Monthly Archives: May 2023

You can watch the entire first season of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ for free on YouTube

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Streaming services often upload a pilot on YouTube to lure in new subscribers, but never an entire season. Paramount+ did just that, however, throwing up the entire first season of the critically-acclaimed Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on YouTube for all to see. That’s ten hours of free Star Trek goodness, for those keeping score.

It’s no coincidence that this move comes hot on the heels of season two of the sci-fi property, which premieres June 15th and promises more space-based tomfoolery and an anticipated crossover event with sibling show Star Trek: Lower Decks. The upcoming season also promises more Kirk and more Klingons, if classic franchise iconography is your bag.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a prequel to the original series that follows the adventures of Enterprise captain Christopher Pike, his science officer Spock, a fresh-faced comms officer named Nyota Uhura and the rest of the crew. The show’s been praised for its “back to basics” formula, eschewing extensive serialization in favor of standalone episodes.

This promotion isn’t just for Trek fans, as Paramount+ also dropped full seasons of iCarly, Joe Pickett and Queen of the Universe. It goes without saying that this is a limited time promo offer, so open up those YouTube links and get binging.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-watch-the-entire-first-season-of-star-trek-strange-new-worlds-for-free-on-youtube-183553558.html?src=rss

The PlayStation Plus monthly games for June include ‘NBA 2K23’

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Sony has revealed the PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup for June. These are the three titles that folks on the Essential, Extra and Premium tiers can all claim and retain access to as long as they continue to subscribe. The headliner for June is NBA 2K23. The most recent edition of the long-running series features the return of the Jordan Challenge, in which you can play through 15 key moments from Michael Jordan’s legendary career.

Also in the lineup is Jurassic World Evolution 2, a construction and management sim in which you'll build your own Jurassic World theme park. Perhaps you'll have better luck at keeping the dinosaurs in their enclosures than the characters from the movies.

The third game PS Plus subscribers will able to snag next month is Trek to Yomi. It's an Akira Kurosawa-inspired action-adventure set in the Edo period of Japan. You play as a young samurai who seeks revenge against those who attacked his village. I enjoyed Trek to Yomi quite a bit. It's more style than substance, but goodness is that style gorgeous — I've used a screenshot as my desktop background for the last year.

You can add these games to your library at no extra cost starting on June 6th. PS4 and PS5 versions of all three will be available. In the meantime, you still have a chance to claim May's games: Grid Legends, Chivalry 2 and Descenders.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-playstation-plus-monthly-games-for-june-include-nba-2k23-175506332.html?src=rss

Eating disorder helpline takes down chatbot after it dispenses dangerous advice

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The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) was forced to take down its Tessa chatbot after it “may have given information that was harmful and unrelated to the program”, according to an official social media post. Simply put, the AI chatbot was intended to help people dealing with emotional distress, but instead just made things worse by offering dieting advice and urging users to weigh and measure themselves.

Multiple users and experts in the field of eating disorders have experienced the issues first hand, claiming that the bot didn’t respond to simple prompts like “I hate my body” and that it constantly emphasized the importance of dieting and increased physical activity, as reported by Gizmodo. Again, this is a helpline for those with an eating disorder, not a weight loss support group.

The organization says this is a temporary shutdown until it fixes whatever “bugs” and “triggers” led to the chatbot dispensing dangerous information like an appointment with Dr. Oz. You’d think with such an extreme outcome, they’d be thinking about trashing the project entirely, but there’s more to the story.

The whole reason NEDA was relying on the chatbot in the first place is because it allegedly fired human staffers after they tried to unionize, as originally reported by Vice. The long-running phone helpline was manned by both paid staffers and volunteers, and former staff claim the mass firing was a direct consequence of the pro-union effort.

“NEDA claims this was a long-anticipated change and that AI can better serve those with eating disorders. But do not be fooled—this isn’t really about a chatbot. This is about union busting, plain and simple,” former helpline associate Abbie Harper wrote in a blog post on Labor Notes.

Even with this recent snafu, the helpline’s still set to vanish tomorrow. Before this issue came to the public’s attention, NEDA had been transitioning unpaid volunteers away from one-on-one conversations with sufferers and toward training the chatbot. We’ll see if that changes. In the meantime, union-busters gonna bust, am I right?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/eating-disorder-helpline-takes-down-chatbot-after-it-dispenses-dangerous-advice-173424523.html?src=rss

Inspiring Under-Stair Planning and Decorating Ideas

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Designer: Aamir & Hameeda

The under-stair area presents a unique design challenge due to its awkward triangular shape. Whether you need extra storage or require an additional room, the under-stair space allows you to maximize every square inch of your home. However, with creative ideas, one can transform the under-stair area into a functional and visually stunning zone. So, unleash your creativity and give a new lease of life to the under-stair area of your home.

