WhatsApp is making it easier to transfer chat logs from your old phone to a new one just by scanning a QR code.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the initial announcement on his Instagram channel where he states this method lets you move your data privately without ever having to leave your devices.” Looking at the video he posted, you first open up the QR code on the older device, then scan said code on the newer phone. Give it about 10 seconds to finish up and you’re done. Other reports state the Chat Transfer tool can be found under the Chats section in the Settings menu.
📱📲 Now you can transfer your full chat history seamlessly, quickly and securely across the same operating systems without ever having to leave the app. Out today 👀 pic.twitter.com/UqNpyw8bCCJune 30, 2023
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Compared to the old method of having to back up your history on either Google Drive or iCloud, this is a lot more straightforward. You’re effectively cutting out the middleman plus you don’t have to worry about hitting storage limits if your WhatsApp account has several gigabytes worth of media saved on it.
As great as this new feature may be, it appears there is a catch. TheVerge claims the QR code chat log transfer “only works between devices running the same operating system, so Android to Android or iOS to iOS.” If you want to move your data from, say, a Samsung Galaxy phone to an iPhone or vice versa, you’ll have to head over to WhatsApp’s Help Center for instructions on how to do so.
We asked Meta to confirm if this is true. We’ll update this story at a later time.
Availability
Meta is currently rolling out the Chat Transfer tool in waves to all its users. Be sure to keep an eye out for the patch once it arrives. No word if there are plans to add a similar feature to the desktop version of WhatsApp.
If any of this sounds familiar to you, that’s because WABetaInfo first revealed the update back in early May when it was only available to beta testers. The publication has since shown off other interesting changes coming to WhatsApp. For instance, a WhatsBeta beta on Android from late May introduces screen-sharing for video calls, which you can activate right after installation and try out with others. There are also plans to introduce multi-account support to the platform giving people a way to swap between profiles on the same smartphone.
The Asus ROG Ally has only been out since earlier this June 2023, and already the modding community has figured out how to install 4TB of M.2 2280 SSD storage.
Normally the Asus ROG Ally comes with 512GB of storage, with a 256 GB version coming soon. And as impressive as fitting that much in a small package is, it’s not nearly enough for many modern PC games, with some requiring 100 GB or more. Some Redditors have taken matters into their own hands and decided to figure out how to fit in even more storage.
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(Image credit: Reddit)
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(Image credit: Reddit)
According to these intrepid modders, and reported by VideoGameZ, the ROG Ally can in fact fit a standard M.2 2280 storage but you need to remove part of the chassis to do so. As you may have guessed, this is an irreversible change that will definitely void your warranty, something important to consider since currently every single one of these portables is covered by it. But if you don’t mind, then know you’ll need to remove antennas and insulate said SSD in a non-conductive foil.
It seems that, so far, these mods have been successful, particularly with WD 4TB SN850X storage and Crucial P3 Plus 4TB (CT4000P3PSSD8) storage. None of the modders reported overheating or any performance issues in the two weeks since they started altering their ROG Ally systems.
The Asus ROG Ally has so much potential
One of the most interesting aspects of the Asus ROG Ally is how receptive it seems to be to modding, not only in terms of gaming software modding but also for boosting its all-around performance. If it’s possible to upgrade the handheld to this degree so early in its launch, imagine its modding potential later on down the line when owners truly get a grasp on what they can do with the ROG Ally.
Not to mention that we’ve also seen how much a simple update can improve gaming performance across the board. Ahead of its launch, Asus released a set of firmware and driver updates that increased framerate in many of the best PC games, including Red Dead Redemption 2 and Forza Horizon 5, by up to 20%.
We could end up seeing a ROG Ally, whether officially boosted or warranty-voiding modified, that has specs far superior to what it initially had, which is saying a lot considering what it's packed with already. I’m excited to see what’s possible, considering that it feels like the PC portable has so much untapped potential, as outlined in this Tom’s Guide review.
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For years Pocket users have been able to get away with not having a Mozilla Firefox account despite the service being on its browser, but they'll soon have to make the switch.
Starting on July 11, 2023, all Pocket users will be prompted to create a Mozilla Firefox account, and it will become mandatory by August 15, 2023. But according to the official blog post, other than changing how you log in, this will not have any effect on your saved items. Also, if you’re a Pocket Premium subscriber, your subscription will not be affected by this move.
