG from a previous mission and placed it inside his vehicle.</p><p>To convert the heat to electricity, the RTGs employ a series of thermocouples, which consist of a junction of two dissimilar conductors. These components produce a potential in the presence of a temperature gradient (via what’s known as the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/how-does-a-radioisotope-thermoelectric-generator-rtg-work-the-seebeck-effect/#:~:text=The%20scientist%2C%20Thomas%20Seebeck%2C%20found,of%20compounds%20known%20as%20semiconductors." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Seebeck</a> effect). The pacemakers of the 1970s also relied on thermoelectric conversion, albeit on a smaller scale.</p><p>Other, more-exotic conversion techniques include radioluminescent conversion, thermionic conversion, and thermophotovoltaic conversion (see sidebar, “Three Other Ways to Convert Radioactivity Into Electricity”), all of which work well in the lab but require higher operating temperatures or have degradation issues. Most companies are focused on developing betavoltaic technology because it permits the use of the safer beta emitters.</p><h2>Who Is Developing Nuclear Batteries?</h2><p>Since the invention of small betavoltaic power sources in the 1970s, the vast majority of research on nuclear batteries has focused on power levels of less than 1 microwatt (see “Table 2: Who’s Developing Nuclear Batteries”). To date, many of these efforts have been shrouded in secrecy, and there’s been a dearth of patents in the field, which has made it difficult to judge their features and merits.</p><p><a href="http://www.betavolt.tech/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Co.</a> says it has a 100-µW battery that’s about the size of a cereal square (15 by 15 by 5 millimeters) and can last 50 years. The company is working with betavoltaics using nickel-63, tritium, promethium-147, and strontium-90, and a diamond semiconductor to convert the energy to electricity.</p><h3>Table 2: Who’s Developing Nuclear Batteries  </h3><br/><table border="1" style="white-space: unset;" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th align="left" scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30;"> Company/research group (location)</th><th align="left" scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30;">Radioisotope</th><th align="left" scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30;"> Conversion technology</th><th align="left" scope="col" style="color: ##ffffff; background-color: #ffcd30;">Goals and accomplishments</th></tr><tr><td>Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Co.</td><td>Nickel-63</td><td>Betavoltaic with diamond diode semiconductor</td><td>100-microwatt battery; planning a 1-watt version for commercial launch</td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;"><a href="https://www.arkenlight.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Arkenlight</a> (Bristol, England)</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Carbon-14 and tritium</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Betavoltaic with diamond diode semiconductor</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Exploring use in satellites, medical implants, industrial sensors, and luxury watches</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.dgist.ac.kr/eng/index.do" target="_blank"> Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology</a> (Daegu, South Korea)</td><td>Carbon-14</td><td>Betavoltaic with titanium dioxide semiconductor sensitized with ruthenium dye</td><td>Presented results at American Chemical Society spring meeting, March 2025</td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;"><a href="https://citylabs.net/" target="_blank"> City Labs</a> (Miami)</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Tritium</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Betavoltaic</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Focused on space, deep ocean, and medical applications; 20-year battery life</td></tr><tr><td>Northwest Normal University (Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China) and <a href="http://www.beitalab.com/company.html" target="_blank">Wuxi Beita Pharmatech</a> Co. (Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China)</td><td>Carbon-14</td><td>Silicon-carbide semiconductor</td><td><a href="http://www.china.org.cn/business/2025-03/12/content_117763745.htm" target="_blank">Demonstrated by powering an LED</a></td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (Oxfordshire, England)</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Carbon-14</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Diamond semiconductor</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Envisioning applications in medical devices like ocular implants and hearing aids and in radio-frequency-tracking tags</td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.infinitypower.energy/" target="_blank"> Infinity Power</a> (San Diego, Calif.)</td><td>Nickel-63</td><td>Electrochemical</td><td>Technology can scale from microwatts to megawatts</td></tr><tr><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;"><a href="https://news.osu.edu/scientists-design-novel-battery-that-runs-on-atomic-waste/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"> The Ohio State University</a> (Columbus)</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Cesium-137 and cobalt-60 from spent nuclear fuel</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Radioluminescent conversion of gamma radiation</td><td align="left" style="background-color: #fdeebd;">Targeting power needs near nuclear-waste storage pools, and for space and deep-sea exploration</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07933-9" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Soochow University (Suzhou, China</a>)</td><td> Americium-243</td><td><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07933-9" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Radioluminescent</a></td><td> Micronuclear battery for very low-power applications</td></tr></tbody></table></br><p>Beijing Betavolt last year announced plans to commercially launch a 1-W version in 2025, but as of press time, it was still seeking a license and funding to do so. Potential applications include aerospace, medical implants, wearable devices, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones, miniature robots, law-enforcement equipment, and fire-safety remote communication.</p><p>Assuming Beijing Betavolt’s device has a conversion efficiency of about 5 percent, the battery would have to hold about 20 curies, or 740 billion becquerels (0.4 grams), of nickel-63. This is well above the typical amount of nickel-63 available on the market, which is normally in the millicurie range.</p><p class="pull-quote">To date, many efforts have been shrouded in secrecy, and there’s been a dearth of patents in the field, which has made it difficult to judge their features and merits.</p><p>Infinity Power also uses nickel-63 in its coin-size battery, but may need less of it because of the novel electrochemical conversion process it has developed. The company says its conversion efficiency exceeds 60 percent—about six times as efficient as the best radioisotope power generators.</p><p>In Infinity’s design, the isotope is dissolved or suspended in a proprietary liquid electrolyte. The decay of the radioisotope produces high-energy beta particles that ionize the electrolyte, creating a potential difference between the anode and cathode immersed in the solution and driving electron flow through an external circuit to produce electricity.</p><p>Academic and government researchers are also pursuing nuclear batteries. The University of Bristol, in England, and the UKAEA last year announced they had developed a battery fueled by carbon-14, a radioactive form of carbon. With carbon-14’s half-life of 5,700 years, the battery could theoretically last for millennia. The U.K. has an ample supply of the fuel because it can be scavenged from the country’s graphite-moderated, gas-cooled fission reactors. Carbon-14 produces beta particles with a maximum energy of 156 kiloelectron volt, which should be low enough to prevent damage to the battery’s diamond semiconductor.</p><p>Meanwhile, a collaboration of researchers in China published a report in the December 2024 <em><em>IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science</em></em> on a <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10709846/authors#authors" target="_blank">radioluminescent nuclear battery</a>. The team used an X-ray source, which emits electromagnetic radiation, to mimic a beta source, which emits electrons, to help them understand how the device might perform. The X-ray photons excited two inorganic scintillators, causing them to emit light, and a commercial silicon photodiode converted the light to electricity.</p><p>The products envisioned by these startups offer great promise. The key to their lasting success will be identifying markets in which the benefits of nuclear batteries outweigh the challenges. The market for these devices in space applications is strong, but whether new markets will arise remains to be seen. <span class="ieee-end-mark"></span></p><p><em>Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Yu-Tzu Chiu, who contributed reporting for this article.</em></p>

Aug 22, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/robots-racing-on-a-blue-track-while-spectators-watch-in-a-stadium.png?id=61501726&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=71%2C0%2C71%2C0"/><br/><br/><p><span>Video Friday is your weekly selection of awesome robotics videos, collected by your friends at </span><em>IEEE Spectrum</em><span> robotics. We also post a weekly calendar of upcoming robotics events for the next few months. Please </span><a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=Robotics%20event%20suggestion%20for%20Video%20Friday">send us your events</a><span> for inclusion.</span></p><h5><a href="https://www.ro-man2025.org/">RO-MAN 2025</a>: 25–29 August 2025, EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS</h5><h5><a href="https://clawar.org/clawar2025/">CLAWAR 2025</a>: 5–7 September 2025, SHENZHEN, CHINA</h5><h5><a href="https://actuate.foxglove.dev/">ACTUATE 2025</a>: 23–24 September 2025, SAN FRANCISCO</h5><h5><a href="https://www.corl.org/">CoRL 2025</a>: 27–30 September 2025, SEOUL</h5><h5><a href="https://2025humanoids.org/">IEEE Humanoids</a>: 30 September–2 October 2025, SEOUL</h5><h5><a href="https://worldrobotsummit.org/en/">World Robot Summit</a>: 10–12 October 2025, OSAKA, JAPAN</h5><h5><a href="https://www.iros25.org/">IROS 2025</a>: 19–25 October 2025, HANGZHOU, CHINA</h5><p>Enjoy today’s videos!</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><div style="page-break-after: always"><span style="display:none"> </span></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="-xc8cs47lcc"><em>The First World Humanoid Robot Games Conclude Successfully! Unitree Strikes Four Golds (1500m, 400m, 100m Obstacle, 4×100m Relay).</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a032c6342bdd306eb7b990a515bf0972" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Xc8cs47LCc?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.unitree.com/">Unitree</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="j-cofmqd-ss"><em>Steady! PNDbotics Adam has become the only full-size humanoid robot athlete to successfully finish the 100m Obstacle Race at the World Humanoid Robot Games!</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8063a2a4bd12fde3329069353544d401" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J-COfmQD-Ss?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://pndbotics.com/">PNDbotics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="_vdo5ynys_w"><em>Introducing Field Foundation Models (FFMs) from FieldAI—a new class of “physics-first” foundation models built specifically for embodied intelligence. Unlike conventional vision or language models retrofitted for robotics, FFMs are designed from the ground up to grapple with uncertainty, risk, and the physical constraints of the real world. This enables safe and reliable robot behaviors when managing scenarios that they have not been trained on, navigating dynamic, unstructured environments without prior maps, GPS, or predefined paths.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b4991f44490462d8e919fd753762a617" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_vDo5YnYs_w?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.fieldai.com/">Field AI</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="0iqzsmvcqis"><em>Multiply Labs, leveraging Universal Robots’ collaborative robots, has developed a groundbreaking robotic cluster that is fundamentally transforming the manufacturing of life-saving cell and gene therapies. The Multiply Labs solution drives a staggering 74% cost reduction and enables up to 100x more patient doses per square foot of cleanroom.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e31134ffe39ceb67e5bcaadbcd7feb25" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0iqZsmvCqis?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.universal-robots.com/case-stories/multiply-labs/">Universal Robots</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="gmyo-cum1ka"><em>In this video, we put Vulcan V3, the world’s first ambidextrous humanoid robotic hand capable of performing the full American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet, to the ultimate test—side by side with a real human!</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c8c9fc776aab009f79d8d9ff5c74df0f" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GmYO-Cum1KA?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://hackaday.io/project/203847-ambidextrous-23-direct-drive-humanoid-robotic-hand">Hackaday</a> ]</p><p>Thanks, Kelvin!</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="_og1egust-i">More robots need to have this form factor.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a4cdca5959880eccc1dc8c193fcc0349" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_og1egUst-I?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://engineering.tamu.edu/news/2025/08/from-sea-to-space-this-robot-is-on-a-roll.html">Texas A&M University</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="pksef2rtqzy">Robotic vacuums are so pervasive now that it’s easy to forget how much of an icon the <a data-linked-post="2650267122" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/video-friday-an-arm-for-your-partybot-and-irobot-turns-10" target="_blank">iRobot Roomba</a> has been.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="805e910a12019237e6add751163fc622" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PKSEF2RtqZY?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.irobot.com/">iRobot</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="ujqjg1xk8a8">This is quite possibly the largest <a data-linked-post="2650254250" href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/dlr-super-robust-robot-hand" target="_blank">robotic hand</a> I’ve ever seen.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6617f3142cdf5f53e820ab090176fb10" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ujQJG1xk8A8?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://moonshot-cafe-project.org/en/">CAFE Project</a> ] via [ <a href="https://built.itmedia.co.jp/bt/articles/2508/18/news082.html">BUILT</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="rz_xbnbituq"><em>Modular robots built by Dartmouth researchers are finding their feet outdoors. Engineered to assemble into structures that best suit the task at hand, the robots are pieced together from cube-shaped robotic blocks that combine rigid rods and soft, stretchy strings whose tension can be adjusted to deform the blocks and control their shape.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5b45024fd761ce33bd7efc99dd7ac3a6" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rz_xBnbituQ?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/news/2025/08/multipurpose-robots-take-shape">Dartmouth</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="ptxede_xbro"><em>Our quadruped robot X30 has completed extreme-environment missions in Hoh Xil—supporting patrol teams, carrying vital supplies and protecting fragile ecosystems.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c86d59dfac00af07eda77f6e89557a03" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pTxEdE_Xbro?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.deeprobotics.cn/en">DEEP Robotics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="u_7nt4eq1ns"><em>We propose a base-shaped robot named “koboshi” that moves everyday objects. This koboshi has a spherical surface in contact with the floor, and by moving a weight inside using built-in motors, it can rock up and down, and side to side. By placing everyday items on this koboshi, users can impart new movement to otherwise static objects. The koboshi is equipped with sensors to measure its posture, enabling interaction with users. Additionally, it has communication capabilities, allowing multiple units to communicate with each other.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e2ed91840821eb78809192d271435bbe" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u_7nt4eQ1ns?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://arxiv.org/html/2508.13509v1">Paper</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="bdw9f7aihas"><em>Bi-LAT is the world’s first Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that integrates bilateral control into imitation learning, enabling robots to adjust force levels based on natural language instructions.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e3ad454ddbbc8d41754470ae30b8def9" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bdw9F7AIHas?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://mertcookimg.github.io/bi-lat/">Bi-LAT</a> ] to be presented at [ <a href="https://www.ro-man2025.org/" target="_blank">IEEE RO-MAN 2025</a> ]</p><p>Thanks, Masato!</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p class="rm-anchors" id="pmcorujdxkq">Look at this jaunty little guy!</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fe73f006b2c8ea1062f763a30e6d2cbe" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pmcOrUjDXKQ?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>Although, they very obviously cut the video right before it smashes face-first into furniture more than once.</p><p>[ <a href="https://gepetto.github.io/BoltLocomotion/">Paper</a> ] to be presented at [ <a href="https://2025humanoids.org/" target="_blank">2025 IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robotics</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="kqeqdcuyo50"><em>This research has been conducted at the Human Centered Robotics Lab at UT Austin. The video shows our latest experimental bipedal robot, dubbed Mercury, which has passive feet. This means that there are no actuated ankles, unlike humans, forcing Mercury to gain balance by dynamically stepping.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="40c1c4a35c1cac4390cc192af6e5ab86" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kqEqDCuYO50?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://sites.utexas.edu/hcrl/">University of Texas at Austin Human Centered Robotics Lab</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="yyldielqgic"><em>We put two RIVR delivery robots to work with an autonomous vehicle—showing how Physical AI can handle the full last mile, from warehouse to consumers’ doorsteps.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0d0e0b38d47b76f0ac8e5ed5ba246f39" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YyLDIelqgic?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.rivr.ai/">Rivr</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="3fh94e2vpmq"><em>The KR TITAN ultra is a high-performance industrial robot weighing 4.6 tonnes and capable of handling payloads up to 1.5 tonnes.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="be237d0fd193d9bbfcaceafd7a282b4c" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3fh94e2vPMQ?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.kuka.com/kr-titan-ultra?sc_camp=E45C2ED3B08848A6B2E310E0E28BB294">Kuka</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="gpx3-qnrhl4"><em>CMU MechE’s Ding Zhao and Ph.D. student Yaru Niu describe LocoMan, a robotic assistant they have been developing.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1f370f0fc2719d8f2e31b0909a9cd8df" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gPx3-QnrHl4?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://safeai-lab.github.io/">Carnegie Mellon University</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><blockquote class="rm-anchors" id="dkbgvo80c_u"><em>Twenty-two years ago, Silicon Valley executive Henry Evans had a massive stroke that left him mute and paralyzed from the neck down. But that didn’t prevent him from becoming a leading advocate of adaptive robotic tech to help disabled people—or from writing country songs, one letter at a time. Correspondent John Blackstone talks with Evans about his upbeat attitude and unlikely pursuits.</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><span class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bcfb5420c867159696934a1fe77b4aa5" style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="auto" lazy-loadable="true" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DKbGvO80C_U?rel=0" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" width="100%"></iframe></span></p><p>[ <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/a-robotics-activists-remarkable-crusade/">CBS News</a> ]</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div>