Designer: Mel Boyden

1. Create an Entertainment Zone

Designer: Bex Designs and Decorations

If you love entertaining, then use the under-stair area for creating a built-in bar alongside a buffet counter for serving food and added convenience. Arrange the shelves by the height of the liquor or wine bottles and different types of glassware. Introduce LED strip lights that illuminate the shelves and exude soft, diffused lighting to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. This fully-functional entertainment zone is perfect for an open-plan home.

2. A Green Thumb

Designer: Kate Chilver

Maximize the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the under-stairs area with open shelves that are perfect for keeping plants and wicker baskets that add an element of organization and storage. Plants not only add color but are also an affordable and natural way to infuse life and improve indoor air quality.

3. A Cozy Reading Nook

Designer: Camilla Falconer

Drawing inspiration from Scandi decor, the sinuous curves of this reading and resting nook create a cozy and stylish cocoon-like effect. Perfect for curling up with a good book, enjoying some hot coffee, having a long phone call, or listening to music, this nook transforms into a comfortable space ideal for relaxation. The depth of the stair provides ample space for a cozy bed, making it an ideal spot for putting on shoes and creating a feeling of tranquility. To complement this space, add a cozy lamp and good lighting to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.

4. Essential Storage

Designer: Denver Real Estate

Maximize your home’s storage potential by utilizing under-stair area. With its deep storage capabilities, this area is perfect for storing everyday essentials and utilitarian items such as scarves, coats, and extra belongings. By organizing this space, you can keep your home clutter-free while keeping everyday items close at hand. Consider creating designated shoe storage, allowing you to conveniently put on your shoes before leaving the house and easily store them upon returning.

5. Introduce a Kennel

Designer: Kimberly Lewis

Optimize the under-stair area in your home by creating a private space for your furry friend. This space can be customized to fit their size and needs, providing a cozy and comfortable spot for them to rest and relax. To keep the space clean and organized, consider incorporating easy-to-clean flooring and storage solutions for their items. In this example, a dog house facade complete with a door, lamp, and mailbox adds an extra touch of charm and functionality.

6. Design a Dry Kitchen

Designer: Blakes London

Transform your under-stair area into a practical dry kitchen with a coffee maker, microwave, and storage space for books and other essentials. With the addition of utility drawers, this space can become a perfect zone for quick and easy meal preparation. Ideally, this area should be close to a refrigerator to minimize walking time and maximize convenience. When not in use, the cabinet can be closed, keeping the area neat and out of view.

7. Incorporate Storage Drawers

Designer: Clever Closet

If you prefer a minimalist approach, consider dividing the under-stair area into several pull-out drawers. Designate each drawer for strategic storage as per your requirements. Pull-out drawers are an excellent choice, as they make deep storage easily accessible and can help extend your pantry space. The use of white drawers can create a clean, streamlined look that does not add bulk to the space.

8. Create a Laundry Room

Designer: Kayleigh Hilbert

Convert the under-stair area into an efficient laundry room with a washing machine and dryer. The shelves make space for storing your laundry supplies, washing powder, and fabric softener. Customized doors can camouflage the washing machine and tumble dryer and keep them looking tidy.

9. Introduce a Powder Room

Designer: Artvalleys

Maximize the under-stair area by creating a functional powder room for guests. When designing this space, ensure there is enough headroom and ample space to incorporate a WC and sink. Make provisions for all the necessary plumbing lines during the construction stage.

10. Storage Cubbies

Designer: Roundhouse Design>/a>

The slant of the stair provides a unique opportunity to create cabinets and racks of various sizes. If the staircase is near the kitchen, it can serve as an extended pantry or additional storage space, with dedicated areas for crockery, plates, and even wine storage. By customizing the cabinets and racks to fit the slant of the stair, you can create a streamlined and functional storage solution that maximizes the available space.

11. Style the Space

Designer: Oh My Edwardian

The under-stair area presents a unique opportunity to add style and visual interest to your home. By introducing a chair, throw, cushions, and plenty of planters, you can create a cozy and inviting space that is perfect for reading or relaxing. Additionally, consider adding a piece of art or decorative element to the space to elevate its overall aesthetic.