(Image credit: Mozilla)
Mozilla stated that this move is to ensure that all users will have Mozilla’s security benefits like two-factor authentication and Mozilla’s privacy policy. And if you log in using your Apple ID or Google login, then not only will you receive these benefits but your account will also be auto-migrated on July 11.
Mozilla’s apps will also be unaffected by the switch, not to mention Pocket will continue to be accessible on other web browsers, including the Pocket browser extension. So, in other words, you’ll have a much more secure browsing experience while maintaining your full breadth of services free of charge.
The full instructions on how to convert your Pocket account to a Mozilla Firefox account are below:
Beginning July 11, 2023, if you’re already logged in to Pocket, simply log out to be redirected to the Pocket Log In page.
Enter your email and click Next. If you haven’t already set up your Firefox account, you’ll be prompted with instructions. For Pocket users who log in via Apple ID or Google, please see *below.
Select Upgrade my account to proceed. (Note: If you select I’m not ready, you will be prompted to transition your account the next time you log in.)
Log into your Firefox account or create a new one.
You’ll then be redirected to your Pocket content.
Mozilla previously had been asking users to make the transition, Android Police stated, even setting the mandatory conversion date to June 30, 2022. But now it seems that the company has decided to take things more seriously.
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Audio brand Shokz is best known for its bone-conduction headphones but for its new OpenFit wireless earbuds, the company is doing something different: air conduction.
One of the problems with bone-conduction headphones is the audio they output isn’t as good quality as a traditional pair of headphones. The sound reproduction isn’t quite the same. Seemingly because of this discrepancy, Shokz is equipping the OpenFit with DirectPitch, a feature that will gauge both the “distance and angle between” the earbuds and a person’s ear in order to deliver high-quality audio. It's the air being vibrated; not the inner ear. The company claims the tech introduces a sound “that perfectly balances bold highs, clear mids, and [a] surging bass".
Additionally, Shokz is throwing in some of its proprietary tech to improve the output even more. You have the OpenBass algorithm to direct “low-frequency vibrations” into the ear canal for better bass, and Dynamic Range Control for automatically adjusting the equalizer “in real-time”. Each bud will also include a lightweight, “18x11mm customized dynamic driver”.
Notable features
Like with other Shokz products, the OpenFit has an open-ear design so people can still hear the world around them even with the volume cranked up. The company also added a flexible ear hook made out of a “dual-layered liquid silicone” to ensure user comfort. Admittedly, not everyone is a fan of open-ear headphones as audio can leak out. However, it looks like Shokz has a solution. Thanks to DirectPitch, the devices will push the sound pressure towards the ear canal allowing listeners “to hear sounds clearly". This also helps reduce sound leakage and ensures privacy.
Other notable features include AI Noise Cancellation for phone calls, a water resistance rating of IP54 so they can survive splashes of water and dust (just don’t go into the pool with them), as well as a battery life (with the charging case) of up to 28 hours. Shokz states “a quick five-minute charge provides one hour of listening time”.
Available in black and beige, you can purchase the OpenFit earbuds from either Shokz’s website or Amazon for $179.95. It’s unknown if they’ll be available globally. We checked the UK and Australian versions of Amazon, but didn’t find any listings apart from the older OpenRun Pro. We asked Shokz if it plans on releasing the OpenFit model outside the United States. This story will be updated at a later time.
Meta is kicking off a sizable security update as the tech giant begins rolling out new parental tools to Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram.
The goal here is to give parents and legal guardians a lot more control over how their teenage children interact with these apps. Messenger's tools will be housed in the new Parental Supervision hub where users can learn “how much time their teen spends on” the platform, receive notifications whenever someone new is added to the contacts list, as well as dictate who can message them. Parents can restrict incoming messages to “only their [child’s] friends, friends of friends, or no one”. Parents will also be able to control “who can see their [kid’s] stories” and get told whenever someone is reported on the account. Teenagers can change some of the security settings themselves, but if they do that, their guardians will get a notification informing them of any adjustments.
This first batch is currently “available in the US, UK, and Canada… with plans to [roll out] to more countries around the world in the coming months.” Later on, Meta will upgrade Messenger a second time by adding time management tools to Parental Supervision.
(Image credit: Meta)
Increased transparency
Instagram’s own Parental Supervision hub is getting an update similar to Messenger’s as Meta seeks to improve transparency between teenagers and their parents.