Aug 22, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/tall-solar-panels-on-the-moon-s-surface-connected-to-a-distant-lunar-base-via-cables.jpg?id=61501481&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=375%2C0%2C375%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>China, Russia, and the United States are racing to put nuclear power plants on the moon. China and Russia in May <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3310315/china-and-russia-sign-nuclear-reactor-deal-fuel-lunar-research-station" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a>agreed to work together to <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3310315/china-and-russia-sign-nuclear-reactor-deal-fuel-lunar-research-station" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">complete a lunar nuclear reactor by 2036</a>. In response, NASA’s interim chief Sean Duffy announced in August that the United States would fast track its lunar nuclear power program to have one ready by 2030.</p><p>But this sudden frenzy raises a few questions—such as why do we want nuclear reactors on the moon in the first place? And how would they work? <em></em><span>To find out, <em>IEEE Spectrum</em><span> spoke with</span></span> <a href="https://npre.illinois.edu/people/profile/kdhuff" target="_blank">Katy Huff</a>, a nuclear engineer and the director of the Advanced Reactor Fuel Cycles Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Huff previously served as the assistant secretary for nuclear energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Why do the world’s biggest space organizations want nuclear reactors on the moon, and what would they power?</strong></p><p><strong>Katy Huff</strong>: There’s a growing interest in having a more sustained presence of <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/moon-landing-2025" target="_blank">humans on the moon for scientific discovery</a>. Resources like helium-3, which can serve as a fusion fuel, may be part of the appeal. NASA is planning to build this kind of lunar exploration base through its <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/" target="_blank">Artemis</a> program, and China and Russia are working together to build one called the <a href="https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6812150/content.html" target="_blank">International Lunar Research Station</a>. Any such <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/moon-base" target="_blank">lunar base</a> would absolutely need nuclear power. Renewables alone are too intermittent to meet the energy needs of life on the moon. Plus, the cost of getting things into space scales by mass, so the unmatched energy density of uranium fission is our greatest opportunity.</p><p><strong>Why is it suddenly a race? What’s the urgency?</strong></p><p><strong>Huff:</strong> The momentum began with the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/space-technology-mission-directorate/tdm/fission-surface-power/" target="_blank">fission surface power project</a> at NASA, which a few years ago solicited designs for 40-kilowatt lunar microreactors. Three designs were selected and awarded US $5 million each. Since then, China and Russia have announced on at least three occasions a joint effort to design their own lunar microreactor with a launch target in the mid-2030s. In response, NASA is accelerating its timeline for the U.S. reactor to 2030 and increasing the target power capacity to 100 kW. Sean Duffy has said publicly that if China and Russia are the first to stake a claim for a lunar power plant, they could <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/nasa-fsp-directive-aug42.pdf?emrc=4b2928" target="_blank">declare a de facto keep-out zone</a>, limiting the United States’ options to site its base. So the U.S. aims to get there before China and Russia to claim a region with access to water ice, which aids life support for astronauts.<strong></strong></p><h2>Designing Lunar Nuclear Reactors</h2><p><strong>What are the considerations for designing a nuclear reactor for the moon? </strong></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: In very low gravity, fluids won’t behave exactly as they do on Earth. So the circulation patterns for the reactor’s fluid coolants will need to be recalculated. And the moon’s large temperature swings, which vary hundreds of degrees from lunar day to night, will require the reactor to<strong> </strong>use systems that are more isolated from those swings.<strong> </strong>On Earth we eject waste heat easily because there are thermally stable heat sinks like water bodies available. </p><p><strong>What kind of reactor do you expect NASA to choose? </strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Portrait of Katy Huff softly smiling." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="344ef288ca450d388b409e36b47e6735" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="4c034" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/portrait-of-katy-huff-softly-smiling.jpg?id=61501102&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..."><a href="https://npre.illinois.edu/people/profile/kdhuff" target="_blank">Katy Huff</a> previously served as the assistant secretary for nuclear energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Katy Huff</small></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: It would make sense if NASA chose one of the three designs previously selected for the fission surface power program, rather than starting from scratch. But with the over-doubling of target capacity, from 40 kW to 100 kW, there will be a bit of a redesign involved, because you don’t just turn up the knob. The three awards went to <a href="https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/index.html" target="_blank">Lockheed Martin</a>/<a href="https://www.bwxt.com/" target="_blank">BWXT</a>, <a href="https://westinghouse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopGsx52gyFSr9YtLTq_wG18TUHx_ytWA7NLFFK9rJb1x_pMObps" target="_blank">Westinghouse</a>/<a href="https://www.l3harris.com/company/powering-defense-and-space-exploration" target="_blank">Aerojet Rocketdyne</a>, and <a href="https://x-energy.com/" target="_blank">X-energy</a>/<a href="https://www.boeing.com/" target="_blank">Boeing</a>. Some of them are developing <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/microreactor" target="_blank">microreactors </a>that are based around <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-powered-data-center" target="_blank">tristructural isotropic [TRISO] fuel</a>, which is a type of highly robust uranium fuel, so I would expect the lunar reactor to be designed using that. For the coolant, I don’t expect them to choose water, because water’s thermal properties limit the range of temperatures it can cool effectively, which constrains reactor efficiency. And I don’t expect it to be liquid salt either, because it can be corrosive, and this lunar reactor needs to operate for 10 years with no intervention. So I suspect they’ll choose a gas such as helium. And then for power conversion, NASA’s directive explicitly said that a closed <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20250000841/downloads/Mason%20NETS%20paper%202025c.pdf" target="_blank">Brayton cycle</a><strong> </strong>would be a requirement.</p><p><strong>What would transport and startup look like?</strong></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: The reactor would be fully constructed on Earth and ready to go, with the fuel in place. My expectation is that it would be transported with the control elements fully inserted into the reactor to prevent a chain reaction from starting during transit. Once on the moon, a startup sequence would be initiated remotely or by the astronauts there. The control rods would then withdraw from the reactor, and a small neutron source like californium-252 would kick off the reaction.</p><p><strong>A deadline of 2030 feels pretty rushed considering the United States doesn’t have a final design for the reactor, nor firm plans for a lunar base.</strong></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: Right. That timeline does appear ambitious. We’ll have a hard enough time getting a reactor of this scale deployed as a prototype terrestrially in the next four and a half years. Getting one launch-ready and onto the moon by then is a recipe for eventually having to explain why we didn’t meet that timeline.<strong> </strong>And that could be a problem, reputationally, for nuclear energy more so than space exploration because people love NASA. Little kids and grown-ups alike wear NASA T-shirts. No one’s wearing DOE T-shirts.</p><h2>Risks of Lunar Reactor Launch</h2><p><strong>What are the risks if something goes wrong with the launch?</strong></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: Beautifully enough, fresh uranium fuel doesn’t present a radiological hazard the way spent uranium would. Only after it becomes the fission products is it significantly radioactive. So as long as the reactor doesn’t operate before launch, the hazard is quite low. Even if the fuel were dispersed over the Earth, it wouldn’t pose a significant danger to the people around it. I literally have a sample of uranium sitting by my desk. On top of that, there’s a robust launch safety protocol already established for any radiological object. NASA has a lot of experience with this from <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/nuclear-battery-revival" target="_blank">sending plutonium thermoelectric generators</a>, which are more like a nuclear battery, for previous missions.</p><p><strong>Things have gone wrong with some of the fission reactors previously launched into space; what happened to those?</strong></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: The biggest fission reactors anyone has launched into space were the 5 kW electric TOPAZ-I reactors that were part of the Soviet program. One of them had a serious incident and broke apart. It’s now in high orbit in pieces, including some of its sodium coolant, which is just sort of floating around up there as liquid metal spheres. But that doesn’t impact the Earth because it’s a tiny amount of radiological source material at an incredible distance from Earth. The more unfortunate incident happened with the Soviet Kosmos 954 reactor, which, after operating in orbit, experienced uncontrolled reentry and disintegrated over a 600-kilometer swath of Canadian territory.</p><p><strong>What happens if an asteroid hits the moon or directly hits the lunar nuclear reactor?</strong></p><p><strong>Huff</strong>: A direct strike could damage the reactor and cause localized dispersion of the fuel. This might be a motivation to use TRISO fuel. It’s so robust because the fuel and fission products are housed in thousands of spherical, chia seed–size particles that are coated in silicon carbide. It can withstand incredible impacts and heat—well beyond the temperature of lava. Testing has shown that even when subjected to <a href="https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1915/ML19155A173.pdf%20." target="_blank">1,700°C heat for 300 hours</a>, TRISO retains its fission products with no failures. So in the unlikely event that there’s a dead-on collision with a large asteroid at the reactor site, the debris of the reactor may be distributed in the dust of the moon, but all those little TRISO particles will hopefully remain intact.</p>

Aug 21, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/the-cooley-tukey-fast-fourier-transform-algorithm.jpg?id=61498257&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C309%2C0%2C310"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/invention-of-ct-scanner" target="_self">CT scanning</a>, streaming videos, and sending images over the Internet wouldn’t be possible without the <a href="https://ethw.org/Milestones:First_Demonstration_of_the_Fast_Fourier_Transform_(FFT),_1964" target="_blank">Fast Fourier transform</a>. Commonly known as FFT, the computer algorithm designed by researchers at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Princeton</a> University and <a href="https://www.ibm.com/us-en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IBM </a>is found in just about every electronic device, according to an entry in the <a href="https://ethw.org/Main_Page" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Engineering and Technology History Wiki</a>.</p><p>Demonstrated for the first time in 1964 by IEEE Fellows <a href="https://ethw.org/John_Tukey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John Tukey</a> and <a href="https://ethw.org/Oral-History:James_W._Cooley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">James W. Cooley</a>, the algorithm breaks down a signal—a series of values over time—and converts it into frequencies. FFT was 100 times faster than the existing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrete_Fourier_transform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">discrete Fourier transform</a>. The DFT also requires more memory than the FFT because it saves intermediate results while processing.</p><p>The FFT has become an important tool for manipulating and analyzing signals in many areas including audio processing, telecommunications, digital broadcasting, and image analysis. It helps filter, compress, eliminate noise from, and otherwise modify signals.</p><p>The 60-year-old ubiquitous computer code also has applications in today’s cutting-edge technologies such as <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9921684" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI</a>, <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-computers-will-speed-up-the-internets-most-important-algorithm" target="_self">quantum computing</a>, <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7803613" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">self-driving cars</a>, and <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10978098" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5G</a> communication systems.</p><p>The FFT was commemorated with an IEEE Milestone during a ceremony held in May at Princeton University.</p><p>“The Cooley-Tukey algorithm significantly accelerated the calculation of DFTs,” 2024 IEEE President <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/u/tom-coughlin" target="_self">Tom Coughlin</a> said at the ceremony. “Prior methods required significantly more computations, making FFT a revolutionary breakthrough. By leveraging algebraic properties and periodicities, the FFT reduced the number of the operations, making it particularly and practically feasible for everyday tasks, replacing the less efficient analog methods.”</p><h2>A new mathematical tool</h2><p>In 1963 Tukey, a professor of mathematics and statistics at Princeton, participated in a meeting of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President%27s_Science_Advisory_Committee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Science Advisory Committee</a> to discuss ways to detect underground nuclear tests, according to the ETHW entry.</p><p>Also attending that meeting was <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/richard-garwin" target="_self">Richard Garwin</a>, a physicist and engineer at <a href="https://research.ibm.com/blog/richard-garwin-obituary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IBM</a> who played a key role in designing the first hydrogen bomb. He died in May. Read about his fascinating life in this month’s <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/richard-garwin-hydrogen-bomb-obituary" target="_self">In Memoriam</a>. </p><p>Tukey told Garwin he was working on speeding up the computation of an existing method—the Fourier transform—thinking it might help with the detection. His algorithm<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_Fourier_transform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> mathematically converted a signal from its original domain, such as time or space, to a frequency domain</a>.</p><p>Garwin recognized its potential and asked IBM to select a mathematical analyst to collaborate with Tukey. That person was Cooley, a research staff member working on numerical analysis and computation projects.</p><p>If the Fourier transform could be made faster, Garwin said, <a href="https://ethw.org/James_W._Cooley#:~:text=He%20suggested%20the%20idea%20of,and%20an%20IEEE%20Centennial%20medal." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">seismometers could be planted in the ground</a> in countries surrounding the Soviet Union to detect nuclear explosions from atomic bomb tests, because the Soviets wouldn’t allow on-site tests, according to Cooley’s <a href="https://ethw.org/Oral-History:James_W._Cooley#Tukey,_Garwin_and_FFT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">oral history</a> in the Engineering and Technology History Wiki. A seismometer measures ground vibrations, which are converted into electrical signals and recorded as seismograms.</p><p>To design sensors for underground nuclear tests, however, “you would have to process all the seismic signals, and a large part of the processing could be done by Fourier transforms,” Cooley said in his oral history. But “the computing power at the time was not enough to process all of the signals you’d need to do this.”</p><p>The FFT could calculate a seismic sensor’s frequency and produce images, IEEE Life Fellow <a href="https://www.computer.org/profiles/harold-stone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harold S. Stone</a> said at the Milestone event. He is an image processing researcher and Fellow emeritus at the <a href="https://www.nec-labs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NEC Laboratories America</a>, in Princeton, and a former IBM researcher.</p><p>Tukey and Cooley led the team that wrote the computer code that demonstrated the FFT’s power.</p><p>“The demonstration of the Coley-Tukey algorithm showed that it was 100 times faster,” Stone said. “It was so fast that it could keep up with the seismic data.”</p><p>Sensors using the algorithm were planted, and they detected nuclear explosions within a 15-kilometer radius from where they were detonated, according to the ETHW entry.</p><p class="pull-quote"><span>“By leveraging algebraic properties and periodicities, the FFT reduced the number of the operations, making it particularly and practically feasible for everyday tasks, replacing the less efficient analog methods.” <strong>—2024 IEEE President Tom Coughlin</strong></span></p><p><span></span>In 1965 Cooley and Tukey published “<a href="https://www.ams.org/journals/mcom/1965-19-090/S0025-5718-1965-0178586-1/S0025-5718-1965-0178586-1.pdf" target="_blank">An Algorithm for the Machine Calculation of Complex Fourier Series</a>,” describing the FFT process. The seminal paper spurred development of digital signal processing technologies.</p><p>For his work, Tukey was awarded a U.S. <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/honorary-awards/national-medal-science" target="_blank">National Medal of Science</a> in 1973. He also received the 1982 <a href="https://corporate-awards.ieee.org/recipient/john-wilder-tukey/#:~:text=Home%20%C2%B7%20Recipients%20%C2%B7%20John%20Wilder%20Tukey,IEEE%20At%20A%20Glance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Medal of Honor</a> for “contributions to the spectral analysis of random processes and the fast Fourier transform algorithm.”</p><p>Cooley, who received the 2002 <a href="https://corporate-awards.ieee.org/wp-content/uploads/kilby-rl.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Kilby Signal Processing Medal</a> for pioneering the FFT, was a leading figure in the field of digital signal processing. Through his involvement with the IEEE Digital Signal Processing Committee (today known as the <a href="https://signalprocessingsociety.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Signal Processing Society</a>), he helped establish terminology and suggested research directions.</p><p>Although not one of the inventors, Garwin is credited with recognizing that the algorithm had wider applications, especially in scientific and engineering fields.</p><p>“In today’s lingo, Garwin helped the FFT ‘go viral’ by getting Cooley and Tukey together,” Stone said.</p><p>“Garwin and Tukey sought better information to forestall and prevent wars,” added Frank Anscombe, Tukey’s nephew. “The Cooley-Tukey FFT swiftly advanced this cause by giving a practical, simplifying solution for wavy data. Thanks to the FFT, a technological rubicon began to be crossed: analog-to-digital machines.”</p><h2>A spirit of collaboration between academia and industry</h2><p>Like so many innovations, the FFT came out of a collaboration between industry and academia, and it should be recognized for that, IEEE Fellow <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/princeton-dean-andrea-goldsmith" target="_self">Andrea Goldsmith</a> said at the ceremony. She explained that she regularly works with FFT in her research projects. At the time of the event, she was Princeton’s dean of engineering and applied sciences. This month she started her new position as president of <a href="https://news.stonybrook.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stony Brook University</a>, in New York.</p><p>“Taking the ideas we have from basic research in our university labs, talking to people in industry, and understanding how the research problems we work on can benefit industry either tomorrow or in five years or 20 years from now, is incredibly important,” she said. “Some people think of engineering as boring and dry and something that only nerds do, but there is such beauty and creativity in a lot of the innovations that we have developed, and I think the FFT is a perfect example of that.”</p><p>The FFT joins more than 270 other IEEE Milestones. They are more than a marker of achievement, said IEEE Life Senior Member <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-bod-july-2026" target="_self">Bala S. Prasanna</a>, director of <a href="https://www.ieee.org/communities/geographic-activities/regional-list-region-1.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Region 1</a>.</p><p>“They are a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the spirit of collaboration,” Prasanna said. “These Milestones were more than just breakthroughs; they became catalysts for innovation, enabling progress in ways once thought impossible. Each one ensures that the story behind these innovations is preserved, not just as history but as inspiration for future generations.”</p><p>Another <a href="https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/fft" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ceremony</a> was held on 11 June at the IBM Watson Research Center. </p><p>Milestone plaques recognizing the FFT are on display in the lobby of Princeton’s <a href="https://engineering.princeton.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">School of Engineering and Applied Science</a> and in the main lobby at the entrance of the IBM research center.</p><p>They read:</p><p><em>“In 1964 a computer program implementing a highly efficient Fourier analysis algorithm was demonstrated at IBM Research. Jointly developed by Princeton University and IBM collaborators, the Cooley-Tukey technique calculated discrete Fourier transforms orders of magnitude faster than had been previously demonstrated. Known as the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), its speed impacted numerous applications including computerized tomography, audio and video compression, signal processing, and real-time data streaming.”</em></p>Administered by the <a href="https://www.ieee.org/about/history-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE History Center</a> and supported by <a href="https://secure.ieeefoundation.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1680&mfc_pref=T&1680.donation=form1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">donors</a>, the Milestone program recognizes outstanding technical developments around the world. The <a href="https://site.ieee.org/pcjs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Princeton Central Jersey Section</a> sponsored the nomination.