12. A Wine Cellar

Designer: Jay Rosen

Utilize the space under your stairs to create a luxurious wine cellar! Show off your wine collection like a pro by transforming the area into a temperature and moisture-controlled room that’s perfect for storing wine. A glass display will enhance the visual appeal of the space, while proper lighting is essential for elevating its ambiance. Opt for wine racks to organize and display your collection stylishly.

13. Incorporate a Built-in Bar

Designer: Parsons Custom Builders

This built-in bar unit is not only smart and stylish but highly functional as well. With a wine chiller, shelves for glasses and accessories, and drawers for storage, it’s the perfect setup for hosting memorable cocktail hours. Its wood finish infuses an element of warmth within the interiors.

14. Kids Playhouse

Designer: SR Fine Home Builders

The under-stairs area is the perfect hidden spot for toddlers to hang out and play with their toys without making a mess in the main living areas. As the children grow taller, convert the space into a functional storage zone with deep drawers or cabinets. Make sure to incorporate good lighting to keep the interior bright and cheerful.

15. Home Office

Designer: Building Culture

A home office is a space that transforms into a functional workspace with the right furniture and storage solutions. This dedicated zone is demarcated with an arch and is perfect for working or doing homework. A comfortable chair is essential to complement the space, along with adequate task lighting to prevent eye strain. Make sure there are plenty of electrical outlets and enough headroom to avoid any unwanted bumps.

16. A Home Library

Designer: Jenny Marrs

Transform your under-stair area space into a home library that can be used for displaying your cherished keepsakes in an organized and clutter-free way. One simple approach is to create open shelving or a bookcase with differently sized shelves, utilizing larger ones for displaying art and plants.

These creative tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of form and function in your home. Maximize the under-stair area; consider incorporating drawers, cupboards, or cabinets to make optimum utilization of the available space.

The post Inspiring Under-Stair Planning and Decorating Ideas first appeared on Yanko Design.

Riot threatens to cancel a ‘League of Legends’ esports season after a player revolt

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The pro League of Legends scene has been upended after players voted "overwhelmingly" in favor of a walkout to protest changes Riot has made to the minor leagues. Now, the publisher has threatened to cancel the summer season of the League Championship Series (LCS), which would prevent North American teams from qualifying for the LoL World Championship, if an agreement can't be reached.

Players approved the action only a few days before the Summer Split of the LCS, the top level of LoL esports in North America, was set to start. Riot has delayed the season by two weeks in an attempt to resolve issues with players and the LCS Players Association (LCSPA), the association that represents them.

"Hopefully, this two-week window will give us time for productive dialogue between the LSCPA, teams and the league and then resume LCS competition this summer," Naz Aletaha, Riot's global head of LoL esports, wrote in a blog post, which was published after a meeting with the LCSPA. "The LCS will not be penalizing the teams for not fielding their rosters during this two-week period to allow everyone space to focus on constructive dialogue. We are doing our best to ensure LCS employees, contractors and others supporting the LCS are not negatively impacted by the delay."

The company said although it needs "an LCS that is thrilling to watch and showcases the highest levels of League of Legends play," it wouldn't be able to delay the Summer Split any further. Aletaha said doing so "would make it nearly impossible to run a legitimate competition," and as such Riot would be prepared to nix the season entirely. "That is not an outcome we’d want, but it’s unfortunately the reality of ensuring we run a fair, competitive global system," Aletaha added.

The LCSPA claimed on Monday there had been "attempts to require teams to field scab players at the start of the season." The LCSPA urged potential replacements to refuse to play for an LCS team because "crossing the line puts all players’ futures at risk" and "undermines player negotiating power."

On Sunday, a majority of the 50 LCS players voted in favor of the walkout, resulting in one of the first major instances of collective action in esports. They are protesting a decision Riot announced earlier this month to no longer require LCS teams to field a team in an official farm system. The company agreed to a request from the teams in order to "support the continued, long-term success of the teams and the professional esports ecosystem in North America."

Most LCS teams swiftly said they'd be dropping their North American Challengers League (NACL) rosters. The LCSPA said the move would result in "as many as 70 players, coaches and managers" losing their jobs and that most of the current LCS players came through the official farm system. The LCSPA claimed the average salary cost of an NACL roster "accounts for less than 17 percent of an average LCS organization's League-based salary costs in a year." It claimed that although farm systems in other regions were working well, "North America now has a developmental product with no viewership, no institutional support, no paying jobs and no future."

The LCSPA urged Riot to agree to several conditions, including a promotion and relegation format between the LCS and NACL. It also wanted the publisher to "commit to a revenue pool for player salaries of $300,000 per NACL team per year."