Right now, the platform shows parents the accounts their child follows as well as who follows them in return. This tool is being expanded to display any mutual friends those accounts may share with your teenager. Additionally, whenever a minor blocks someone, a notice will appear recommending they add their guardian to help supervise the account.
Outside of the Supervision hub, Meta is testing a new privacy feature for Instagram where people must first send an invite before any messages can be sent. Those invites will be limited to just text – no images, videos, or anything else. It’s unknown if everyone will get to try these out or just a handful of people, but hopefully, it launches globally in an official capacity soon. Speaking of global launches, Instagram’s Quiet Mode, which turns off notifications for a more silent experience, is set to release in other countries sometime “[within] the coming weeks.”
(Image credit: Meta)
As for Facebook, Meta isn't doing much. The company seems to be content with simply bringing over the Take a Break tool from Instagram. According to the announcement, teens will get a notice telling them to take a breather from the app after 20 minutes have passed. Parents can also set daily reminders if they want to stay on top of things. Be sure to keep an eye out for the patch when it arrives. Updates usually release in waves so you may have to wait a bit.
While these security upgrades are great, your child may have other apps on their smartphone that you're not aware of. Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the 10 riskiest apps and sites for kids to learn more.
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Microsoft Launcher’s latest June update has been giving users plenty of trouble, especially if they happen to be using a Surface Duo.
The update, released on June 27, 2023, has already amassed plenty of posts from Reddit and Twitter users about their devices not working properly with Microsoft Launcher. Though it’s a wide range of devices having issues, the Surface Duo seems to be the most common which, according to Windows Central, seems to be tied to a recent system update.
(Image credit: Reddit user /yugabe)
Right now, the only real solution has been to reset the launcher when prompted by the error message, though some users are apparently reporting that doesn’t work either. This could especially be a problem for Surface Duo as it’s that device’s only launcher, because if resetting doesn’t work then you might have to resort to customizing settings again. Other phone users can simply switch launchers when the error pops up, however, saving a bit of a headache.
TechRadar has reached out to Microsoft concerning this issue, and will update this story if and when we hear back from the company.
Surface Duo users getting the short stick
Microsoft Launcher was first released in 2015 as a beta under the name Arrow Launcher, and officially released in 2017 for both iOS and Android. It was an initiative made to make its devices as accessible as possible across platforms.
It’s generally a solid feature that allows users the option to integrate between Windows PCs and smartphones, especially for larger devices like the Surface Duo with more screen real estate that can better take advantage of the feature.
However, for the Duo, this recent error proves that it should be able to switch launchers like other phones can, as Duo users who are experiencing this problem are stuck troubleshooting until Microsoft pushes out a fix. And it certainly can’t be fun having an otherwise functional device that you’re forced to constantly either reset or customize options on repeatedly.
Hopefully, the tech giant will have answers for this soon, and even better, will ensure that Duo users will have other options going forward.
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Netflix has very quietly killed off its Basic subscription tier in Canada, effectively removing the cheapest option without ads from the country.
The removal only affects “new or rejoining members" forcing potential customers to choose between spending $5.99 CAD for the Standard with ads plan, $16.49 CAD for Standard, or $20.99 for Premium, according to Netflix’s Help website. The silver lining, if you can call it that, in all this is users already on the Basic plan can remain there until they either change plans or cancel their account. Apparently, the streaming giant ended the tier some time ago; it’s just that no one noticed until recently. The earliest mention we could find comes from a Twitter user who complained about the Basic plan termination back on June 10.
Currently, other countries across the globe haven’t seen any changes. The American Netflix Plans and Pricing page, for instance, still has the Basic plan listed at $9.99, so people elsewhere there are safe – at least for now. It’s worth mentioning Canada has been used as a testing ground of sorts by Netflix. The nation was among the first group to get the ad-supported plan back in early November 2022 before launching in other global regions.
Analysis: history repeating
Although there’s no indication Netflix will end the Basic plan anywhere else, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Reed Hastings, one of the streaming service’s co-founders, said back in 2020 the company would never introduce advertising to users. The platform also famously tweeted “Love is sharing a password” (which is still up) back in 2017. Well as it turns out, both of those comments have aged like milk. We now have an ad-supported plan plus Netflix enacted a crackdown on password sharing angering a lot of people. The company is no stranger to changing its mind years down the line.