Aug 20, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-black-man-sitting-on-a-table-surrounded-by-3d-printers-and-cables.png?id=61482834&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C56%2C0%2C57"/><br/><br/><p><strong>My name is Engineer Bainomugisha.</strong> Yes, Engineer is my first name and also my career. My parents named me Engineer, and they recognized engineering traits in me from childhood, such as perseverance, resilience, and wanting to understand how things work.</p><p>I grew up and spent my early years in a rural part of Uganda, more than 300 kilometers outside of Kampala, the capital city. As a young boy, I was always tinkering and hustling: I harvested old radio batteries to power lighting, created household utensils from wood, and herded animals and sold items to help the village make money.</p><h3>The Student & the Professor</h3><br/><p><strong>Two perspectives on engineering education in Africa</strong></p><p><em><em>Johnson I. Ejimanya is a one-man pony express. Walking the exhaust-fogged streets of Owerri, Nigeria, Ejimanya, the engineering dean of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, carries with him a department’s worth of communications, some handwritten, others on disk. He’s delivering them to a man with a PC and an Internet connection who converts the missives into e-mails and downloads the responses. To Ejimanya, broadband means lugging a big bundle of printed e-mails back with him to the university, which despite being one of the country’s largest and most prestigious engineering schools, has no reliable means of connecting to the Internet.</em></em></p> <p>I met Ejimanya when I visited Nigeria in 2003 to report on how the SAT-3/WASC, the first undersea fiber-optic cable to connect West Africa to the world, was being used. (The passage above is from my February 2004 <em><em>IEEE</em></em> <em><em>Spectrum</em></em> article “<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/surf-africa" target="_self">Surf Africa</a>.”) Beyond the lack of computers and Internet access, I saw labs filled with obsolete technology from the 1960s. If students needed a computer or to get online, they went to an Internet cafe, their out-of-pocket costs a burden on them and their families.</p><p>So is the situation any better 20-plus years on? The short answer is yes. But as computer science professor <a href="https://ibaino.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Engineer Bainomugisha</a> and IEEE student member <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwatosin-kolade/?originalSubdomain=ng" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oluwatosin Kolade</a> attest in the following pages, there’s still a long way to go.</p><p>Both men are engineers but at different stages of their academic journey: Bainomugisha went to college in the early 2000s and is now a computer science professor at <a href="https://mak.ac.ug/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Makerere University</a> in Kampala, Uganda. Kolade is in his final semester as a mechanical engineering student at <a href="https://oauife.edu.ng/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obafemi Awolowo University</a> in Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Nigeria. They describe the challenges they face and what they see as the path forward for a continent brimming with aspiring engineers but woefully short on the resources necessary for a robust education.</p><p><span></span>—Harry Goldstein</p><p>In high school, I studied physics, chemistry, maths, and biology. When I started studying at <a href="https://mak.ac.ug/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Makerere University</a>, in Kampala, I joined the computer science program. This was in 2003. I had never interfaced with a computer before, and this was true for many of my classmates. The limited number of computers meant that student Internet cafés were common, requiring one to pay 500 Ugandan shillings (US $0.14) for 30 minutes. Access to programmable hardware was limited, with no access to microcontrollers or hardware manufacturing.</p><p>Once I got the basic introduction to computer science, I was eager to build things with what was available to solve problems for the people around me. At the time, phones were very limited, and it was expensive to make calls, so SMS text messages were very popular. Students, the majority of whom didn’t own phones, needed some way to send texts without one. In my first year, I built a free Web-based SMS platform that allowed people to send messages easily. It quickly gained popularity among university students—a good outcome for my first “product.”</p><p>After I graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Professor <a href="https://www.mak.ac.ug/university-governance/university-management/central-university-management-committee/vice-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Venansius Baryamureeba</a>, then the dean of the faculty of computing and information technology at Makerere, inspired me to apply for graduate school in Belgium. I received a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at <a href="https://www.vub.be/nl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vrije Universiteit Brussel</a> (Free University of Brussels).</p><p class="ieee-inbody-related">Related: <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/stem-education-in-africa" target="_blank">What I Learned From a Janky Drone</a></p><p><span>There, I encountered </span><a href="https://store.arduino.cc/collections/boards-modules?srsltid=AfmBOoo6j7uyuivD-jIrO3r50fdmDsC58rJERiVV_nSgbECi-Y3tO1sa" target="_blank">Arduino microcontroller boards</a><span> for the first time. I witnessed undergraduate students using Arduino boards and sensors to implement embedded-systems projects, such as autonomous devices that could detect, identify, sense, and control their surroundings. I wondered how long it would take for universities in Africa to gain access to such hardware. After all, Arduino’s motto is “Empowering anyone to innovate,” but unfortunately, that empowerment had yet to reach sub-Saharan Africa.</span></p><p>Fast forward to today, and the situation has drastically changed. Laptops are now widely available in Africa, Internet connectivity is faster, and smartphones and mobile Internet are common among computer science faculty and students. But the lag between the launch of a technology and its availability in Africa remains significant, as Oluwatosin Kolade’s story illustrates [see “<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/what-i-learned-from-a-janky-drone" target="_blank">Lessons from a Janky Drone</a>,”].</p><p>Africa has immense potential for computer science and electronics engineering to address a wide range of challenges. Existing software solutions may be insufficient, and the public digital infrastructure may be lacking, so projects at the intersection of hardware and software could fill critical gaps. However, it is crucial for students to get better learning opportunities <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/african-robotics-network" target="_blank">to interact with and build physical systems</a>. There is a wide range of exciting applications in agriculture, transportation, education, and environmental monitoring, which is likely why Kolade’s engineering professor encouraged his team’s surveillance drone project despite the difficulties they encountered.</p><h2>Access to Hardware Remains a Bottleneck </h2><p>While the bottlenecks in hardware access for students and researchers in Africa have eased since my time as a student, obstacles persist. As Kolade attests, significant challenges exist in both scholastic funding and the supply chain. This hampers learning and places a large financial burden on young people. As Kolade explains, students must fund their undergraduate projects out of their own pockets, creating significant barriers for people with limited financial resources.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="A pair of hands holding two circuit boards." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0bcf197a9d723f079e8e0eafb6621a12" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="41558" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-pair-of-hands-holding-two-circuit-boards.jpg?id=61482900&width=980"/><small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The AirQo project [circuit boards shown here] gives students access to 3D printers, soldering stations, and basic sensor boards and components.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Andrew Esiebo</small></p><p>Electronics components must often be sourced from outside the continent, primarily from China, Europe, or the United States. While the number of online stores has increased, the time span from order to delivery can be several months. It is not uncommon for affordable shipping options to require 60 days or more, while faster delivery options can be several times more expensive than the hardware itself. Online shopping, while often necessary, presents an unavoidable complexity for students and faculty, especially if they have limited access to credit and debit cards. By contrast, students in Europe can receive their components within a week, allowing them to complete a hardware project and initiate new iterations before their counterparts in Africa even receive their hardware for initial building. What’s more, some vendors may choose not to ship to addresses in Africa due to transit risks coupled with real or perceived customs complexities.</p><p>Customs and tax clearance procedures can indeed be burdensome, with import duties of up to 75 percent in some countries. While some countries in the region offer tax exemptions for educational resources, such exemptions are often difficult to obtain for individual components, or the procedures are unclear and cumbersome. Local vendors, mostly startups and tech hubs, are emerging, but they often lack sufficient stock and may not be able to fulfill bulk orders from educational institutions.</p><h2>Hardware Access Can Accelerate Education </h2><p>In light of these challenges, universities and students might be tempted to shift their focus to purely software projects or otherwise alter their priorities. However, this limits both education and innovation. Engineering projects that involve both hardware and software awaken students’ creativity and foster in-depth skills acquisition.</p><p>Africa must seek viable solutions. University programs should increase their support of students by providing access to specialized makerspaces and fabrication hubs equipped with the necessary hardware and electronic components. The emergence of high-end makerspaces is encouraging, but the focus should be on providing essential components, such as sensors. Students can learn only so much in makerspaces that have 3D printers but no 3D-printing filament, or printed circuit board fabrication and assembly but no sensor components.</p><p>Community groups and workshops focused on hardware projects can help address the accessibility challenges. These communities could tap into the global open-source hardware groups for education and research. <a href="https://www.datascienceafrica.org/" target="_blank">Data Science Africa</a>, a nonprofit that trains Africans in data science and machine learning, has run hardware sessions that could potentially be scaled to reach many more students. The emergence of research teams working on large-scale projects involving the development and deployment of hardware systems also presents opportunities for students and staff to access facilities and prototype quickly. Showcasing hardware projects from the continent and sharing lessons learned, successful or not, can inspire new projects. For example, at Makerere University—where I am now a computer science professor and the department chair—the <a href="https://www.airqo.net/about-us" target="_blank">AirQo</a> project, which focuses on environmental sensing, provides access to key equipment, including 3D printers, soldering stations, and basic sensor boards and other electronic components.</p><p>Despite the persistent challenges of supply-chain delays, import duties, and limited local vendors that continue to hamper access to hardware across African universities, the continent’s engineering students and educators are finding creative ways to build, innovate, and learn. From my own journey from rural Uganda to pioneering SMS platforms and the emergence of makerspaces and research projects like AirQo, to collaborative communities that connect local innovators with global open-source networks, Africa is steadily closing the technology gap.</p><p>The question is no longer whether African students can compete in hardware innovation—it’s how quickly the world will recognize that some of tomorrow’s groundbreaking solutions are already being prototyped in labs from Kampala to Cape Town. They are being built by students like Oluwatosin Kolade, who learned to engineer solutions with whatever he could get his hands on. Imagine what they could do if they had access to the same resources I had in graduate school. African engineering potential is limitless, but to reach our full potential, we need access to technology that is more readily available in much of the world. <span class="ieee-end-mark"></span></p>

Aug 20, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/four-young-black-men-at-desks-in-a-lecture-hall.png?id=61482540&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C1%2C0%2C1"/><br/><br/><p><strong>The package containing the</strong> ArduCopter 2.8 board finally arrived from China, bearing the weight of our anticipation. I remember picking it up, the cardboard box weathered slightly from its journey. As I tore through the layers of tape, it felt like unwrapping a long-awaited gift. But as I lifted the ArduCopter 2.8 board out of the box, my heart sank. The board, which was to be the cornerstone of our project, looked worn out and old, with visible scuffs and bent pins. This was just one of a cascade of setbacks my team would face.</p><p>It all started when I was assigned a project in machine design at <a href="https://oauife.edu.ng/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obafemi Awolowo University</a> (OAU), located in the heart of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, an ancient Yoruba city in Osun State, in southwest Nigeria, where I am a mechanical engineering student entering my final year of a five-year program. OAU is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful campus and architecture. Some people I know refer to it as the “Stanford of Nigeria” because of the significant number of brilliant startups it has spun off. Despite its reputation, though, OAU—like every other federally owned institution in Nigeria—is underfunded and <a href="https://punchng.com/our-education-not-bargaining-chip-oau-students-lament-lecturers-strike/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plagued by faculty strikes</a>, leading to interruptions in academics. The lack of funding means students must pay for their undergraduate projects themselves, making the success of any project heavily dependent on the students’ financial capabilities.</p><h3>The Student & the Professor</h3><br/><p><strong>Two perspectives on engineering education in Africa</strong></p><p><em>Johnson I. Ejimanya is a one-man pony express. Walking the exhaust-fogged streets of Owerri, Nigeria, Ejimanya, the engineering dean of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, carries with him a department’s worth of communications, some handwritten, others on disk. He’s delivering them to a man with a PC and an Internet connection who converts the missives into e-mails and downloads the responses. To Ejimanya, broadband means lugging a big bundle of printed e-mails back with him to the university, which despite being one of the country’s largest and most prestigious engineering schools, has no reliable means of connecting to the Internet.</em></p><p>I met Ejimanya when I visited Nigeria in 2003 to report on how the SAT-3/WASC, the first undersea fiber-optic cable to connect West Africa to the world, was being used. (The passage above is from my February 2004 <em>IEEE</em> <em>Spectrum</em> article “<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/surf-africa" target="_self">Surf Africa</a>.”) Beyond the lack of computers and Internet access, I saw labs filled with obsolete technology from the 1960s. If students needed a computer or to get online, they went to an Internet cafe, their out-of-pocket costs a burden on them and their families.</p><p>So is the situation any better 20-plus years on? The short answer is yes. But as computer science professor <a href="https://ibaino.net/" target="_blank">Engineer Bainomugisha</a> and IEEE student member <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwatosin-kolade/?originalSubdomain=ng" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oluwatosin Kolade</a> attest in the following pages, there’s still a long way to go.</p><p>Both men are engineers but at different stages of their academic journey: Bainomugisha went to college in the early 2000s and is now a computer science professor at <a href="https://mak.ac.ug/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Makerere University</a> in Kampala, Uganda. Kolade is in his final semester as a mechanical engineering student at <a href="https://oauife.edu.ng/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obafemi Awolowo University</a> in Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Nigeria. They describe the challenges they face and what they see as the path forward for a continent brimming with aspiring engineers but woefully short on the resources necessary for a robust education.</p><p>—Harry Goldstein</p><p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/lab/Oluwaseun-K-Ajayi-Lab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Oluwaseun K. Ajayi</a>, an expert in computer-aided design (CAD), machine design, and mechanisms, gave us the freedom to choose our final project. I proposed a research project based on a paper titled “<em>Advance Simulation Method for Wheel-Terrain Interactions of Space Rovers: A Case Study on the UAE Rashid Rover</em>” by <a href="https://arxiv.org/search/cs?searchtype=author&query=Abubakar,+A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ahmad Abubakar</a> and coauthors<em><em>.</em></em> But due to the computational resources required, it was rejected. Dr. Ajayi instead proposed that my fellow students and I build a surveillance drone, as it aligned with his own research. Dr. Ajayi, a passionate and driven researcher, was motivated by the potential real-world applications of our project. His constant push for progress, while sometimes overwhelming, was rooted in his desire to see us produce meaningful work.</p><p>As my team finished scoping out the preliminary concepts of the drone in CAD designs, we were ready to contribute money toward implementing our idea. We conducted a cost analysis and decided to use a third-party vendor to help us order our components from China. We went this route due to shipping and customs issues we’d previously experienced. Taking the third-party route was supposed to solve the problem. Little did we suspect what was coming.</p><p>By the time we finalized our cost analysis and started to gather funds, the price of the components we needed had skyrocketed due to a sudden economic crisis and depreciation of the Nigerian naira by 35 percent against the U.S. dollar at the end of January 2024. This was the genesis of our problem.</p><p class="ieee-inbody-related">Related: <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/africa-engineering-hardware" target="_blank">Learning More With Less</a></p><p>Initially, we were a group of 12, but due to the high cost per person, Dr. Ajayi asked another group, led by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanaweitonbrasuoware/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tonbra Suoware</a>, to merge with mine. Tonbra’s team had been planning <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/african-robotics-network" target="_blank">a robotic arm project</a> until Dr. Ajayi merged our teams and instructed us to work on the drone, with the aim of exhibiting it at the <a href="https://central.nasrda.gov.ng/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Space Research and Development Agency</a>, in Abuja, Nigeria. The merger increased our group to 25 members, which helped with the individual financial burden but also meant that not everyone would actively participate in the project. Many just contributed their share of the money.</p><p>Tonbra and I drove the project forward.</p><h2>Supply Chain Challenges in African Engineering Education</h2><p>With Dr. Ajayi’s consent, my teammates and I scrapped the “surveillance” part of the drone project and raised the money for developing just the drone, totaling approximately 350,000 naira (approximately US $249). We had to cut down costs, which meant straying away from the original specifications of some of the components, like the flight controller, battery, and power-distribution board. Otherwise, the cost would have been way more unbearable.</p><p>We were set to order the components from China on 5 February 2024. Unfortunately, it was a long holiday in China, we were told, so we wouldn’t get the components until March. This led to tense discussions with Dr. Ajayi, despite having briefed him about the situation. Why the pressure? Our school semester ends in March, and having components arrive in March would mean that the project would be long overdue by the time we finished it. At the same time, we students had a compulsory academic-industrial training at the end of the semester.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-float-left rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Young Black man in plaid shirt sitting on a chair in front of a white board and a black board" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="662b14ac6096514656856080049e84b5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="d6b2d" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/young-black-man-in-plaid-shirt-sitting-on-a-chair-in-front-of-a-white-board-and-a-black-board.png?id=61482574&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Oluwatosin Kolade, a mechanical engineering student at Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University, says the drone project taught him the value of failure.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Andrew Esiebo</small></p><p>But what choice did we have? We couldn’t back down from the project—that would have cost us our grade.</p><p>We got most of our components by mid-March, and immediately started working on the drone. We had the frame 3D-printed at a cost of 50 naira (approximately US $0.03) per gram for a 570-gram frame, for a total cost of 28,500 naira (roughly US $18).</p><p><span>Next, we turned to building the power-distribution system for the electrical components. Initially, we’d planned to use a power-distribution board to evenly distribute power from the battery to the speed controllers and the rotors. However, the board we originally ordered was no longer available. Forced to improvise, we used a </span><a href="https://verotl.com/circuitboards/veroboards" target="_blank">Veroboard </a><span>instead. We connected the battery in a configuration parallel to the speed controllers to ensure that each rotor received equal power. This improvisation did mean additional costs, as we had to rent soldering irons, hand drills, hot glue, cables, a digital multimeter, and other tools from an electronics hub in downtown Ilé-Ifẹ̀.</span></p><p><span></span>Everything was going smoothly until it was time to configure the flight controller—the ArduCopter 2.8 board—with the assistance of a software program called <a href="https://ardupilot.org/planner/" target="_blank">Mission Planner</a>. We toiled daily, combing through YouTube videos, online forums, Stack Exchange, and other resources for guidance, all to no avail. We even downgraded the Mission Planner software a couple of times, only to discover that the board we’d waited for so patiently was obsolete. It was truly heartbreaking, but we couldn’t order another one because we didn’t have time to wait for it to arrive. Plus, getting another flight controller would’ve cost an additional sum—240,000 naira (about US $150) for a <a href="https://www.hawks-work.com/products/pixhawk-2-4-8-flight-control-open-source-px4-autopilot" target="_blank">Pixhawk 2.4.8 flight controller</a>—which we didn’t have.</p><p>We knew our drone would be half-baked without the flight controller. Still, given our semester-ending time constraint, we decided to proceed with the configuration of the transmitter and receiver. We made the final connections and tested the components without the flight controller. To ensure that the transmitter could control all four rotors simultaneously, we tested each rotor individually with each transmitter channel. The goal was to assign a single channel on the transmitter that would activate and synchronize all four rotors, allowing them to spin in unison during flight. This was crucial, because without proper synchronization, the drone would not be able to maintain a stable flight.</p><p class="pull-quote">“This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the harsh realities of engineering projects done by students in Nigeria.”</p><p>After the final configuration and components testing, we set out to test our drone in its final form. But a few minutes into the testing, our battery failed. This failure meant the project had failed, and we were incredibly disappointed.</p><p>When we finally submitted our project to Dr. Ajayi, the deadline had passed. He told us to charge the battery so he could see the drone come alive, even though it couldn’t fly. But circumstances didn’t allow us to order a battery charger, and we were at a loss as to where to get help with the flight controller and battery. There are no tech hubs available for such things in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. We told Dr. Ajayi we couldn’t do as he’d asked and explained the situation to him. He finally allowed us to submit our work, and all team members received course credit.</p><h2>Resourcefulness is not a substitute for funding</h2><p>This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the harsh realities of engineering projects done by students in Nigeria. It showed me that while technical knowledge is crucial, the ability to adapt and improvise when faced with unforeseen challenges is just as important. I also learned that failure, though disheartening, is not an ending but a stepping stone toward growth and improvement.</p><p>In my school, the demands on mechanical engineering students are exceptionally high. For instance, in a single semester, I was sometimes assigned up to four different major projects, each from a different professor. Alongside the drone project, I worked on two other substantial projects for other courses. The reality is that a student’s ability to score well in these projects is often heavily dependent on financial resources. We are constantly burdened with the costs of running numerous projects. The country’s ongoing economic challenges, including currency devaluation and inflation, only exacerbate this burden.</p><p>In essence, when the world, including graduate-school-admission committees and industry recruiters, evaluates transcripts from Nigerian engineering graduates, it’s crucial to recognize that a grade may not fully reflect a student’s capabilities in a given course. They can also reflect financial constraints, difficulties in sourcing equipment and materials, and the broader economic environment. This understanding must inform how transcripts are interpreted, as they tell a story not just of academic performance but also of perseverance in the face of significant challenges.</p><p>As I advance in my education, I plan to apply these lessons to future projects, knowing that perseverance and resourcefulness will be key to overcoming obstacles. The failed drone project has also given me a realistic glimpse into the working world, where unexpected setbacks and budget constraints are common. It has prepared me to approach my career with both a practical mindset and an understanding that success often comes from how well you manage difficulties, not just how well you execute plans. <span class="ieee-end-mark"></span></p>