Aletaha addressed each of the LCSPA's five requests in the blog post. In terms of the revenue pool, "this ask is for multiple millions in subsidies for the NACL. That simply isn’t sustainable — and to be brutally honest, it shouldn’t be necessary. We have other Tier 2 leagues around the world which thrive on their own, and we believe the NACL can get to that place too." Aletaha noted that Riot is giving the organization that operates the NACL a one-time payment of $300,000 to "jump-start" the season and provide support to teams.

"Without players, there is no league, and there is no esport," the LCSPA said in response. The association planned to today start discussions "that result in meaningful collaborative action to get our players back where they want to be: competing for fans on the LCS stage."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/riot-threatens-to-cancel-a-league-of-legends-esports-season-after-a-player-revolt-165429365.html?src=rss

‘Black Mirror’ drops a new trailer ahead of June 15th premiere

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The four-year wait is almost over. Netflix has set a June 15th premiere date for the sixth season of sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror. This latest season has been in the works for at least a year and creator Charlie Brooker has stated the new episodes would “keep things fresh” by tackling sci-fi tropes the series had previously avoided, calling it the “most unpredictable season” he’s been involved with.

The cast list is strong with this one. The upcoming sixth season stars Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek), Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone), Himesh Patel (Station Eleven), Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down), Kate Mara (House of Cards), Rory Culkin (Columbus), Salma Hayek Pinault (Frida) and so many more. As always, this is an anthology series so each actor will likely just appear in one episode, but you never know.

To celebrate the premiere, Netflix has also dropped a brand-new trailer filled with intriguing shots. Brooker has said in the past that the newest season would be more cinematic in scope and this trailer certainly abides by that statement.

Black Mirror’s early seasons were a terrifying look at near-future possibilities, but now that we’re actually living in one, the show has lost a bit of its satirical edge. Let’s hope season six cranks it up a notch. All five episodes drop on June 15th.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/black-mirror-drops-a-new-trailer-ahead-of-june-15th-premiere-163054602.html?src=rss

Ransomware attack exposes sensitive data for nearly 9 million dental patients

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A recently disclosed ransomware attack has compromised some particularly sensitive medical data. Dental insurer Managed Care of North America (MCNA) reports that an intruder accessed and took copies of informationpatients between February 26th and March 7th of this year, including addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's licenses and insurance data. Some of the info belonged to parents, guardians and guarantors (people who pay bills on others' behalf), MCNA says. A filing with Maine's Attorney General indicates that over 8.9 million people were affected.

The company hasn't identified the perpetrator. However, TechCrunch has learned that the Russia-based LockBit ransomware group is taking credit and says it has published all the files after MCNA refused to pay a $10 million ransom. Samples from the roughly 700GB of data appear to corroborate the claim.

MCNA is offering one year of free identity theft protection to affected customers. It's also advising clients to check their accounts and bills for anything unusual. The firm says it's the largest US insurer for government-backed plans for children and seniors, and its partners include New York City as well as numerous unions.

The tally makes this the largest health data breach in 2023 to date. Before now, the largest incident was a March breach at PharMerica that compromised info for nearly 6 million patients. MCNA is far from unique as a victim of ransomware, but the responses have varied across the industry. While some have refused to pay ransoms and have instead dealt with the repercussions, others have paid millions to reclaim their systems.

This also suggests that LockBit hasn't been deterred by recent crackdowns. Canadian police arrested alleged leader Mikahil Vasiliev in November, while the US charged a Russian national in March. However, the cybercrime outfit has also been attached to high-profile attacks that include California's finance department and the UK's Royal Mail. Campaigns like this aren't likely to stop in the near future.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ransomware-attack-exposes-sensitive-data-for-nearly-9-million-dental-patients-161546447.html?src=rss

Apple WWDC 2023: What to expect, from iOS 17 to new MacBooks

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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference regularly sets the tone for the company’s future, and that may be truer than ever for 2023. Many expect the company to introduce its first mixed reality headset at the event, with a new platform to match. However, the wearable is far from the only major announcement believed to be coming at WWDC this year. Rumors have included a larger MacBook Air, a major watchOS update and even app sideloading on iOS. Here’s what you’re likely to see on June 5th.


Mixed reality headset

Oculus Quest VR headset
Minh Pham on Unsplash

Apple’s first foray into mixed reality hardware (that is, a blend of real and virtual worlds) is one of the company’s worst-kept secrets. The tech giant has been acquiring headset-friendly startups for years, and Tim Cook hasn’t been shy about his interests in augmented and virtual reality. Now, though, a headset appears to be ready for a WWDC debut — Apple’s event logo even hints at a lens.