But the burning question is will this be successful? Will Canadian users move onto another tier? Probably. The password-sharing crackdown, although controversial, did actually work in bringing in new subscriptions. In fact, Netflix recently saw the “largest days of subscriber growth in the US in four-and-a-half years” as a result of the new policy.
We reached out to Netflix to see if it would like to make a statement about this latest move and if it plans to terminate the basic plan in other countries. This story will be updated at a later time.
There are affordable meal delivery options to keep you and the crew stress-free and well fed. We've tested to find the best budget meal subscriptions and services for 2023.
Guerrilla Games has included a memorial site to Lance Reddick in Horizon Forbidden West via a game patch. The site pays tribute to the actor who played the iconic character of Sylens in the game as well as its predecessor Horizon Zero Dawn.
The commemorative shrine for Lance Reddick can be found in the Horizon Forbidden WestBurning Shores expansion and features the actor's name brightly illuminated among some gorgeous foliage of the game's beautiful open world.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Guerilla Games wrote that: "In honor of Lance Reddick, we created a memorial to commemorate the profound impact he had on us all". This was followed by: " Thank you, Lance, for everything you brought to the role of Sylens: your gravitas, energy, wisdom, and more. An incomparable talent and friend. We miss you terribly".
Lance Reddick's character of Sylens was integral to the stories of both Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Zero Dawn before it, some of the best PS5 games available on the platform to date. Revealing himself to players as an unlikely ally to series protagonist Aloy, he would go on to have a deeper and more meaningful role in the sequel and expansion which would further connect with players.
It's a touching tribute to the actor who was no stranger to bringing video game characters to life. Lance Reddick famously portrayed Commander Zavala in the popular online shooter Destiny 2, the Titan Vanguard of the Tower. In a blog post from March, Bungie confirmed that there is more to come from the late actor's contributions to the massively successful title.
Bungie wrote that: "As the voice of Commander Zavala—the stalwart commander of the Vanguard—Lance brought to life a character who has become virtually synonymous with Destiny itself. For nearly a decade, Guardians around the world have found purpose and comfort in Zavala’s presence, bolstered by that unmistakable voice, so full of strength, serenity, and nobility".
Lance Reddick will be dearly missed in the worlds of video games and movies and TV, and this latest tribute from Guerrilla is an excellent way to pay respects forward. His other video game credits include roles in titles such as Quantum Break and Payday 2, and he is arguably most known to modern audiences on the silver screen as Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel in the critically acclaimed John Wick series. He passed at the age of 60.
The Horizon series is beautiful and best enjoyed with one of thebest monitors for PS5or one of thebest gaming TVs. If you enjoy Destiny 2 then our list of thebest FPS gamescan help you find more to play in a similar vein.
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It looks like Google is whipping up another game streaming service, albeit this time through the YouTube video-sharing platform.
YouTube Playables will reportedly be the company's succeeding streaming platform after the failure of Google Stadia, which shut down entirely earlier this year. The report of YouTube Playables' existence comes from the Wall Street Journal, which cites an internal email sent out to Google employees.
According to the report, YouTube Playables will allow users to stream games via the popular video platform on mobile and PC, much like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia GeForce Now. And if the company is reusing much of the code it developed for Stadia, there's a likelihood the service will work through the Google Chrome browser or a Chromecast device, too.
That said, it's yet unclear as to what kinds of games will be hosted on the YouTube Playables service. The name suggests more bite-sized, potentially bespoke experiences unlike the full games available to stream via Google Stadia. That'll make Playables similar to Discord's Activities which can be played via voice call.
And that might be the smarter move here. Google wasn't able to keep the momentum going with Stadia, which had a library largely similar to other streaming platforms including Amazon Luna and the previously mentioned Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Playables' business model also isn't known at this point. You'd think the smart play would be to add it to the YouTube Premium subscription's various benefits, which also includes YouTube Music and ad-free viewing among other perks.
Ultimately, YouTube Playables doesn't sound like it'll shake up the streaming landscape too much, but if Google can provide a service filled with titles you can't play anywhere else, like Apple Arcade, it could succeed where Stadia didn't.
It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints, plus the answers for both the main game and the Daily Sequence spin off.
Quordle is the only one of the many Wordle clones that I'm still playing now, around 18 months after the daily-word-game craze hit the internet, and with good reason: it's good fun, but also difficult.