Aug 19, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/steve-mann-adjusting-a-wearable-computing-device-called-the-eyetap-it-resembles-a-thin-pair-of-electronic-eyeglasses.jpg?id=61487265&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C1"/><br/><br/><p>In the 1980s, people weren’t <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/steve-mann-my-augmediated-life" target="_self">wearing head-mounted cameras, displays, or computers</a>. Except for high school student <a href="https://www.ece.utoronto.ca/people/mann-s/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Steve Mann</a>, who regularly wore his homemade electronic computer vision system (seeing aid).</p><p>Back then, Mann attracted stares, questions, suspicion, and sometimes hostility. But it didn’t stop him from refining the technology he developed. It now underlies <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-smart-glasses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">augmented-reality eyeglasses</a>—including those by <a href="https://www.google.com/glass/photography/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google</a> and<a href="https://www.magicleap.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Magic Leap</a>—that are used in operating rooms and industrial settings such as factories and warehouses.</p><h3>Steve Mann</h3><br/><p><strong></strong><strong>Employer:</strong> </p><p>University of Toronto</p><p><strong>Job title:</strong> </p><p>Professor of electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and forestry </p><p><strong>Member grade: </strong></p><p><strong></strong>Fellow</p><p><strong>Alma maters:</strong> </p><p>McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario; MIT </p><p>Although head-mounted computers haven’t reached smartphone-level ubiquity, when Mann wears XR (eXtended Reality, something he and Charles Wyckoff <a href="https://wearcam.org/xr.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">invented at MIT in 1991</a>) gear these days as a professor of electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and forestry at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">University of Toronto</a>, he doesn’t turn as many heads as he used to.</p><p>In part because of his inventiveness and creativity, the IEEE Fellow was honored for his contributions to wearable computing and the concept of <a href="https://wearcam.org/sousveillance.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sousveillance</a>—the practice of using personal recording devices to watch the watchers and invert traditional surveillance power structures—with this year’s IEEE <a href="https://corporate-awards.ieee.org/award/ieee-masaru-ibuka-consumer-technology-award/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Masaru Ibuka Consumer Technology Award. S</a>ponsored by <a href="https://www.sony.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sony</a>, the award was bestowed by the <a href="https://ctsoc.ieee.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE Consumer Technology Society</a> at the <a href="https://www.ces.tech/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Consumer Electronics Show</a> held in January in Las Vegas.</p><h2>Empowering people through wearable tech</h2><p>Mann is regarded as the <a href="https://youtu.be/Z9qiWqRPrcw?si=4xVRwWN1RMgANiBA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“father of wearable computing</a>.” Asked what he thinks about the moniker, he says it’s less about the title and more about empowering people to see the world—and themselves—in new ways.</p><p>His research and systematic reimagining of how electronic devices can support and extend human abilities, especially vision, have yielded benefits for society. Among them are assisting the visually impaired with the ability to identify objects and enabling experts to remotely view what frontline workers see and then guide them from afar.</p><p>His IEEE award came one month after he received the <a href="https://lifeboat.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lifeboat Foundation</a>’s <a href="https://lifeboat.com/ex/guardian.award" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guardian Award</a>, given to a scientist or public figure “who has warned of a future fraught with dangers and encouraged measures to prevent them.” The foundation is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization dedicated to encouraging scientific advancements while helping humanity survive existential risks and possible misuse of increasingly powerful technologies including genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and robotics/AI.</p><h2>A natural-born tinkerer </h2><p>It stands to reason that Mann would become a leading tinkerer. His earliest memories are of welding with his grandfather and knitting with his grandmother—unusual hobbies for a typical 4-year-old, though not in Mann’s family. His father, who worked for a men’s clothing company, supplemented his income by buying and renovating houses, long before the concept of <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/house-flip.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">flipping houses</a> became widespread.</p><p>“We were always living in a house under construction,” Mann recalls. “I used to help my dad fix things when I was 4 or 5—hammer in my hand—normal stuff.” His grandfather, a refrigeration engineer, taught him how to weld. By age 6, he was wiring and building homemade radios. By the time he was 8, he had started a neighborhood repair business, fixing televisions and radios.</p><p>“In a sense, preschool for me was learning engineering and science,” Mann says with a laugh. “I grew up putting together wood, metal, or fabric. I knew how to make things at a very young age.”</p><h2>Learning to see what others miss</h2><p>When Mann was 12 years old, his father brought home a broken oscillograph (an early version of the oscilloscope, used to display variations in voltage or current as visual waveforms). It turned out to be a defining moment in his life. Too impatient to accept that the waveform dot on the machine’s display moved only up and down instead of both vertically and horizontally, Mann invented a way to push its image through physical space.</p><p>He placed the oscillograph—which he now keeps on a shelf in his laboratory—on a board mounted on roller skate wheels. He connected the device to a police radar and rolled it back and forth. When he realized the machine’s motion, combined with the dot’s vertical movement, created visible waveforms of the radar’s signals, as a function of space rather than time, he unknowingly made a revolutionary discovery.</p><p>Later he would describe that merging of physical and virtual worlds as “extended reality”—a concept that underlies today’s<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ieee-alliance-advancing-augmented-reality" target="_self"> AR</a> and <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/tag/extended-reality" target="_self">XR</a> technologies. It wouldn’t be the last time Mann’s curiosity turned a problem into an opportunity.</p><p>Decades later, on the main floor of his Toronto home, he co-founded <a href="https://choosemuse.com/pages/team" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">InteraXon</a>, the Toronto-based company behind the <a href="https://choosemuse.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqc3ta8hB6lNjQIi_jbX_Go5LphTzvrPTwE1tsykr5bg8XsWn-I" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Muse brain-sensing headband</a>, used to help people manage sleep, stress, and mental health.</p><p>Mann shares legendary 1970s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/26/business/silicon-valley-tech-xerox-parc-sri.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xerox PARC</a> researcher <a href="https://amturing.acm.org/award_winners/kay_3972189.cfm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alan Kay</a>’s belief that “<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chunkamui/2017/04/04/7-steps-for-inventing-the-future/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The best way to predict the future is to invent it</a>.” Mann, however, adds: “Sometimes you invent it by simply refusing to accept the limitations of the present.”</p><h2>A member of MIT’s Media Lab</h2><p> In high school, Mann won several math competitions designed to challenge students at university level. In 1982 he enrolled in <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">McMaster University</a>, in Hamilton, Ontario, to pursue a degree in engineering physics (an interdisciplinary program that combines physics, mathematics, and engineering principles). As an undergraduate, Mann was already experimenting with early prototypes of wearable computers—head-mounted displays, body-worn cameras, and portable computing systems that predated mainstream mobile tech by decades.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="Rehmi Post, Thad Starner, Steve Mann and Professor Alex Pentland donning wearable computers that resemble electronic eyeglasses in the 1990s. They are sitting on steps outside of a building at MIT." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cfa33a4f253284d56b13053d55045687" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="58159" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/rehmi-post-thad-starner-steve-mann-and-professor-alex-pentland-donning-wearable-computers-that-resemble-electronic-eyeglasses.jpg?id=61487346&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Mann [far right] sits alongside fellow MIT Media Lab graduate students, modeling the wearable computers or smart clothes they were developing as part of their Ph.D. research. </small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Pam Berry/The Boston Globe/Getty Images</small></p><p>He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1986. He continued his studies at McMaster to earn a second bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1989, then a master’s degree in engineering in 1991.</p><p>He then enrolled in a doctoral program at <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank">MIT</a>, where he joined its renowned <a href="https://www.media.mit.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Media Lab</a>, a hotbed for unconventional research blending technology, design, and the human experience. He formalized and expanded his ideas around wearable computing, wearable computer vision systems, and wearable AI. He also published some of the earliest academic papers that described the concept of sousveillance.</p><p>He completed his Ph.D. in media arts and sciences in 1997.</p><p>Mann’s doctoral research contributed foundational concepts and hardware that influenced future smart glasses and devices for life logging, the practice of creating a digital record of one’s daily life. He also helped blaze a trail for the fields of <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/augmented-reality-glasses-metasurface" target="_self">augmented reality</a> and <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-inescapability-of-ambient-computing" target="_self">ubiquitous computing</a>.</p><h2>Knitting passions into a unique academic career</h2><p>After completing his Ph.D., Mann returned to Canada and took a position at the University of Toronto as a professor of electrical and computer engineering in 1998. He says he is equally as fascinated by how technology interacts with the natural world as he is by how to remove barriers between the physical world and virtual world.</p><p><span>His interests connect to what he calls “vironmentalism,” which regards technology as a boundary between our environment and our “vironment” (ourselves). This gives rise to his vision of “mersive” technologies that link humans not just to each other but also to the environment around them.</span></p><p class="pull-quote"><span></span>“Go beyond [what’s covered at] school. Define yourself by what you love so much you’d do it [even if no teachers or managers were demanding it]. AI can replace a walking encyclopedia. It can’t replace passion.”</p><p><span>“It’s advancing technology for humanity </span><em><em>and</em></em><span> Earth,” he says, riffing on IEEE’s mission statement. His guiding principle also explains his cross-appointment in the University of Toronto’s forestry department (now part of the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design)—an unusual entry on an electrical and computer engineering professor’s CV.</span></p><h2>IEEE and building community</h2><p>Prior to his groundbreaking doctoral work at MIT, Mann had already joined IEEE in 1988. He credits the organization with connecting him to pioneers like <a href="https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/news/simon-haykin-receives-ieee-medal-for-advancing-radar-technologies/" target="_blank">Simon Haykin</a>, the radar visionary he met at McMaster while he was in high school. Haykin pushed him to dream big, he says.</p><p>Mann has been active in the<a href="https://www.computer.org/" target="_blank"> IEEE Computer</a> and <a href="https://ctsoc.ieee.org/" target="_blank">IEEE Consumer Technology</a> societies. He has served as an organizer, session chair, and program committee member for IEEE conferences related to wearable computing and pervasive sensing.</p><p>In 1997 he helped found the<a href="https://www.ubicomp.org/ubicomp-iswc-2024/iswc-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> International Symposium on Wearable Computers</a>, and numerous other wearable computing symposia, conferences, and events.</p><p>He has given keynote talks and presented papers on topics including sousveillance, ubiquitous computing, and other humanistic aspects of technology at the <a href="https://attend.ieee.org/istas-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society</a> and the <a href="https://percom.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications</a>.</p><p>His contributions include influential papers in IEEE journals, especially various IEEE Transactions and Computer Society magazines.</p><p>Probably his most well-known paper is “<a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/566147" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wearable Computing</a>.” Published in <a href="https://www.ieee.org/membership-catalog/productdetail/showProductDetailPage.html?product=PER300-PRT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><em>Computer</em></em></a> magazine in October 1997, the seminal work outlined the structure and vision for wearable computing as a formal research field. He also contributed articles on sousveillance—exploring the intersection of technology, ethics, and human rights—in <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=44" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em><em>IEEE Technology and Society Magazine</em></em></a>.</p><p>He has collaborated with other IEEE members to develop frameworks for <a href="https://standards.ieee.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wearable computing standards</a>, particularly around human-computer interfaces and privacy considerations.</p><h2>Forever the inventor</h2><p>Mann continues to teach, run his lab, and test new frontiers of <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/tag/wearables" target="_self">wearable devices</a>,<a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/smart-clothing-cornell" target="_self"> smart clothing</a>, and <a href="https://www.xrtoday.com/mixed-reality/the-hottest-trends-in-immersive-environments-for-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">immersive environments</a>. He’s still driven, he says, by the same forces that powered his backyard experiments as a child: curiosity and passion.</p><p>For students who hope to follow in his footsteps, Mann’s advice is simple: “Go beyond [what’s covered at] school. Don’t define yourself by the classes you took or the jobs you had. Define yourself by what you love so much you’d do it “even if no teachers or managers were demanding it”. He adds that, “AI can replace a walking encyclopedia. It can’t replace passion.”</p><p>Mann says he has no plans to retire. If anything, he says, his most productive years are yet to come.</p><p>“I feel like I’m a late bloomer,” he says, chuckling at the irony. “I was fixing radios when I was 8, but my best work? That’s going to happen between 65 and 85.”</p>