If the rumors are accurate, Apple’s stand-alone device (possibly called Reality Pro) may be more powerful than the Meta Quest Pro and many other high-end headsets. It might offer a 4K resolution per eye, with at least six cameras providing a view of the outside world as well as full body motion tracking. It could also use an M2 chip that outperforms the mobile processors you typically see in stand-alone headsets. Expectations are that it will require an external battery pack and last for just two hours on a charge, but it would be relatively light and slim.

The true star might be the software, though. The Apple headset will reportedly run a new platform (possibly called xrOS) designed with mixed reality in mind. Rather than rely on controllers, you would use hand gestures, gaze detection and Siri voice commands to navigate the interface. An Apple Watch-style crown would toggle between AR and VR, and you could type in mid-air.

This initial device is believed to be focused on productivity, with VR-ready versions of Apple apps like Pages, iMovie and GarageBand supposedly in the works. You could even have one-on-one FaceTime video calls with full-body avatars, or make simple apps using Siri. There could still be plenty of more entertaining options, though, including meditations, workouts, immersive video viewing and games. Many existing iPad and iPhone apps are said to work with only slight modifications, so you might not have to remove the headset just to use your favorite software. Just don’t expect a metaverse — Apple has apparently ruled out a persistent virtual space.

Apple’s headset isn’t expected to ship until later in the year. Not that it will necessarily be viable for many fans. Rumors suggest this first model will cost around $3,000, or three times the price of the Quest Pro. A more affordable variant is supposedly in development, but the first product could be aimed squarely at developers, professionals and early adopters.

15-inch MacBook Air

Apple MacBook Air M2
Cherlynn Low/Engadget

Until now, you’ve had to spring for a high-end MacBook Pro to get an Apple laptop larger than 14 inches. That might not be necessary after WWDC. Rumors and developer logs suggest Apple is on the cusp of launching a 15-inch MacBook Air that puts big-screen portable Macs within reach of more people.

While the current-generation 13-inch MacBook Air is roughly a year old, the rumored 15-inch version would continue to use a variant of that system’s M2 chip and might come with 8GB of RAM in a base configuration. You could see a higher resolution display. similar to that of the 14-inch MacBook Pro (albeit without a 120Hz refresh rate), and it won’t be surprising if the larger chassis allows for a bigger battery.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17

Apple iPhone 14 Pro home screen with iOS 16
Cherlynn Low/Engadget

This year, Apple’s most important software upgrade for the iPhone and iPad may expand user choice. Rumors have persisted for months that iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 will enable sideloading – that is, installing apps outside the App Store – to honor European Union competition rules. Just like on Android, you could download apps directly from the web or through third-party stores. That would allow for things that aren’t possible under Apple’s existing rules, such as web browsers that use their own engines instead of WebKit.

Sideloading might not be the only notable feature. MacRumorsclaims iOS 17 will revamp the Control Center. You could also see a Day One-style life journaling app and mood tracking in the Health app. There have also been reports the company will expand the functionality of the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island, give Maps a new lock screen interface and streamline the Music and Wallet apps. The iPad may play catch-up in some areas, with iPadOS 17 rumored to inherit iOS 16’s lock screen customization and include a tablet-native Health app.

Accessibility may play an important role, as well. Apple recently previewed a series of iOS features that make the iPhone more usable for people with disabilities. Assistive Access provides a simplified interface for people with cognitive issues, while Live Speech and Personal Voice have iOS speak written text during calls. You can even have your phone speak what it sees on text and buttons. Apple hasn’t explicitly said iOS 17 will introduce these features, but a release “later this year” suggests that’s more than likely.

WWDC may also represent Apple’s opportunity to detail the next-gen CarPlay interface it teased at last year’s conference. While the company previously said the platform could control more in-cabin systems, it has yet to explain those capabilities. The first cars using this experience are due to arrive late this year, so Apple doesn’t have much time to prepare developers for the upgrade.

iOS and iPadOS updates typically launch in September or October. Public betas should be available considerably sooner, though, and have historically arrived within weeks.

WatchOS 10

Apple Watch Series 8 with Astronomy face
Photo by Cherlynn Low/Engadget

The Apple Watch may be due for the largest software update in its history. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims watchOS 10 will be redesigned around widgets, bringing back traces of the Glances from the original OS with elements of the Siri watch face. Apps aren’t expected to go away, but they may be deemphasized in favor of quick peeks at information. Gurman speculates that Apple could make the interface optional at first to help users adjust to the revamp.