What's more, its makers (now the online dictionary Merriam-Webster) are also keeping it fresh in the form of a new variant called the Daily Sequence, which sees you complete four puzzles consecutively, rather than concurrently.
But Quordle is tough, so if you already find yourself searching for Wordle hints, you'll probably need some for this game too.
I'm a Quordle and Wordle fanatic who's been playing since December 2021, so I can definitely help you solve Quordle today and improve your game for tomorrow. Read on for my Quordle hints to game #518 and the answers to the main game and Daily Sequence.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #518) - hint #1 - Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #518) - hint #2 - total vowels
What is the total number of vowels in Quordle today?
• The total number of vowels across today's Quordle answers is 8.
Quordle today (game #518) - hint #3 - repeated letters
Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.
Quordle today (game #518) - hint #4 - total letters
How many different letters are used in Quordle today?
• The total number of different letters used in Quordle today is 11.
Quordle today (game #518) - hint #5 - uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
Where Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day, Quordle presents you with four puzzles to solve. And rather than complete them in turn, you do so simultaneously. You get nine guesses, rather than the six for Wordle, but the rules are otherwise very similar.
As with Wordle, the answers are the same for every player each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world. And also as with Wordle, the puzzle resets at midnight so you have a fresh challenge each day.
The website also includes a practice mode - which I definitely recommend using before attempting the game proper! - and there are daily stats including a streak count. You also get Quordle Achievements - specific badges for winning a game in a certain number of turns, playing lots of times, or guessing particularly hard words.
Oh, and it's difficult. Really difficult.
What are the Quordle rules?
The rules of Quordle are almost identical to those of Wordle.
1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.
2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow.
3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray…
4. …BUT the word you guess appears in all quadrants of the puzzle at the same time, so an A could turn green in one square, yellow in another and gray in the final two.
5. Answers are never plural.
6. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.
7. Each guess must be a valid word in Quordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.
8. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses and there is no equivalent of Wordle's Hard mode.
9. You have nine guesses to find the Quordle answers.
10. You must complete the daily Quordle before midnight in your timezone.
What is a good Quordle strategy?
Quordle needs to be approached in a different way to Wordle. With four puzzles to solve in nine guesses, you can't blindly throw letters at it and expect to win - you'll stand a far better chance if you think strategically.
That's the case in Wordle too, of course, but it's even more important in Quordle.
There are two key things to remember.
1. Use several starting words
Firstly, you won't want just a single starting word, but almost certainly two or three starting words.
The first of these should probably be one of the best Wordle starting words, because the same things that make them work well will apply here too. But after that, you should select another word or possibly two that use up lots more of the most common consonants and that include any remaining vowels.
For instance, I currently use STARE > DOILY > PUNCH. Between them, these three words use 15 of the 26 letters in the alphabet including all five vowels, Y, and nine of the most common consonants (S, T, R, D, L, P, N, C and H). There are plenty of other options - you might want to get an M, B, F or G in there instead of the H, maybe - but something like that should do the trick.
If all goes well, that will give you a good lead on what one or sometimes two of the answers might be. If not, well good luck!
2. Narrow things down
Secondly, if you're faced with a word where the answer might easily be one of several options - for instance -ATCH, where it could be MATCH, BATCH, LATCH, CATCH, WATCH, HATCH or PATCH - you'll definitely want to guess a word that would narrow down those options.
In Wordle, you can instead try several of those in succession and hope one is right, assuming you have enough guesses left. It's risky, but will sometimes work. Plus, it's the only option in Hard mode. But in Quordle, this will almost certainly result in a failure - you simply don't have enough guesses.
In the scenario above, CLAMP would be a great guess, as it could point the way to four of the seven words in one go.
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Many of the solar panels on American roofs are manufactured by Qcells, and the company also offers a complete home solar system package deserving of a closer look.
Mortal Kombat 1's stress test is currently underway, and players unable to secure a code are trying to get one via other means, with some paying hundreds of dollars to buy a code on eBay.
Earlier today, Mortal Kombat 1 stress test codes started popping up on online auction sites, and whilst it seems some players were simply trying their luck to make a little cash, codes are now up for sale for hundreds and hundreds of dollars… even though the codes are only good for the current stress test that kicked off yesterday.