Aug 19, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/conceptual-collage-of-a-robotic-arm-reaching-down-between-two-circular-photos-of-experiments-meant-to-resemble-eyeglasses.jpg?id=61469620&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=123%2C0%2C123%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>General-purpose robots are hard to train. The dream is to have a <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ai-robots" target="_blank">robot like the Jetson’s Rosie</a> that can<span> </span><span>performing a range of</span><span> household </span><span>tasks, like tidying up or folding laundry. But for that to happen, the robot needs to learn from a </span><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/global-robotic-brain" target="_blank">large amount of data</a><span> that match real-world conditions—that data can be difficult to collect. Currently, most training data is collected from multiple static cameras that have to be carefully set up to gather useful information. But what if bots could learn from the everyday interactions we already have with the physical world? </span></p><p>That’s a question that the <a href="https://www.lerrelpinto.com/group" target="_blank">General-purpose Robotics and AI Lab</a> at New York University, led by Assistant Professor <a href="https://www.lerrelpinto.com/#publications" target="_blank">Lerrel Pinto</a>, hopes to answer with <a href="https://egozero-robot.github.io/" target="_blank">EgoZero</a>, a smart-glasses system that aids robot learning by collecting data with a souped-up version of <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/meta-ar-glasses-expense" target="_blank">Meta’s glasses</a>. <strong></strong></p><p>In a <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.20290" target="_blank">recent preprint</a>, which serves as a proof of concept for the approach, the researchers trained a robot to complete seven manipulation tasks, such as picking up a piece of bread and placing it on a nearby plate. For each task, they collected 20 minutes of data from humans performing these tasks while recording their actions with glasses from Meta’s <a href="https://www.projectaria.com/" target="_blank">Project Aria</a>. (These sensor-laden glasses are used exclusively for research purposes.) When then deployed to autonomously complete these tasks with a robot, the system achieved a 70 percent success rate. </p><h2>The Advantage of Egocentric Data</h2><p>The “ego” part of EgoZero refers to the “egocentric” nature of the data, meaning that it is collected from the perspective of the person performing a task. “The camera sort of moves with you,” like how our eyes move with us, says <a href="https://raunaqb.com/" target="_blank">Raunaq Bhirangi</a>, a postdoctoral researcher at the NYU lab. </p><p>This has two main advantages: First, the setup is more portable than external cameras. Second, the glasses are more likely to capture the information needed because wearers will make sure they—and thus the camera—can see what’s needed to perform a task. “For instance, say I had something hooked under a table and I want to unhook it. I would bend down, look at that hook and then unhook it, as opposed to a third-person camera, which is not active,” says Bhirangi. “With this egocentric perspective, you get that information baked into your data for free.”</p><p>The second half of EgoZero’s name refers to the fact that the system is trained without any robot data, which can be costly and difficult to collect; human data alone is enough for the robot to learn a new task. This is enabled by a framework developed by Pinto’s lab that tracks points in space, rather than full images. When training robots on image-based data, “the mismatch is too large between what human hands look like and what robot arms look like,” says Bhirangi. This framework instead tracks points on the hand, which are mapped onto points on the robot. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="EgoZero localizes object points via triangulation over the camera trajectory, and computes action points via Aria MPS hand pose and a hand estimation model." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="31a1551426b63f5c0788d4cbde80aa11" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="d916e" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/egozero-localizes-object-points-via-triangulation-over-the-camera-trajectory-and-computes-action-points-via-aria-mps-hand-pose.jpg?id=61469639&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The EgoZero system takes data from humans wearing smart glasses and turns it into usable 3D-navigation data for robots to do general manipulation tasks.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://egozero-robot.github.io/" target="_blank">Vincent Liu, Ademi Adeniji, Haotian Zhan, et al.</a></small></p><p>Reducing the image to points in 3D space means the model can track movement the same way, regardless of the specific robotic appendage. “As long as the robot points move relative to the object in the same way that the human points move, we’re good,” says Bhirangi.</p><p>All of this leads to a generalizable model that would otherwise require a lot of diverse robot data to train. If the robot was trained on data picking up one piece of bread—say, a deli roll—it can generalize that information to pick up a piece of ciabatta in a new environment. </p><h2>A Scalable Solution</h2><p>In addition to EgoZero, the research group is working on several projects to help make general-purpose robots a reality, including open-source robot designs, flexible <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.08276" target="_blank">touch sensors</a>, and additional methods of collecting real-world training data. </p><p>For example, as an alternative to EgoZero, the researchers have also designed a setup with a 3D-printed handheld gripper that more closely resembles most robot “hands.” A smartphone attached to the gripper captures video with the same point-space method that’s used in EgoZero. The team, by having people collect data without bringing a robot into their homes, provide two approaches that could be more scalable for collecting training data.</p><p>That scalability is ultimately the researcher’s goal. Large language models can harness the entire Internet, but there is no Internet equivalent for the physical world. Tapping into everyday interactions with smart glasses could help fill that gap.</p>

Aug 18, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/an-illustration-of-stylized-people-wearing-business-casual-clothing.jpg?id=59104110&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C103%2C0%2C104"/><br/><br/><p><em>This article is crossposted from </em><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant" target="_self">IEEE Spectrum</a><em>’s careers newsletter. <a href="https://engage.ieee.org/Career-Alert-Sign-Up.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Sign up now</em></a><em> to get insider tips, expert advice, and practical strategies, <em><em>written i<em>n partnership with tech career development company <a href="https://jointaro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taro</a> and </em></em></em>delivered to your inbox for free!</em></em></p><p><em><em></em></em><span>During the COVID pandemic, as remote work became the norm, the idea of secretly juggling two full-time jobs gained traction. This was the “overemployed” craze, and the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/overemployed/" target="_blank">/r/overemployed</a> subreddit ballooned to nearly half a million members. The dream was to earn double the income, accelerate the path to financial freedom, and subtly defy corporate America.</span></p><p>As we’ve come back to physical offices, overemployment has become less common, but I was shocked when an engineer recently told me he was working two full-time jobs. He was enjoying the extra pay, but he was also stressed out about keeping secrets from both his managers. Beyond the anxiety of juggling two jobs, overemployment is clearly a career-limiting move for engineers.</p><p>Beyond the obvious contractual breaches—most full-time employment agreements explicitly forbid this kind of moonlighting without consent—overemployment is simply a bad idea.</p><p>With overemployment, you’re essentially trying to “get by” in two roles. Instead of building strong relationships and genuinely contributing, you must perform a delicate balancing act, hoping neither employer catches on. This is incredibly short-sighted. Your career growth isn’t about accumulating company logos; it’s about the skills you acquire, the impact you make, and the people who can advocate for you. You’ll grow exponentially faster—and frankly, have a lot more fun— if you commit fully to one role.</p><p>The temporary financial bump of overemployment comes at a steep price; your coworkers will likely stop trusting you. This concern increases as you become more senior. At the Staff or Principal Engineer level, your <span>job</span> will depend on the relationships you’ve built and your ability to work with (and through) other people. Overemployment, especially when it’s a covert operation, is a fundamental violation of trust. How can you provide meaningful mentorship or truly collaborate when you’re hiding a massive part of your professional life? I don’t believe it’s possible.</p><p>The ultimate career hack is quite simple: commit fully to a <span>job</span> where you’re surrounded by smart coworkers in a company that’s growing rapidly. This is far less complicated (and more ethical) than overemployment. This advice applies equally to engineers who believe they can do multiple personal projects alongside their full-time <span>job</span>.</p><p>The compounding effect of real skill development, strong professional relationships, and single-threaded focus will provide significantly better returns than any short-term double-dipping scheme. And it’ll be more fun!</p><p>—Rahul</p><h3><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/chips-act-map" target="_blank" title="What the Chips Act Looks Like Now">What the Chips Act Looks Like Now</a></h3><p>The U.S. CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 aimed to reestablish advanced manufacturing for logic and memory in the United States. The CHIPS Office agreed to more than US$30 billion in the roughly two months before Trump took office: Check out our map of where projects with more than US$1 million in funding are located. Things have gotten deathly quiet since then, but new administrations often press pause to examine what they want to keep and change. <br/></p><p><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/chips-act-map" target="_blank">Read more here.</a></p><h3><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/telecommunication-pioneer-seizo-onoe" target="_blank" title="Profile: The Telecommunications Pioneer Who Helped Connect the World">Profile: The Telecommunications Pioneer Who Helped Connect the World<br/></a></h3><p>Without Seizo Onoe, cellular phone networks would not be the source of global connectivity we know today. In the early 1990s, individual regions and carriers had built their own telecommunications infrastructures using different technologies and protocols. An industry-wide, standardized cellular telecommunications infrastructure was needed. Onoe was instrumental in aligning companies’ and countries’ infrastructures as 3G networks took shape, and went to play a key role in the creating 4G standards as well. </p><p><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/telecommunication-pioneer-seizo-onoe" target="_blank">Read more here.</a></p><p><a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/telecommunication-pioneer-seizo-onoe" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/eu-rules-general-purpose-ai-models-start-apply-bringing-more-transparency-safety-and-accountability" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="European Commission Releases Code of Practice for Generative AI">European Commission Releases Code of Practice for</a> <a href="https://connect.ieee.org/NzU2LUdQSC04OTkAAAGcOGsp4Kc2N744jx5TCG9-8fzotj_IWj7zrB4KpnFtq6ZuF6l1-OLNmlIvhjt8pRlR7-LfL_M=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="European Commission Releases Code of Practice for Generative AI">Generative AI</a></p><p>Have you created an LLM that was trained using more than 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 floating-point operations and is used in Europe? Then it falls under the aegis of the Union’s new AI regulations—the first part of which went into effect last week. The law is complex, so the European Commission has created easier-to-parse guidelines for developers and operators to follow that should keep them on the right side of regulators. </p><p><a href="https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/eu-rules-general-purpose-ai-models-start-apply-bringing-more-transparency-safety-and-accountability" target="_blank">Read more here.</a></p><em><em></em></em>