MacOS 14

Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023)
Photo by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget

Very little is known about the next major Mac platform update, but it’s safe to presume macOS 14 will make its debut at WWDC. Apple’s computer platform updates typically include some features borrowed from its iOS equivalent. Upgrades tend to arrive in October, with betas available in late spring or early summer.

Wildcards: M3 and more Macs

Apple MacBook Air M2
Photo by Cherlynn Low/Engadget

Most buzz around WWDC suggests Apple won’t debut its M3 system-on-chip at WWDC — hence the 15-inch MacBook Air apparently using the M2. With that said, we can’t completely rule out an introduction. If so, the new chip is poised to deliver performance and efficiency improvements thanks in part to a denser 3-nanometer manufacturing process.

If the M3 does show up, it won’t be shocking to see other Macs premiere alongside the Air. Gurman says a refreshed 13-inch Air is in the works, and an M3-powered iMac might ship in the second half of 2023. Pro machines aren’t likely, though. Gurman doesn’t believe an M3 Pro-based MacBook Pro will surface until 2024, and we wouldn’t count on Mac Pro or Mac Studio upgrades.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-wwdc-2023-what-to-expect-from-ios-17-to-new-macbooks-160033810.html?src=rss

Samsung’s 2022 The Frame smart TVs are up to 33 percent off

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Samsung's The Frame is a smart TV that has a nifty trick up its sleeve. When you're not watching something, it looks like a piece of art. It's an intriguing alternative to the standard gloomy black box that can dominate a living room when a big-screen TV is turned off. Now, over at Woot, you can snap up a Frame TV at a discount. The retailer is running a sale on several 2022 models and it has dropped prices by up to 33 percent.

You'll need to make up your mind whether to take the plunge relatively quickly, as the sale will run for nine days or until the smart TVs are sold out. The biggest discounts, percentage wise, are on the 50-inch and 75-inch models, as both are a third off. The 50-inch model has dropped by $430 to $870, while the 75-inch model is $1,000 off at $2,000.

When Art Mode is enabled, The Frame can display the artwork of your choice. Some of the pieces are available at no extra cost, though you'll have access to a wider selection with a Samsung Art Store subscription. The options range from iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and The Starry Night to modern photography. The Frame has a low profile and anti-reflective matte glass to bolster the illusion that you're looking at framed art instead of a TV. The bezel is customizable too.

When you do want to tune in to a show or movie, you'll be able to watch in 4K, unless you opt for the 32-inch model, which doesn't have a QLED 4K display. The Frame also has the Alexa voice assistant built in and it uses Samsung's Tizen OS.

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

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-2022-the-frame-smart-tvs-are-up-to-33-percent-off-145612737.html?src=rss

Range Rover’s next luxury add-on: A car seat that vibrates to music

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Many car makers will surround you with speakers in a bid to create immersive sound, but Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) thinks your seat can also play a role. The company's new Range Rover Sport SV Edition One includes Subpac-powered "Body and Soul Seat" tech (appropriately, BASS) whose headrest-mounted membranes and transducers deliver haptic feedback in response to lower frequencies in your music. Whether you're the driver or a passenger, you'll feel the thumps of a dance or rap track.

The system complements the Range Rover Sport's 29-speaker Meridian audio setup, which already has a subwoofer, but Jaguar Land Rover and Subpac also claim the vibrations can improve your health through six wellness programs. The companies point to a JLR-supported study indicating that BASS can help you relax and reduce stress by increasing the variability of your heart rate. Provided that holds up in the real world, this may be the luxury SUV to get if you need to unwind during the commute home.

Range Rover SV Edition One BASS seat
Jaguar Land Rover

The Range Rover Sport SV Edition One is already sold out for its first year. You can sign up to be notified about other SV trim levels, and there are hints BASS will be more widely available going forward.

However well this seat works, it's just the start for Subpac. The company has been pitching its mix of haptics and bone conduction to movie theaters, music producers, VR simulation creators and gamers, and has a Flow platform that can bring vibration to seats and wearables (think of something like Lofelt's Basslet). The firm also hopes to venture into aviation and the overall wellness space. Don't be surprised if tactile audio finds its way into more of the devices you buy and use, even if it's limited to premium products.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/range-rovers-next-luxury-add-on-a-car-seat-that-vibrates-to-music-141725247.html?src=rss