Take this one, for example. Earlier today, it had clocked up an impressive $230 from 19 different bidders, but it eventually secured a winning bid of a truly eye-watering $810. And then there's the since-deleted auction below, although it's unclear if the code was sold or the auction was removed by eBay itself.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, other code owners are also trying to sell their codes, too, even though the test ends on Monday morning (thanks, TheGamer).
Mortal Kombat 1's servers are being stress-tested as we speak (well, write/read) on Xbox Series X and PS5, with the test ending at 8am PT / 11am ET (or 4pm BST) on June 26. That means no, it's not available for those hoping to play on PC or Nintendo Switch, but the good news is that for those lucky enough to receive an invite, you don't need to have an online subscription to either service to be able to play the title online.
Don't worry if you don't make the test pool this time, though – the upcoming game will also get a playable beta for those who have pre-ordered the fighting game, starting in August.
"The Kameo system is phenomenal, but it’s an extra level of strategy on top of an already complicated game that has made me absolutely sure that I’m going to be terrible at it," we said in our Mortal Kombat 1 preview.
"Often, whenever I tried to get Sonya in to assist me in a ground-based scrap, I’d instead merely make her fly overhead like a Red Arrow, giving us a cheery wave as she flew past us whilst we traded blows on the ground."
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Xbox boss Phil Spencer says the reason Minecraft has yet to release a native PS5 edition is because Sony was "reluctant" to send the team a PS5 dev kit.
Without a dev kit – that is, the specialist equipment given to developers to test their pre-release builds before they're released and sold to the public – Minecraft developer Mojang could not get a head start on the PS5 version, putting them "at a disadvantage".
As Mojang is one of Xbox's first-party family of developers under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella, it's possible Sony was wary of sharing early editions of its hardware with its competitor.
"Sony was reluctant to send us development kits for the PlayStation 5 at the same time they were sending them to other developers, which put us at a disadvantage relative to other developers," Spencer said (thanks, IGN) as part of his testimony to the Federal Trade Commission this week.
"I think Sony could have sent the development kits to Microsoft just as easy as they sent them to any other publisher."
Phil Spencer also recently commented on the status of an Xbox Series X successor in a recent high-profile media interview.
The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are now nearing three years of market availability as both systems originally launched in late 2020. The prior console generation saw a system revision in the form of the Xbox One X (in 2017) which debuted three and a half years after the Xbox One did. The decision behind the upgrade was to deliver 4K resolution to consumers, a feat that the current flagship Xbox console can do straight out of the box.
Choose from stylish or rugged, built-in kickstand or magnetic connector modules -- find a case to protect your Galaxy S23 with these top picks tested by CNET editors.
Tesla has stopped offering lifetime Supercharging at signing, but nearly every other EV manufacturer is tempting customers with free charging deals. Here are all the incentives available now.
The ReMarkable 2, Kindle Scribe and other E Ink tablets offer readers and notetakers a way to save paper and keep all their work organized in one place.
YouTube is going to help its creators reach an international audience as the platform plans on introducing a new AI-powered dubbing tool for translating videos into other languages.
Announced at VidCon 2023, the goal of this latest endeavor is to provide a quick and easy way for creators to translate “at no cost” their content into languages they don’t speak. This can help out smaller channels as they may not have the resources to hire a human translator. To make this all possible, Amjad Hanif, vice president of Creator Products at YouTube, revealed the tool will utilize the Google-created Aloud plus the platform will be bringing over the team behind the AI from Area 120, a division of the parent company that frequently works on experimental tech.
Easy translation
The way the translation system works, according to the official Aloud website, is the AI will first transcribe a video into a script. You then edit the transcription to get rid of any errors, make clarifications, or highlight text “where timing is critical.” From there, you give the edited script back to Aloud where it will automatically translate your video into the language of your choice. Once done, you can publish the newly dubbed content by uploading any new audio tracks onto their original video.
A Google representative told us “creators do not have to [actually] understand any of the languages that they are dubbing into.” Aloud will handle all of the heavy lifting surrounding complex tasks like “translation, timing, and speech synthesis.” Again, all you have to do is double-check the transcription.
Future changes
It’s unknown when the Aloud update will launch. However, YouTube is already working on expanding the AI beyond what it’s currently possible. Right now, Aloud can only translate English content to either Spanish or Portuguese. But there are plans to expand into other languages from Hindi to Indonesian plus support for different dialects.