Aug 18, 2025

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/abstract-lock-design-with-orange-yellow-circuits-and-blue-dots-on-a-yellow-orange-background.png?id=61449447&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C266%2C0%2C266"/><br/><br/><p><strong>Think of the Web</strong> as a digital territory with its own social contract. In 2014, <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-fathers-of-the-internet-revolution-urge-todays-pioneers-to-reinvent-the-web" target="_self">Tim Berners-Lee</a> called for a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/mar/12/online-magna-carta-berners-lee-web" target="_blank">“Magna Carta for the Web”</a> to restore the balance of power between individuals and institutions. This mirrors the original charter’s purpose: ensuring that those who occupy a territory have a meaningful stake in its governance.</p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web3" target="_blank">Web 3.0</a>—the distributed, decentralized Web of tomorrow—is finally poised to change the Internet’s dynamic by returning ownership to data creators. This will change many things about what’s often described as the “CIA triad” of digital security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Of those three features, data integrity will become of paramount importance.</p><h3>Ariane 5 Rocket (1996)</h3><br/><img alt="Blue rocket launching near a tower with an explosive burst overhead." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3668f1a20513b55376bcd0d52ccca613" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8b9a4" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/blue-rocket-launching-near-a-tower-with-an-explosive-burst-overhead.png?id=61453398&width=980"/><p><strong></strong><strong>Processing integrity f</strong><strong>ailure</strong> <br/><span>A 64-bit velocity calculation was converted to</span> a 16-bit output, causing an error called overflow. The corrupted data triggered catastrophic course corrections that forced the US $370 million rocket to self-destruct.</p><h3></h3><br><p>When we have agency in digital spaces, we naturally maintain their integrity—protecting them from deterioration and shaping them with intention. But in territories controlled by distant platforms, where we’re merely temporary visitors, that connection frays. A disconnect emerges between those who benefit from data and those who bear the consequences of compromised integrity. Like homeowners who care deeply about maintaining the property they own, users in the Web 3.0 paradigm will become stewards of their personal digital spaces.</p><p>This will be critical in a world where <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/tag/ai-agents" target="_self">AI agents</a> don’t just answer our questions but act on our behalf. These agents may execute financial transactions, coordinate complex workflows, and autonomously operate critical infrastructure, making decisions that ripple through entire industries. As digital agents become more autonomous and interconnected, the question is no longer whether we will trust AI but what that trust is built upon. In the new age we’re entering, the foundation isn’t intelligence or efficiency—it’s integrity.</p><h2>What Is Data Integrity?</h2><p>In information systems, integrity is the guarantee that data will not be modified without authorization, and that all transformations are verifiable throughout the data’s life cycle. While availability ensures that systems are running and confidentiality prevents unauthorized access, integrity focuses on whether information is accurate, unaltered, and consistent across systems and over time.</p><h3>NASA Mars Climate Orbiter (1999)</h3><br/><img alt="Abstract satellite orbiting orange planet on a dark blue background with scattered dots." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ba3d28b3502c9332942777e208d547ae" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="016f0" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/abstract-satellite-orbiting-orange-planet-on-a-dark-blue-background-with-scattered-dots.png?id=61453435&width=980"/><p><strong></strong><strong>Processing integrity f</strong><strong>ailure</strong> <br/>Lockheed Martin’s software calculated thrust in pound-seconds, while NASA’s navigation software expected newton-seconds. The failure caused the $328 million spacecraft to burn up in the Mars atmosphere.</p><h3></h3><br><p>It’s a new idea. The undo button, which prevents accidental data loss, is an integrity feature. So is the reboot process, which returns a computer to a known good state. Checksums are an integrity feature; so are verifications of network transmission.</p><p>Without integrity, security measures can backfire. Encrypting corrupted data just locks in errors. Systems that score high marks for availability but spread misinformation just become amplifiers of risk.</p><p>All IT systems require some form of data integrity, but the need for it is especially pronounced in two areas today. First: Internet of Things devices interact directly with the physical world, so corrupted input or output can result in real-world harm. Second: AI systems are only as good as the integrity of the data they’re trained on, and the integrity of their decision-making processes. If that foundation is shaky, the results will be too.</p><p>Integrity manifests in four key areas. The first, <em>input integrity,</em> concerns the quality and authenticity of data entering a system. When this fails, consequences can be severe. In 2021, <a href="https://engineering.fb.com/2021/10/05/networking-traffic/outage-details/" target="_blank">Facebook’s global outage</a> was triggered by a single mistaken command—an input error missed by automated systems. Protecting input integrity requires robust authentication of data sources, cryptographic signing of sensor data, and diversity in input channels for cross-validation.</p><p>The second issue is <em>processing integrity,</em> which ensures that systems transform inputs into outputs correctly. In 2003, the <a href="https://www.nerc.com/pa/rrm/ea/Documents/August_2003_Blackout_Final_Report.pdf" target="_blank">U.S.–Canada blackout</a> affected 55 million people when a control-room process failed to refresh properly, resulting in damages exceeding US $6 billion. Safeguarding processing integrity means formally verifying algorithms, cryptographically protecting models, and monitoring systems for anomalous behavior.</p><h3>Microsoft’s Tay Chatbot (2016)</h3><br/><img alt="Abstract robot illustration with orange eyes, yellow face, blue-black mouth and beige background." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9d4aaea1d281b6343c02512c8626e94b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="fca2a" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/abstract-robot-illustration-with-orange-eyes-yellow-face-blue-black-mouth-and-beige-background.png?id=61454030&width=980"/><p><strong></strong><strong>Processing integrity f</strong><strong>ailure</strong> <br/><span>Released on Twitter, Microsoft</span>’s AI chatbot was vulnerable to a “repeat after me” command, which meant it would echo any offensive content fed to it.</p><h3></h3><br><p><em>Storage integrity</em> covers the correctness of information as it’s stored and communicated. In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration was <a href="https://www.thestack.technology/faa-outage-cause-notam-database-file-not-cyber/" target="_blank">forced to halt</a> all U.S. departing flights because of a corrupted database file. Addressing this risk requires cryptographic approaches that make any modification computationally infeasible without detection, distributed storage systems to prevent single points of failure, and rigorous backup procedures.</p><p>Finally, <em>contextual integrity</em> addresses the appropriate flow of information according to the norms of its larger context. It’s not enough for data to be accurate; it must also be used in ways that respect expectations and boundaries. For example, if a smart speaker listens in on casual family conversations and uses the data to build advertising profiles, that action would violate the expected boundaries of data collection. Preserving contextual integrity requires clear data-governance policies, principles that limit the use of data to its intended purposes, and mechanisms for enforcing information-flow constraints.</p><p>As AI systems increasingly make critical decisions with reduced human oversight, all these dimensions of integrity become critical.</p><h2>The Need for Integrity in Web 3.0</h2><p>As the digital landscape has shifted from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 and now evolves toward Web 3.0, we’ve seen each era bring a different emphasis in the <a href="https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/cia-triad" target="_blank">CIA triad</a> of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.</p><h3>Boeing 737 MAX (2018)</h3><br/><img alt="Cartoon airplane crashes into water; orange 'X' symbol above indicates failure." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2ee73ed2a1bfb7d9fd1f141e74f4d087" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8f82b" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/cartoon-airplane-crashes-into-water-orange-x-symbol-above-indicates-failure.png?id=61454071&width=980"/><p><strong></strong><strong>Input integrity f</strong><strong>ailure</strong> <br/><span>Faulty sensor data caused a</span>n automated flight-control system to repeatedly push the airplane’s nose down, leading to a fatal crash.</p><h3></h3><br><p>Returning to our home metaphor: When simply having shelter is what matters most, availability takes priority—the house must exist and be functional. Once that foundation is secure, confidentiality becomes important—you need locks on your doors to keep others out. Only after these basics are established do you begin to consider integrity, to ensure that what’s inside the house remains trustworthy, unaltered, and consistent over time.</p><p>Web 1.0 of the 1990s prioritized making information available. Organizations digitized their content, putting it out there for anyone to access. In Web 2.0, the Web of today, platforms for e-commerce, social media, and cloud computing prioritize confidentiality, as personal data has become the Internet’s currency.</p><p>Somehow, integrity was largely lost along the way. In our current Web architecture, where control is centralized and removed from individual users, the concern for integrity has diminished. The massive social media platforms have created environments where no one feels responsible for the truthfulness or quality of what circulates.</p><h3>SolarWinds Supply-Chain Attack (2020)</h3><br/><img alt="Capitol building with skull emblem and coding patterns, symbolizing cybersecurity threats." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2feca164c0ded4482fcd1e48faa1f8cb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="8e236" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/capitol-building-with-skull-emblem-and-coding-patterns-symbolizing-cybersecurity-threats.png?id=61454168&width=980"/><p><strong></strong><strong>Storage integrity f</strong><strong>ailure</strong> <br/><span>Russian hackers compromised </span>the process that SolarWinds used to package its software, injecting malicious code that was distributed to 18,000 customers, including nine federal agencies. The hack remained undetected for 14 months.</p><h3></h3><br><p>Web 3.0 is poised to change this dynamic by returning ownership to the data owners. This is not speculative; it’s already emerging. For example, <a href="https://activitypub.rocks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ActivityPub</a>, the protocol behind decentralized social networks like <a href="https://mastodon.social/explore" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mastodon</a>, combines content sharing with built-in attribution. Tim Berners-Lee’s <a href="https://solidproject.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Solid protocol</a> restructures the Web around personal data pods with granular access controls.</p><p>These technologies prioritize integrity through cryptographic verification that proves authorship, decentralized architectures that eliminate vulnerable central authorities, machine-readable semantics that make meaning explicit—structured data formats that allow computers to understand participants and actions, such as “Alice performed surgery on Bob”—and transparent governance where rules are visible to all. As AI systems become more autonomous, communicating directly with one another via standardized protocols, these integrity controls will be essential for maintaining trust.</p><h2>Why Data Integrity Matters in AI</h2><p>For AI systems, integrity is crucial in four domains. The first is decision quality. With AI increasingly contributing to decision-making in health care, justice, and finance, the integrity of both data and models’ actions directly impact human welfare. Accountability is the second domain. Understanding the causes of failures requires reliable logging, audit trails, and system records.</p><h3>ChatGPT Data Leak (2023)</h3><br/><img alt="Unlocked orange padlock with phone displaying keyhole; purple background." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="20f6c19d01e11d7f3962e6cec5ad005c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="0b856" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/unlocked-orange-padlock-with-phone-displaying-keyhole-purple-background.png?id=61454212&width=980"/><p><strong></strong><strong>Storage integrity f</strong><strong>ailure</strong> <br/><span>A bug in </span>OpenAI’s ChatGPT mixed different users’ conversation histories. Users suddenly had other people’s chats appear in their interfaces with no way to prove the conversations weren’t theirs.</p><h3></h3><br><p>The third domain is the security relationships between components. Many authentication systems rely on the integrity of identity information and cryptographic keys. If these elements are compromised, malicious agents could impersonate trusted systems, potentially creating cascading failures as AI agents interact and make decisions based on corrupted credentials.</p><p>Finally, integrity matters in our public definitions of safety. Governments worldwide are introducing <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ai-regulation-worldwide" target="_self">rules for AI</a> that focus on data accuracy, transparent algorithms, and verifiable claims about system behavior. Integrity provides the basis for meeting these legal obligations.</p><p>The importance of integrity only grows as AI systems are entrusted with more critical applications and operate with less human oversight. While people can sometimes detect integrity lapses, autonomous systems may not only miss warning signs—they may exponentially increase the severity of breaches. Without assurances of integrity, organizations will not trust AI systems for important tasks, and we won’t realize the full potential of AI.</p><h2>How to Build AI Systems With Integrity</h2><p>Imagine an AI system as a home we’re building together. The integrity of this home doesn’t rest on a single security feature but on the thoughtful integration of many elements: solid foundations, well-constructed walls, clear pathways between rooms, and shared agreements about how spaces will be used.</p><h3>Midjourney Bias (2023)</h3><br/><img alt="Abstract digital screen with colorful user icons and communication symbols." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d8f7f28b7ae03ecc42bdb6eb7f3e3cd8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="59897" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/abstract-digital-screen-with-colorful-user-icons-and-communication-symbols.png?id=61454522&width=980"/><p><strong>Contextual integrity failure</strong> <br/>Users discovered that the AI image generator often produced biased images of people, such as showing white men as CEOs regardless of the prompt. The AI tool didn’t accurately reflect the context requested by the users.</p><h3></h3><br><p>We begin by laying the cornerstone: <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/pioneers-web-cryptography-future-authentication" target="_self">cryptographic verification</a>. Digital signatures ensure that data lineage is traceable, much like a title deed proves ownership. Decentralized identifiers act as digital passports, allowing components to prove identity independently. When the front door of our AI home recognizes visitors through their own keys rather than through a vulnerable central doorman, we create resilience in the architecture of trust.</p><p>Formal verification methods enable us to mathematically prove the structural integrity of critical components, ensuring that systems can withstand pressures placed upon them—especially in high-stakes domains where lives may depend on an AI’s decision.</p><p>Just as a well-designed home creates separate spaces, trustworthy AI systems are built with thoughtful compartmentalization. We don’t rely on a single barrier but rather layer them to limit how problems in one area might affect others. Just as a kitchen fire is contained by fire doors and independent smoke alarms, training data is separated from the AI’s inferences and output to limit the impact of any single failure or breach.</p><p>Throughout this AI home, we build transparency into the design: The equivalent of large windows that allow light into every corner is clear pathways from input to output. We install monitoring systems that continuously check for weaknesses, alerting us before small issues become catastrophic failures.</p><h3>Prompt Injection Attacks (2023–2024)</h3><br/><img alt="Stylized blue bug on screen with keyboard; sad face in orange circle connected by line." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="380326024bb3491acd433e7d71012d3a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c6e75" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/stylized-blue-bug-on-screen-with-keyboard-sad-face-in-orange-circle-connected-by-line.png?id=61454587&width=980"/><p><strong>Input integrity failure</strong> <br/>Attackers embedded hidden prompts in emails, documents, and websites that hijacked AI assistants, causing them to treat malicious instructions as legitimate commands.</p><h3></h3><br><p>But a home isn’t just a physical structure, it’s also the agreements we make about how to live within it. Our governance frameworks act as these shared understandings. Before welcoming new residents, we provide them with certification standards. Just as landlords conduct credit checks, we conduct integrity assessments to evaluate newcomers. And we strive to be good neighbors, aligning our community agreements with broader societal expectations.</p><p>Perhaps most important, we recognize that our AI home will shelter diverse individuals with varying needs. Our governance structures must reflect this diversity, bringing many stakeholders to the table. A truly trustworthy system cannot be designed only for its builders but must serve anyone authorized to eventually call it home.</p><p>That’s how we’ll create AI systems worthy of trust: not by blindly believing in their perfection but because we’ve intentionally designed them with integrity controls at every level.</p><h2>A Challenge of Language</h2><p>Unlike other properties of security, like “available” or “private,” we don’t have a common adjective form for “integrity.” This makes it hard to talk about it. It turns out that there is a word in English: “integrous.” The Oxford English Dictionary recorded the word used in the mid-1600s but now <a href="https://www.oed.com/dictionary/integrous_adj?tab=factsheet&tl=true#210671" target="_blank">declares it obsolete</a>.</p><h3>CrowdStrike Outage (2024)</h3><br/><img alt="Three panels: people on escalator, government building, hospital with red cross flag." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f862b2f9e3b5143043af915ba3c8d523" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="031f4" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/three-panels-people-on-escalator-government-building-hospital-with-red-cross-flag.png?id=61454608&width=980"/><p><strong>Processing integrity failure</strong><br/>A faulty software update from CrowdStrike caused 8.5 million Windows computers worldwide to crash—grounding flights, shutting down hospitals, and disrupting banks. The update, which contained a software logic error, hadn’t gone through full testing protocols.</p><h3>CrowdStrike  Outage (2024)</h3><br><img alt="Three panels: people on escalator, government building, hospital with red cross flag." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2fc1e6bd930d5c094ddd2ea4c4e2a2ba" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="031f4" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/three-panels-people-on-escalator-government-building-hospital-with-red-cross-flag.png?id=61454608&width=980"/><p><strong>Processing integrity failure</strong> <br/>A faulty software update from CrowdStrike caused 8.5 million Windows computers worldwide to crash—grounding flights, shutting down hospitals, and disrupting banks. The update, which contained a software logic error, hadn’t gone through full testing protocols.</p><h3></h3><br><p>We believe that the word needs to be revived. We need the ability to describe a system with integrity. We must be able to talk about integrous systems design.</p><h2>The Road Ahead</h2><p>Ensuring integrity in AI presents formidable challenges. As models grow larger and more complex, maintaining integrity without sacrificing performance becomes difficult. Integrity controls often require computational resources that can slow systems down—particularly challenging for real-time applications. Another concern is that emerging technologies like quantum computing <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/post-quantum-cryptography-2668949802" target="_self">threaten current cryptographic protections</a>. Additionally, the distributed nature of modern AI—which relies on vast ecosystems of libraries, frameworks, and services—presents a large attack surface.</p><p>Beyond technology, integrity depends heavily on social factors. Companies often prioritize speed to market over robust integrity controls. Development teams may lack specialized knowledge for implementing these controls, and may find it particularly difficult to integrate them into legacy systems. And while some governments have begun establishing regulations for aspects of AI, we need worldwide alignment on governance for AI integrity.</p><h3>Voice-Clone Scams (2024)</h3><br/><img alt="People holding phones, speech bubble showing happiness, money, and skull emoji." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="65869d9830b4cb250f844e1270f059e4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="26ea5" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/people-holding-phones-speech-bubble-showing-happiness-money-and-skull-emoji.png?id=61454716&width=980"/><p><strong>Input and processing integrity failure</strong><br/>Scammers used AI-powered voice-cloning tools to mimic the voices of victims’ family members, tricking people into sending money. These scams succeeded because neither phone systems nor victims identified the AI-generated voice as fake.<br/></p></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br><p><span>Addressing these challenges requires sustained research into verifying and enforcing integrity, as well as recovering from breaches. Priority areas include fault-tolerant algorithms for distributed learning, verifiable computation on encrypted data, techniques that maintain integrity despite adversarial attacks, and standardized metrics for certification. We also need interfaces that clearly communicate integrity status to human overseers.</span></p><p>As AI systems become more powerful and pervasive, the stakes for integrity have never been higher. We are entering an era where machine-to-machine interactions and autonomous agents will operate with reduced human oversight and make decisions with profound impacts.</p><p>The good news is that the tools for building systems with integrity already exist. What’s needed is a shift in mind-set: from treating integrity as an afterthought to accepting that it’s the core organizing principle of AI security.</p><p>The next era of technology will be defined not by what AI can do, but by whether we can trust it to know or especially to do what’s right. Integrity—in all its dimensions—will determine the answer. <span class="ieee-end-mark"></span></p>

Feb 9, 2022

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/andrew-ng-listens-during-the-power-of-data-sooner-than-you-think-global-technology-conference-in-brooklyn-new-york-on-wednes.jpg?id=29206806&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C210"/><br/><br/><p><strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Ng" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andrew Ng</a> has serious street cred</strong> in artificial intelligence. He pioneered the use of graphics processing units (GPUs) to train deep learning models in the late 2000s with his students at <a href="https://stanfordmlgroup.github.io/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stanford University</a>, cofounded <a href="https://research.google/teams/brain/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Brain</a> in 2011, and then served for three years as chief scientist for <a href="https://ir.baidu.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baidu</a>, where he helped build the Chinese tech giant’s AI group. So when he says he has identified the next big shift in artificial intelligence, people listen. And that’s what he told <em>IEEE Spectrum</em> in an exclusive Q&A.</p><hr/><p> Ng’s current efforts are focused on his company <a href="https://landing.ai/about/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Landing AI</a>, which built a platform called LandingLens to help manufacturers improve visual inspection with computer vision. He has also become something of an evangelist for what he calls the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06-AZXmwHjo" target="_blank">data-centric AI movement</a>, which he says can yield “small data” solutions to big issues in AI, including model efficiency, accuracy, and bias. </p><p> Andrew Ng on... </p><ul> <li><a href="#big">What’s next for really big models</a></li> <li><a href="#career">The career advice he didn’t listen to</a></li> <li><a href="#defining">Defining the data-centric AI movement</a></li> <li><a href="#synthetic">Synthetic data</a></li> <li><a href="#work">Why Landing AI asks its customers to do the work</a></li> </ul><p> <strong>The great advances in deep learning over the past decade or so have been powered by ever-bigger models crunching ever-bigger amounts of data. Some people argue that that’s an <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/deep-learning-computational-cost" target="_self">unsustainable trajectory</a>. Do you agree that it can’t go on that way?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Andrew Ng: </strong>This is a big question. We’ve seen foundation models in NLP [natural language processing]. I’m excited about NLP models getting even bigger, and also about the potential of building foundation models in computer vision. I think there’s lots of signal to still be exploited in video: We have not been able to build foundation models yet for video because of compute bandwidth and the cost of processing video, as opposed to tokenized text. So I think that this engine of scaling up deep learning algorithms, which has been running for something like 15 years now, still has steam in it. Having said that, it only applies to certain problems, and there’s a set of other problems that need small data solutions. </p><p> <strong>When you say you want a foundation model for computer vision, what do you mean by that?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng:</strong> This is a term coined by <a href="https://cs.stanford.edu/~pliang/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Percy Liang</a> and <a href="https://crfm.stanford.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">some of my friends at Stanford</a> to refer to very large models, trained on very large data sets, that can be tuned for specific applications. For example, <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/open-ais-powerful-text-generating-tool-is-ready-for-business" target="_self">GPT-3</a> is an example of a foundation model [for NLP]. Foundation models offer a lot of promise as a new paradigm in developing machine learning applications, but also challenges in terms of making sure that they’re reasonably fair and free from bias, especially if many of us will be building on top of them. </p><p> <strong>What needs to happen for someone to build a foundation model for video?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng:</strong> I think there is a scalability problem. The compute power needed to process the large volume of images for video is significant, and I think that’s why foundation models have arisen first in NLP. Many researchers are working on this, and I think we’re seeing early signs of such models being developed in computer vision. But I’m confident that if a semiconductor maker gave us 10 times more processor power, we could easily find 10 times more video to build such models for vision. </p><p> Having said that, a lot of what’s happened over the past decade is that deep learning has happened in consumer-facing companies that have large user bases, sometimes billions of users, and therefore very large data sets. While that paradigm of machine learning has driven a lot of economic value in consumer software, I find that that recipe of scale doesn’t work for other industries. </p><p> <a href="#top">Back to top</a> </p><p> <strong>It’s funny to hear you say that, because your early work was at a consumer-facing company with millions of users.</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>Over a decade ago, when I proposed starting the <a href="https://research.google/teams/brain/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Brain</a> project to use Google’s compute infrastructure to build very large neural networks, it was a controversial step. One very senior person pulled me aside and warned me that starting Google Brain would be bad for my career. I think he felt that the action couldn’t just be in scaling up, and that I should instead focus on architecture innovation. </p><p class="pull-quote"> “In many industries where giant data sets simply don’t exist, I think the focus has to shift from big data to good data. Having 50 thoughtfully engineered examples can be sufficient to explain to the neural network what you want it to learn.”<br/> —Andrew Ng, CEO & Founder, Landing AI </p><p> I remember when my students and I published the first <a href="https://nips.cc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NeurIPS</a> workshop paper advocating using <a href="https://developer.nvidia.com/cuda-zone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CUDA</a>, a platform for processing on GPUs, for deep learning—a different senior person in AI sat me down and said, “CUDA is really complicated to program. As a programming paradigm, this seems like too much work.” I did manage to convince him; the other person I did not convince. </p><p> <strong>I expect they’re both convinced now.</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng:</strong> I think so, yes. </p><p> Over the past year as I’ve been speaking to people about the data-centric AI movement, I’ve been getting flashbacks to when I was speaking to people about deep learning and scalability 10 or 15 years ago. In the past year, I’ve been getting the same mix of “there’s nothing new here” and “this seems like the wrong direction.” </p><p> <a href="#top">Back to top</a> </p><p> <strong>How do you define data-centric AI, and why do you consider it a movement?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng:</strong> Data-centric AI is the discipline of systematically engineering the data needed to successfully build an AI system. For an AI system, you have to implement some algorithm, say a neural network, in code and then train it on your data set. The dominant paradigm over the last decade was to download the data set while you focus on improving the code. Thanks to that paradigm, over the last decade deep learning networks have improved significantly, to the point where for a lot of applications the code—the neural network architecture—is basically a solved problem. So for many practical applications, it’s now more productive to hold the neural network architecture fixed, and instead find ways to improve the data. </p><p> When I started speaking about this, there were many practitioners who, completely appropriately, raised their hands and said, “Yes, we’ve been doing this for 20 years.” This is the time to take the things that some individuals have been doing intuitively and make it a systematic engineering discipline. </p><p> The data-centric AI movement is much bigger than one company or group of researchers. My collaborators and I organized a <a href="https://neurips.cc/virtual/2021/workshop/21860" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">data-centric AI workshop at NeurIPS</a>, and I was really delighted at the number of authors and presenters that showed up. </p><p> <strong>You often talk about companies or institutions that have only a small amount of data to work with. How can data-centric AI help them?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>You hear a lot about vision systems built with millions of images—I once built a face recognition system using 350 million images. Architectures built for hundreds of millions of images don’t work with only 50 images. But it turns out, if you have 50 really good examples, you can build something valuable, like a defect-inspection system. In many industries where giant data sets simply don’t exist, I think the focus has to shift from big data to good data. Having 50 thoughtfully engineered examples can be sufficient to explain to the neural network what you want it to learn. </p><p> <strong>When you talk about training a model with just 50 images, does that really mean you’re taking an existing model that was trained on a very large data set and fine-tuning it? Or do you mean a brand new model that’s designed to learn only from that small data set?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>Let me describe what Landing AI does. When doing visual inspection for manufacturers, we often use our own flavor of <a href="https://developers.arcgis.com/python/guide/how-retinanet-works/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RetinaNet</a>. It is a pretrained model. Having said that, the pretraining is a small piece of the puzzle. What’s a bigger piece of the puzzle is providing tools that enable the manufacturer to pick the right set of images [to use for fine-tuning] and label them in a consistent way. There’s a very practical problem we’ve seen spanning vision, NLP, and speech, where even human annotators don’t agree on the appropriate label. For big data applications, the common response has been: If the data is noisy, let’s just get a lot of data and the algorithm will average over it. But if you can develop tools that flag where the data’s inconsistent and give you a very targeted way to improve the consistency of the data, that turns out to be a more efficient way to get a high-performing system. </p><p class="pull-quote"> “Collecting more data often helps, but if you try to collect more data for everything, that can be a very expensive activity.”<br/> —Andrew Ng </p><p> For example, if you have 10,000 images where 30 images are of one class, and those 30 images are labeled inconsistently, one of the things we do is build tools to draw your attention to the subset of data that’s inconsistent. So you can very quickly relabel those images to be more consistent, and this leads to improvement in performance. </p><p> <strong>Could this focus on high-quality data help with bias in data sets? If you’re able to curate the data more before training?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng:</strong> Very much so. Many researchers have pointed out that biased data is one factor among many leading to biased systems. There have been many thoughtful efforts to engineer the data. At the NeurIPS workshop, <a href="https://www.cs.princeton.edu/~olgarus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Olga Russakovsky</a> gave a really nice talk on this. At the main NeurIPS conference, I also really enjoyed <a href="https://neurips.cc/virtual/2021/invited-talk/22281" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mary Gray’s presentation,</a> which touched on how data-centric AI is one piece of the solution, but not the entire solution. New tools like <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/project/datasheets-for-datasets/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Datasheets for Datasets</a> also seem like an important piece of the puzzle. </p><p> One of the powerful tools that data-centric AI gives us is the ability to engineer a subset of the data. Imagine training a machine-learning system and finding that its performance is okay for most of the data set, but its performance is biased for just a subset of the data. If you try to change the whole neural network architecture to improve the performance on just that subset, it’s quite difficult. But if you can engineer a subset of the data you can address the problem in a much more targeted way. </p><p> <strong>When you talk about engineering the data, what do you mean exactly?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>In AI, data cleaning is important, but the way the data has been cleaned has often been in very manual ways. In computer vision, someone may visualize images through a <a href="https://jupyter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jupyter notebook</a> and maybe spot the problem, and maybe fix it. But I’m excited about tools that allow you to have a very large data set, tools that draw your attention quickly and efficiently to the subset of data where, say, the labels are noisy. Or to quickly bring your attention to the one class among 100 classes where it would benefit you to collect more data. Collecting more data often helps, but if you try to collect more data for everything, that can be a very expensive activity. </p><p> For example, I once figured out that a speech-recognition system was performing poorly when there was car noise in the background. Knowing that allowed me to collect more data with car noise in the background, rather than trying to collect more data for everything, which would have been expensive and slow. </p><p> <a href="#top">Back to top</a> </p><p> <strong>What about using synthetic data, is that often a good solution?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>I think synthetic data is an important tool in the tool chest of data-centric AI. At the NeurIPS workshop, <a href="https://tensorlab.cms.caltech.edu/users/anima/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anima Anandkumar</a> gave a great talk that touched on synthetic data. I think there are important uses of synthetic data that go beyond just being a preprocessing step for increasing the data set for a learning algorithm. I’d love to see more tools to let developers use synthetic data generation as part of the closed loop of iterative machine learning development. </p><p> <strong>Do you mean that synthetic data would allow you to try the model on more data sets?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>Not really. Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re trying to detect defects in a smartphone casing. There are many different types of defects on smartphones. It could be a scratch, a dent, pit marks, discoloration of the material, other types of blemishes. If you train the model and then find through error analysis that it’s doing well overall but it’s performing poorly on pit marks, then synthetic data generation allows you to address the problem in a more targeted way. You could generate more data just for the pit-mark category. </p><p class="pull-quote"> “In the consumer software Internet, we could train a handful of machine-learning models to serve a billion users. In manufacturing, you might have 10,000 manufacturers building 10,000 custom AI models.”<br/> —Andrew Ng </p><p> Synthetic data generation is a very powerful tool, but there are many simpler tools that I will often try first. Such as data augmentation, improving labeling consistency, or just asking a factory to collect more data. </p><p> <a href="#top">Back to top</a> </p><p> <strong>To make these issues more concrete, can you walk me through an example? When a company approaches <a href="https://landing.ai/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Landing AI</a> and says it has a problem with visual inspection, how do you onboard them and work toward deployment?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>When a customer approaches us we usually have a conversation about their inspection problem and look at a few images to verify that the problem is feasible with computer vision. Assuming it is, we ask them to upload the data to the <a href="https://landing.ai/platform/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LandingLens</a> platform. We often advise them on the methodology of data-centric AI and help them label the data. </p><p> One of the foci of Landing AI is to empower manufacturing companies to do the machine learning work themselves. A lot of our work is making sure the software is fast and easy to use. Through the iterative process of machine learning development, we advise customers on things like how to train models on the platform, when and how to improve the labeling of data so the performance of the model improves. Our training and software supports them all the way through deploying the trained model to an edge device in the factory. </p><p> <strong>How do you deal with changing needs? If products change or lighting conditions change in the factory, can the model keep up?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng:</strong> It varies by manufacturer. There is data drift in many contexts. But there are some manufacturers that have been running the same manufacturing line for 20 years now with few changes, so they don’t expect changes in the next five years. Those stable environments make things easier. For other manufacturers, we provide tools to flag when there’s a significant data-drift issue. I find it really important to empower manufacturing customers to correct data, retrain, and update the model. Because if something changes and it’s 3 a.m. in the United States, I want them to be able to adapt their learning algorithm right away to maintain operations. </p><p> In the consumer software Internet, we could train a handful of machine-learning models to serve a billion users. In manufacturing, you might have 10,000 manufacturers building 10,000 custom AI models. The challenge is, how do you do that without Landing AI having to hire 10,000 machine learning specialists? </p><p> <strong>So you’re saying that to make it scale, you have to empower customers to do a lot of the training and other work.</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>Yes, exactly! This is an industry-wide problem in AI, not just in manufacturing. Look at health care. Every hospital has its own slightly different format for electronic health records. How can every hospital train its own custom AI model? Expecting every hospital’s IT personnel to invent new neural-network architectures is unrealistic. The only way out of this dilemma is to build tools that empower the customers to build their own models by giving them tools to engineer the data and express their domain knowledge. That’s what Landing AI is executing in computer vision, and the field of AI needs other teams to execute this in other domains. </p><p> <strong>Is there anything else you think it’s important for people to understand about the work you’re doing or the data-centric AI movement?</strong> </p><p> <strong>Ng: </strong>In the last decade, the biggest shift in AI was a shift to deep learning. I think it’s quite possible that in this decade the biggest shift will be to data-centric AI. With the maturity of today’s neural network architectures, I think for a lot of the practical applications the bottleneck will be whether we can efficiently get the data we need to develop systems that work well. The data-centric AI movement has tremendous energy and momentum across the whole community. I hope more researchers and developers will jump in and work on it. </p><p> <a href="#top">Back to top</a> </p><p><em>This article appears in the April 2022 print issue as “Andrew Ng, AI Minimalist</em><em>.”</em></p>

Feb 8, 2022

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/layered-rendering-of-colorful-semiconductor-wafers-with-a-bright-white-light-sitting-on-one.jpg?id=29285079&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>The end of <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/on-beyond-moores-law-4-new-laws-of-computing" target="_self">Moore’s Law</a> is looming. Engineers and designers can do only so much to <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ibm-introduces-the-worlds-first-2nm-node-chip" target="_self">miniaturize transistors</a> and <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/cerebras-giant-ai-chip-now-has-a-trillions-more-transistors" target="_self">pack as many of them as possible into chips</a>. So they’re turning to other approaches to chip design, incorporating technologies like AI into the process.</p><p>Samsung, for instance, is <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/processing-in-dram-accelerates-ai" target="_self">adding AI to its memory chips</a> to enable processing in memory, thereby saving energy and speeding up machine learning. Speaking of speed, Google’s TPU V4 AI chip has <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/heres-how-googles-tpu-v4-ai-chip-stacked-up-in-training-tests" target="_self">doubled its processing power</a> compared with that of its previous version.</p><p>But AI holds still more promise and potential for the semiconductor industry. To better understand how AI is set to revolutionize chip design, we spoke with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gorr-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Heather Gorr</a>, senior product manager for <a href="https://www.mathworks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MathWorks</a>’ MATLAB platform.</p><p><strong>How is AI currently being used to design the next generation of chips?</strong></p><p><strong>Heather Gorr:</strong> AI is such an important technology because it’s involved in most parts of the cycle, including the design and manufacturing process. There’s a lot of important applications here, even in the general process engineering where we want to optimize things. I think defect detection is a big one at all phases of the process, especially in manufacturing. But even thinking ahead in the design process, [AI now plays a significant role] when you’re designing the light and the sensors and all the different components. There’s a lot of anomaly detection and fault mitigation that you really want to consider.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25 rm-float-left" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Portrait of a woman with blonde-red hair smiling at the camera" class="rm-shortcode rm-resized-image" data-rm-shortcode-id="1f18a02ccaf51f5c766af2ebc4af18e1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="2dc00" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/portrait-of-a-woman-with-blonde-red-hair-smiling-at-the-camera.jpg?id=29288554&width=980" style="max-width: 100%"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..." style="max-width: 100%;">Heather Gorr</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..." style="max-width: 100%;">MathWorks</small></p><p>Then, thinking about the logistical modeling that you see in any industry, there is always planned downtime that you want to mitigate; but you also end up having unplanned downtime. So, looking back at that historical data of when you’ve had those moments where maybe it took a bit longer than expected to manufacture something, you can take a look at all of that data and use AI to try to identify the proximate cause or to see something that might jump out even in the processing and design phases. We think of AI oftentimes as a predictive tool, or as a robot doing something, but a lot of times you get a lot of insight from the data through AI.</p><p><strong>What are the benefits of using AI for chip design?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr:</strong> Historically, we’ve seen a lot of physics-based modeling, which is a very intensive process. We want to do a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_order_reduction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduced order model</a>, where instead of solving such a computationally expensive and extensive model, we can do something a little cheaper. You could create a surrogate model, so to speak, of that physics-based model, use the data, and then do your <a href="https://institutefordiseasemodeling.github.io/idmtools/parameter-sweeps.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">parameter sweeps</a>, your optimizations, your <a href="https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/monte-carlo-simulation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Monte Carlo simulations</a> using the surrogate model. That takes a lot less time computationally than solving the physics-based equations directly. So, we’re seeing that benefit in many ways, including the efficiency and economy that are the results of iterating quickly on the experiments and the simulations that will really help in the design.</p><p><strong>So it’s like having a digital twin in a sense?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr:</strong> Exactly. That’s pretty much what people are doing, where you have the physical system model and the experimental data. Then, in conjunction, you have this other model that you could tweak and tune and try different parameters and experiments that let sweep through all of those different situations and come up with a better design in the end.</p><p><strong>So, it’s going to be more efficient and, as you said, cheaper?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr:</strong> Yeah, definitely. Especially in the experimentation and design phases, where you’re trying different things. That’s obviously going to yield dramatic cost savings if you’re actually manufacturing and producing [the chips]. You want to simulate, test, experiment as much as possible without making something using the actual process engineering.</p><p><strong>We’ve talked about the benefits. How about the drawbacks?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr: </strong>The [AI-based experimental models] tend to not be as accurate as physics-based models. Of course, that’s why you do many simulations and parameter sweeps. But that’s also the benefit of having that digital twin, where you can keep that in mind—it’s not going to be as accurate as that precise model that we’ve developed over the years.</p><p>Both chip design and manufacturing are system intensive; you have to consider every little part. And that can be really challenging. It’s a case where you might have models to predict something and different parts of it, but you still need to bring it all together.</p><p>One of the other things to think about too is that you need the data to build the models. You have to incorporate data from all sorts of different sensors and different sorts of teams, and so that heightens the challenge.</p><p><strong>How can engineers use AI to better prepare and extract insights from hardware or sensor data?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr: </strong>We always think about using AI to predict something or do some robot task, but you can use AI to come up with patterns and pick out things you might not have noticed before on your own. People will use AI when they have high-frequency data coming from many different sensors, and a lot of times it’s useful to explore the frequency domain and things like data synchronization or resampling. Those can be really challenging if you’re not sure where to start.</p><p>One of the things I would say is, use the tools that are available. There’s a vast community of people working on these things, and you can find lots of examples [of applications and techniques] on <a href="https://github.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GitHub</a> or <a href="https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MATLAB Central</a>, where people have shared nice examples, even little apps they’ve created. I think many of us are buried in data and just not sure what to do with it, so definitely take advantage of what’s already out there in the community. You can explore and see what makes sense to you, and bring in that balance of domain knowledge and the insight you get from the tools and AI.</p><p><strong>What should engineers and designers consider wh</strong><strong>en using AI for chip design?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr:</strong> Think through what problems you’re trying to solve or what insights you might hope to find, and try to be clear about that. Consider all of the different components, and document and test each of those different parts. Consider all of the people involved, and explain and hand off in a way that is sensible for the whole team.</p><p><strong>How do you think AI will affect chip designers’ jobs?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr:</strong> It’s going to free up a lot of human capital for more advanced tasks. We can use AI to reduce waste, to optimize the materials, to optimize the design, but then you still have that human involved whenever it comes to decision-making. I think it’s a great example of people and technology working hand in hand. It’s also an industry where all people involved—even on the manufacturing floor—need to have some level of understanding of what’s happening, so this is a great industry for advancing AI because of how we test things and how we think about them before we put them on the chip.</p><p><strong>How do you envision the future of AI and chip design?</strong></p><p><strong>Gorr</strong><strong>:</strong> It’s very much dependent on that human element—involving people in the process and having that interpretable model. We can do many things with the mathematical minutiae of modeling, but it comes down to how people are using it, how everybody in the process is understanding and applying it. Communication and involvement of people of all skill levels in the process are going to be really important. We’re going to see less of those superprecise predictions and more transparency of information, sharing, and that digital twin—not only using AI but also using our human knowledge and all of the work that many people have done over the years.</p>