Later down the line, the platform will introduce a variety of features such as “voice preservation, better emotion transfer, and even lip reanimation” to improve enunciation. Additionally, YouTube is going to build in some safeguards ensuring only the creators can “dub their own content”.
The same Google representative from earlier also told us the platform is testing the Aloud AI with “hundreds of [YouTube] creators” with plans to add more over time. As of June 2023, over 10,000 videos have been dubbed in over 70 languages.
You can join the early access program by filling out the official Google Docs form. If you want to know what an Aloud dub sounds like, go watch the channel trailer for the Amoeba Sisters channel on YouTube. Click the gear icon, go to Audio Track, then select Spanish. The robotic voice you’ll hear is what the AI will create.
Apple has launched its first-ever beta for visionOS – the operating system the upcoming Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset will use – giving us a glimpse at what its new gadget should be capable of at launch.
As explained in the Apple Developer blog post making the announcement, the launch of the visionOS SDK will give developers the chance to start working on spatial computing apps for the Vision Pro. It will also help developers understand the Vision Pro's capabilities. Even better, the SDK provides a visionOS simulator so that developers can test out their 3D interface in a number of room layouts with various lighting conditions. And those tests have already revealed a number of details about what the Vision Pro will and won’t be able to do at launch.
This is only the first beta, and users are accessing the simulator via a PC rather than a headset – so expect some changes to be made to visionOS before it officially launches. With that said, here’s what we’ve learned so far about the Apple Vision Pro from the visionOS beta.
You can use the Vision Pro to scan real-world objects and text(Image credit: Apple)
According to info found in the visionOS beta, Vision Pro headset wearers will be able to use the headset’s cameras to find information about an item they scan and to interact with real-world text. This includes copying and pasting the text into Vision Pro apps, translating it between 17 supported languages, and converting units (like grams to ounces, or meters to feet). This sounds pretty neat, but unless you’re wearing your Vision Pro headset all the time while traveling abroad or baking with a recipe we aren’t too sure how often you’ll rely on these features.
2. The OS is intuitive
While not the most flashy feature, intuitive OS design and windows management in 3D space will be crucial for the Vision Pro. The idea of having loads of software windows floating around us seems neat – it'd be like we’re a real-world Tony Stark – but if it's a pain to position them how we want, it’ll be easier to stick with a traditional PC and monitor.
Thankfully, it looks like it’s super easy to move, resize, and hide app windows in Vision Pro, as shown off by @Lascorbe on Twitter.
visionOS, super intuitive so far:- You move the window with the bottom bar- When moving if the window touches other apps they dim- There’s a button to hide rest of apps (unsure how to bring them back yet)- Pointing at the corner of a window make the “resize handler” appear pic.twitter.com/ZHkA0I04SCJune 21, 2023
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The video also shows that you aren’t moving the apps on a fixed cylinder around you; you can take full advantage of the 3D space around you by bringing some windows closer while moving others further away – and even stacking them in front of each other if you want. While dragging a window it’ll turn translucent so you can see what’s behind it as you decide where to position it.
3. Porting iOS to visionOS is easy
According to developers (like @lydakisg on Twitter) that have started working with visionOS, it’s incredibly easy to port iOS apps over to the new system – so many of the best iPhone apps could be available on the Vision Pro at launch.
Just wow. I've been working on a private location journaling app for iOS, and simply by adding a new deployment target, my app can now function on visionOS without any additional changes! pic.twitter.com/Vg1TnfFVE4June 21, 2023
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This is great news for people that were worried that the Vision Pro might not have an app library comparable to the Quest Store found on Meta’s VR headsets like the Meta Quest Pro.
The only downside is that the ported iOS apps appear in a floating window as they would on a Mac rather than being a fully-fledged immersive experience. So while your favorite appears can easily appear on the Vision Pro, they might not take advantage of its new tech – at least not without the developers spending more time working on a dedicated visionOS version.
4. Battery percentages return
Battery percentages are a sore spot for many iPhone users. When the iPhone X was released over five years ago it changed the battery status symbol – the percentage disappeared and only a steadily emptying symbol of a battery remained. While this symbol does give a visual indication of how much charge your phone has left, it’s not always as clear as a number; as such, it's been a constant request from iPhone users for Apple to bring back battery charge percentages – which it did with iOS 16 when the iPhone 14 launched.