Feb 7, 2022

<img src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/a-golden-square-package-holds-a-small-processor-sitting-on-top-is-a-metal-square-with-mit-etched-into-it.jpg?id=29281587&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Quantum computing is a devilishly complex technology, with many technical hurdles impacting its development. Of these challenges two critical issues stand out: miniaturization and qubit quality.</p><p>IBM has adopted the superconducting qubit road map of <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/ibms-envisons-the-road-to-quantum-computing-like-an-apollo-mission" target="_self">reaching a 1,121-qubit processor by 2023</a>, leading to the expectation that 1,000 qubits with today’s qubit form factor is feasible. However, current approaches will require very large chips (50 millimeters on a side, or larger) at the scale of small wafers, or the use of chiplets on multichip modules. While this approach will work, the aim is to attain a better path toward scalability.</p><p>Now researchers at <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-021-01187-w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MIT have been able to both reduce the size of the qubits</a> and done so in a way that reduces the interference that occurs between neighboring qubits. The MIT researchers have increased the number of superconducting qubits that can be added onto a device by a factor of 100.</p><p>“We are addressing both qubit miniaturization and quality,” said <a href="https://equs.mit.edu/william-d-oliver/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">William Oliver</a>, the director for the <a href="https://cqe.mit.edu/" target="_blank">Center for Quantum Engineering</a> at MIT. “Unlike conventional transistor scaling, where only the number really matters, for qubits, large numbers are not sufficient, they must also be high-performance. Sacrificing performance for qubit number is not a useful trade in quantum computing. They must go hand in hand.”</p><p>The key to this big increase in qubit density and reduction of interference comes down to the use of two-dimensional materials, in particular the 2D insulator hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). The MIT researchers demonstrated that a few atomic monolayers of hBN can be stacked to form the insulator in the capacitors of a superconducting qubit.</p><p>Just like other capacitors, the capacitors in these superconducting circuits take the form of a sandwich in which an insulator material is sandwiched between two metal plates. The big difference for these capacitors is that the superconducting circuits can operate only at extremely low temperatures—less than 0.02 degrees above absolute zero (-273.15 °C).</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image rm-resized-container rm-resized-container-25 rm-float-left" data-rm-resized-container="25%" style="float: left;"> <img alt="Golden dilution refrigerator hanging vertically" class="rm-shortcode rm-resized-image" data-rm-shortcode-id="694399af8a1c345e51a695ff73909eda" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="6c615" loading="lazy" src="https://spectrum.ieee.org/media-library/golden-dilution-refrigerator-hanging-vertically.jpg?id=29281593&width=980" style="max-width: 100%"/> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption..." style="max-width: 100%;">Superconducting qubits are measured at temperatures as low as 20 millikelvin in a dilution refrigerator.</small><small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..." style="max-width: 100%;">Nathan Fiske/MIT</small></p><p>In that environment, insulating materials that are available for the job, such as PE-CVD silicon oxide or silicon nitride, have quite a few defects that are too lossy for quantum computing applications. To get around these material shortcomings, most superconducting circuits use what are called coplanar capacitors. In these capacitors, the plates are positioned laterally to one another, rather than on top of one another.</p><p>As a result, the intrinsic silicon substrate below the plates and to a smaller degree the vacuum above the plates serve as the capacitor dielectric. Intrinsic silicon is chemically pure and therefore has few defects, and the large size dilutes the electric field at the plate interfaces, all of which leads to a low-loss capacitor. The lateral size of each plate in this open-face design ends up being quite large (typically 100 by 100 micrometers) in order to achieve the required capacitance.</p><p>In an effort to move away from the large lateral configuration, the MIT researchers embarked on a search for an insulator that has very few defects and is compatible with superconducting capacitor plates.</p><p>“We chose to study hBN because it is the most widely used insulator in 2D material research due to its cleanliness and chemical inertness,” said colead author <a href="https://equs.mit.edu/joel-wang/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joel Wang</a>, a research scientist in the Engineering Quantum Systems group of the MIT Research Laboratory for Electronics. </p><p>On either side of the hBN, the MIT researchers used the 2D superconducting material, niobium diselenide. One of the trickiest aspects of fabricating the capacitors was working with the niobium diselenide, which oxidizes in seconds when exposed to air, according to Wang. This necessitates that the assembly of the capacitor occur in a glove box filled with argon gas.</p><p>While this would seemingly complicate the scaling up of the production of these capacitors, Wang doesn’t regard this as a limiting factor.</p><p>“What determines the quality factor of the capacitor are the two interfaces between the two materials,” said Wang. “Once the sandwich is made, the two interfaces are “sealed” and we don’t see any noticeable degradation over time when exposed to the atmosphere.”</p><p>This lack of degradation is because around 90 percent of the electric field is contained within the sandwich structure, so the oxidation of the outer surface of the niobium diselenide does not play a significant role anymore. This ultimately makes the capacitor footprint much smaller, and it accounts for the reduction in cross talk between the neighboring qubits.</p><p>“The main challenge for scaling up the fabrication will be the wafer-scale growth of hBN and 2D superconductors like [niobium diselenide], and how one can do wafer-scale stacking of these films,” added Wang.</p><p>Wang believes that this research has shown 2D hBN to be a good insulator candidate for superconducting qubits. He says that the groundwork the MIT team has done will serve as a road map for using other hybrid 2D materials to build superconducting circuits.</p>

Sep 1, 2025

Though Proxmox is not officially available for Raspberry Pi yet, you can surely be experimental and install it on your Pi like I did.

Aug 29, 2025

Your code may be ugly, but at least make them look good with these themes for the VS Code editor.

Aug 28, 2025

From freedom came elegance. 19 years of Linux Mint.

Aug 27, 2025

Put the Fedora on your computer.

Aug 26, 2025

Let there be (night) light in the hyprland.

Aug 24, 2025

This one is for the nonchalant Linux gamers in the house.

Aug 22, 2025

The VPNs that me and the team have used on Linux in personal capacities. These services also claim to have 'no log policy'.

Aug 21, 2025

A week of fiascos by Microsoft and Google (sort of).

Aug 21, 2025

It is one of those devices that I did not know I needed until I used it.

Aug 18, 2025

Quick little tip that shows how you can access the files and folders under root from Nautilus file manager.

Aug 14, 2025

The universal operating system sees a new major release.

Aug 10, 2025

Squad up with your friends in these awesome co-op games!

Aug 7, 2025

Do you really own a digital product? The quick answer is No.

Aug 5, 2025

You are never too old or too young to learn programming.

Aug 5, 2025

Two offerings that promise privacy and control, yet each takes a different path.

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg 800w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg?resize=250,141 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg?resize=400,225 400w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="812189" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/this-plotter-knows-no-boundaries/plotter-bot-featured/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg" data-orig-size="800,450" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="plotter-bot-featured" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/plotter-bot-featured.jpg?w=800" /></div>If your school in the 1980s was lucky enough to have a well-equipped computer lab, the chances are that alongside the 8-bit machines you might have found a little two-wheeled <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/this-plotter-knows-no-boundaries/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png 1920w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?resize=250,141 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?resize=400,225 400w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?resize=800,450 800w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?resize=1536,864 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="812154" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/phonenstien-flips-broken-samsung-into-qwerty-slider/zflip-feat/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png" data-orig-size="1920,1080" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="zFlip-feat" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zFlip-feat.png?w=800" /></div>The phone ecosystem these days is horribly boring compared to the innovation of a couple decades back. Your options include flat rectangles, and flat rectangles that fold in half and <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/phonenstien-flips-broken-samsung-into-qwerty-slider/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png 1208w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png?resize=250,141 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png?resize=400,225 400w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png?resize=800,450 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="811772" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/applying-thermal-lining-to-rocket-tubes-requires-a-monstrous-diy-spin-caster/this-spin-casting-machine-wants-to-kill-me-19-23-screenshot-banner/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png" data-orig-size="1208,679" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="This Spin-Casting Machine Wants to Kill Me 19-23 screenshot-banner" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/This-Spin-Casting-Machine-Wants-to-Kill-Me-19-23-screenshot-banner.png?w=800" /></div>[BPS.space] takes model rocketry seriously, and their rockets tend to get bigger and bigger. If there&#8217;s one thing that comes with the territory in DIY rocketry, it&#8217;s the constant need <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/applying-thermal-lining-to-rocket-tubes-requires-a-monstrous-diy-spin-caster/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg 800w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg?resize=250,141 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg?resize=400,225 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="811168" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/no-need-for-inserts-if-youre-prepared-to-use-self-tappers/self-tappers-featured/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg" data-orig-size="800,450" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="self-tappers-featured" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/self-tappers-featured.jpg?w=800" /></div>As the art of 3D printing has refined itself over the years, a few accessories have emerged to take prints to the next level. One of them is the threaded <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/no-need-for-inserts-if-youre-prepared-to-use-self-tappers/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png 1188w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png?resize=250,141 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png?resize=400,225 400w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png?resize=800,450 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="811712" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/checking-out-a-tv-pattern-generator-from-1981/philips-pm5519gx-color-tv-pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png" data-orig-size="1188,668" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Philips PM5519GX Color TV Pattern generator 1981 1-21 screenshot-banner" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Philips-PM5519GX-Color-TV-Pattern-generator-1981-1-21-screenshot-banner.png?w=800" /></div>The picture on a TV set used to be the combined product of multiple analog systems, and since TVs had no internal diagnostics, the only way to know things were <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/checking-out-a-tv-pattern-generator-from-1981/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="484" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg 3000w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?resize=250,151 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?resize=400,242 400w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?resize=800,484 800w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?resize=1536,929 1536w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?resize=2048,1239 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="463930" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2021/02/24/increasing-the-resolution-of-the-electrical-grid/grid-4/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg" data-orig-size="3000,1815" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Grid" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grid.jpg?w=800" /></div>Over the past decades power grids have undergone a transformation towards smaller and more intermittent generators &#8211; primarily in the form of wind and solar generators &#8211; as well as <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/the-sense-and-nonsense-of-virtual-power-plants/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Sep 2, 2025

<div><img width="800" height="450" src="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png?w=800" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin: 0 auto; margin-bottom: 15px;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png 1054w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png?resize=250,141 250w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png?resize=400,225 400w, https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png?resize=800,450 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-attachment-id="811682" data-permalink="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/build-your-own-pip-boy-styled-watch/pipboy-themed-pipwatch-project-liligo-ttgo-t-display-s3-long-0-7-screenshot-banner/" data-orig-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png" data-orig-size="1054,593" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="PIPBOY-Themed PIPWATCH Project! Liligo TTGO T Display S3 Long 0-7 screenshot-banner" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png?w=400" data-large-file="https://hackaday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PIPBOY-Themed-PIPWATCH-Project-Liligo-TTGO-T-Display-S3-Long-0-7-screenshot-banner.png?w=800" /></div>[Arnov Sharma]&#8217;s latest PIP-WATCH version is an homage to Pip-Boys, the multi-function wrist-mounted personal computers of Fallout. [Arnov] has created a really clean wearable design with great build instructions, so <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/09/02/build-your-own-pip-boy-styled-watch/" class="read-more">&#8230;read more</a>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Issue 63 of the Nautilus print edition is our Climates Issue. It includes contributions from climate scientist Kate Marvel, author and illustrator A. Kendra Greene, astrophysicist Sean Raymond, and more.  This issue also features new illustrations by Deena So’Oteh. Nautilus Members enjoy an ad-free experience. Log in or Join now .</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/print-edition-63-the-climates-issue-1234592/">Print Edition 63: The Climates Issue</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>These 10 books reveal how the brain is wider than the sky</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/the-nautilus-reading-list-about-the-brain-1234285/">The Nautilus Reading List About the Brain</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Her illustrations had a lasting impact on future botanical artists</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/the-female-artist-who-showed-how-plants-and-insects-relate-1234397/">The Female Artist Who Showed How Plants and Insects Relate</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>An astronaut-turned-aquanaut made history on a long-distance call with friends</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/the-first-sea-to-space-chat-1234439/">The First Sea-to-Space Chat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Learning how to cope with heatwaves, from an ultrarunner</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/how-to-run-across-death-valley-in-the-summer-1234390/">How to Run Across Death Valley in the Summer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>The cave-dwelling olm is a canary in the coal mine for environmental change</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/in-the-land-of-the-eyeless-dragons-1232238/">In the Land of the Eyeless Dragons</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Effective CPR is hard when both patient and rescuer are floating</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/heart-attacks-in-space-1234260/">Heart Attacks in Space</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>Peeking inside deep-sea rocks has offered a clearer timeline for an oxygen-fueled burst of animal evolution</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/when-ancient-sea-monsters-emerged-1234042/">When Ancient Sea Monsters Emerged</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>High temperatures can alter our bodies at the molecular level</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/extreme-heat-will-change-you-1232228/">Extreme Heat Will Change You</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>A new study predicts massive population declines in the Arctic</p> <p>The post <a href="https://nautil.us/reindeer-are-vanishing-1233989/">Reindeer Are Vanishing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://nautil.us">Nautilus</a>.</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>A cable design that sends light through air rather than solid glass could cut signal loss and make long-distance transmissions cheaper</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>A collection of seven book reviews from our archives, each paired with a recently published book we recommend</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>As AI grows more fluent in mimicking human empathy, language and memory, we&rsquo;re left asking: If a machine can fake awareness so well, what exactly is the real thing?</p>

Sep 2, 2025

<p>Mathematicians have unraveled a key conjecture about knot theory</p>

Sep 1, 2025

<p>Our social voyeurism may have deep evolutionary roots</p>

Aug 31, 2025

<p>A machine-learning algorithm spotted signs of &ldquo;covert consciousness&rdquo; in coma patients&mdash;in some cases, days before doctors could do so</p>

Aug 31, 2025

<p>Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of losing homes, businesses&mdash;and lives&mdash;as giant &ldquo;gullies&rdquo; expand into cities across Africa</p>

Aug 31, 2025

<p>The EPA fired five agency employees who signed a June declaration decrying moves that contradict science and undermine public health and issued removal notices to four more</p> <p></p>

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Check out this collection of nonfiction and fiction books recommended by <i>Scientific American</i></p>

Aug 30, 2025

<p>Scientists have revived an ignored area of math to envision a path toward stable quantum computing</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Telling people exactly how voting security works helps defeat election misinformation, experiments suggest. But outside experts question how well that works in the real world</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Surgeons think the first transplantation of a pig lung in a human is an exciting step forward for the field, but many questions remain open</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Genetic and anatomical data reveal how the human pelvis acquired its unique shape, enabling our ancestors to walk on two legs</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>A survey of <i>Scientific American</i>&rsquo;s century of quantum coverage helps explain the enduring popularity of strange physics</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>AI can transfer strange qualities through seemingly unrelated training&mdash;from a love of owls to something more dangerous</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Superluminal velocities are common but illusory</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Hurricane forecasts have made huge leaps since Katrina hit 20 years ago, but that progress is threatened by Trump administration cuts to research</p>

Aug 29, 2025

<p>Two decades after Katrina, we revisit the storm and discuss the evolution of hurricane preparedness since then.</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Public health experts warn that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s leadership crisis&mdash;sparked by the White House&rsquo;s efforts to oust CDC director Susan Monarez&mdash;could jeopardize national biosecurity, pandemic preparedness and disease outbreak surveillance</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>A deep-sea worm that lives in hydrothermal vents is the first known animal to create orpiment, a toxic, arsenic-containing mineral that was used by artists for centuries</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Scientists and engineers have been implementing steps to better protect New Orleans, but recent government actions are undermining the work, raising alarm</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Scientists treated a person&rsquo;s type 1 diabetes with genetically modified insulin-producing cells that evaded immune system attacks. This is the first therapy for the condition that does not require immunosuppressant drugs</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Bottom trawling is a fishing practice that is notoriously destructive to seafloor ecosystems. Now there&rsquo;s growing evidence that it might unleash planet-warming carbon</p>

Aug 28, 2025

<p>Houseplants become rechargeable night-lights after injection with tiny phosphor particles</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>Many questions still surround COVID vaccine access this fall, but here&rsquo;s what we know so far</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>This new &ldquo;connectome&rdquo; could bring researchers one step closer to understanding how nerves connect to organs throughout the body</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>Steep population declines in most countries are expected to have negative effects over the next several generations, but adaptation is possible</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>Deep-sea rocks packed with valuable metals may also be making oxygen in the deep, dark ocean&mdash;raising new questions about the cost of mining them.</p>

Aug 27, 2025

<p>Overcoming three recent failed tries, Elon Musk&rsquo;s rocket company successfully flew its reusable jumbo booster and upper-stage Starship spacecraft</p>

Aug 26, 2025

<p>A new long-term study suggests that the more heat waves people are exposed to, the more their body&rsquo;s aging process accelerates</p>

Aug 26, 2025

<p>Fresh results from near-infrared instruments foretell a bright future for finding life elsewhere in the Milky Way</p>

Aug 26, 2025

<p>Microplastics are seemingly everywhere&mdash;and now growing research suggests they could be breeding grounds for drug-resistant bacteria</p>

Aug 25, 2025

<p>This gruesome parasite is more of a threat to your burger than to you</p>

Aug 25, 2025

<p>In a rare move for a U.S. public official, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., called for a paper that found no link between aluminum in vaccines and disease to be retracted. The journal rejected the request</p>

Aug 25, 2025

<p>Users&rsquo; Internet search questions can strengthen echo chambers, even on factual topics, but there are simple ways to lessen the effect</p>

Aug 25, 2025

<p>In honor of <i>SciAm</i>&rsquo;s 180th birthday, we&rsquo;re spotlighting the biggest &ldquo;wait, what?&rdquo; moments in science history.</p>

Aug 24, 2025

<p>A new wave of delusional thinking fueled by artificial intelligence has researchers investigating the dark side of AI companionship</p>

Aug 23, 2025

<p>The brain&rsquo;s body map doesn&rsquo;t reorganize itself after limb amputation, a study found, challenging a textbook idea in neuroscience</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>After a string of fiery failures, SpaceX&rsquo;s biggest rocket faces another test flight with sky-high stakes for U.S. space ambitions</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>The downfall of a long-standing theory in psychology raises a question: How much does the environment we&rsquo;re raised in change how we literally see the world?</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>A new analysis uncovers seasonal patterns of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, across the Americas, which could help scientists anticipate future outbreaks</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>Money talks louder in some languages than others</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>Researchers spied a wild array of life, including dozens of suspected new species, in an underwater gorge</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>The 60-meter asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 4 percent chance of hitting the moon. Could such a lunar collision create a dangerous new meteor shower?</p>

Aug 22, 2025

<p>Peanut allergies more than tripled in U.S. kids between the late 1990s and late 2000s, and the prevalence has risen even more since then. Scientists are still searching for answers&mdash;and new ways to treat them.</p>

Aug 21, 2025

<p>In his latest book, science journalist Peter Brannen argues that CO₂ is the most important&mdash;and most misunderstood&mdash;molecule on Earth</p>

Aug 21, 2025

<p>The journal&nbsp;<i>Science</i>&nbsp;has lifted an expression of concern on a paper claiming evidence of Majorana quasiparticles, but concerns linger</p>

Aug 21, 2025

<p>OpenAI researchers reveal how their experimental model, devoid of any external aids, powered through hours-long proofs to earn a gold-medal score at the International Math Olympiad&mdash;and they discuss the project&rsquo;s origins and describe how such work could help lead to artificial general intelligence</p>

Aug 21, 2025

<p>Hurricane forecasts feature a &ldquo;cone of uncertainty,&rdquo; but what is it actually showing? <i>Scientific American</i> breaks it down for you</p>

Aug 21, 2025

<p>Everything you need to know about hurricanes explained</p>