The Vision Pro trailer shows a battery icon with no percentage(Image credit: Apple)
Unfortunately, a brief section of Apple’s Vision Pro intro video showed us that the Vision Pro might make the iPhone X’s mistake by using a battery status symbol without a number.
Good news! The battery percentage does show on visionOS! https://t.co/Cvk2Xd2W6b pic.twitter.com/I00THVA0knJune 21, 2023
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Thankfully for fans of Apple’s more accurate battery symbol, users like @aaronp613 on Twitter have found that battery percentages do show up on Vision Pro. It’s not a massive win, but an important one for a lot of people.
5. Apps can use unique control schemes
The visionOS beta not only gives developers tools to create their own Vision Pro apps and to port their existing iOS software to the system; they’re also given details, sample code, and videos showing off the kinds of projects they could create for the upcoming Apple hardware.
One such game is Happy Beam, a video of which has been shared on Twitter by @SwiftlyAlex.
check out this game built for visionOS 👀 pic.twitter.com/thibhlZ3DjJune 21, 2023
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Happy Beam doesn’t look super interesting in and of itself – one Twitter commenter noted it looks like the sort of AR game you could play on the Nintendo 3DS – but it shows that the Vision Pro is able to recognize different hand gestures (like forming a heart) and translate them to different in-game controls.
We’ll have to wait and see how developers use these capabilities in their creations, but we can already imagine a few possible implementations. For example, rather than using button prompts you could make a scissors gesture with your hand to cut images and text from one document, then clap your hands to paste it in a new spot.
It also appears that Apple is conscious that its headset should remain accessible. As shown in the Happy Beam demo, there are alternative controls that allow Vision Pro users to rely on simpler gestures or controllers to play the game – with it serving as a reminder to other developers to consider similar alternative control schemes in their software.
This gameplay video shared by @wilburwongdev on YouTube shows how the game changes when not using your hands.
6. Fitness apps are discouraged
One last tidbit that has been spotted not in the visionOS beta but in the developer guidelines for the operating system. In its guidelines, Apple says app makers should “avoid encouraging people to move too much” while immersed in the headset. The wording is a little vague, but it seems as if Apple is against the development of fitness apps for Vision Pro at this time.
One notable omission from the Vision Pro reveal trailer was that there were no fitness apps featured. Many people (some of our writers included) use VR headsets for working out, or even just getting a bit active. There’s Beat Saber and Pistol Whip for more gamified workouts, or FitXR and Litesport for more traditional fitness options. These developer notes make the omission seem more intentional, suggesting fitness and activities involving a lot of movement are not in Apple’s current plan for the Vision Pro. We’ll have to wait and see if this changes when the device launches.
Smartwatch brand Amazfit recently launched two wearables specifically designed for runners: the aptly named Cheetah and Cheetah Pro.
What’s unique about them is they both come with a generative AI called Zepp Coach that can create your very own running plan. The workout routine it generates is based on information entered into the Zepp mobile app. It takes into consideration a person’s own characteristics as well as their personal goals. Amazfit states these plans can even help you train for a big race as every week the smartwatches will adjust the training plan to push you further.
It's worth mentioning Huawei has done something similar before as the tech brand added its own AI coach to the Watch GT Runner. But unlike Huawei, the Zepp Coach smartphone app now includes an AI Chat tool to answer any fitness-related questions. The company claims interacting with the chatbot will be like having a personal trainer 24/7. Be aware this tool will only be available “for a short demo period” in select regions before becoming a “subscription-based service.”
We reached out to Amazfit for more clarifying information on this chatbot, including where it is available, how long will the demo last, and more. This story will be updated if we hear back.
Make your own route
To help with your workouts, both Cheetah wearables are equipped with a highly-accurate GPS technology called MaxTrack which is able to follow runners through environmental obstacles from skyscrapers to tall trees. Using the collected data, users can create their own running route by importing the file from the Zepp app onto the watch if they want to follow the same path at a later time. Additionally, you can overlay the route on the device’s Offline Map to see other potential paths nearby.
Other notable features of the Cheetah line include a heart rate tracker plus the ability to share running routes via third-party apps such as Google Fit. Battery life on the devices can last up to two weeks on a single charge, but it can be drastically lowered depending on how often you use it. For example, under heavy usage, the battery will only last about a week.
Availability
Differences between the two models can be seen in the specifications and a few exclusive features.
The watches have an HD AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits for easy reading even in harsh sunlight. However, the Cheetah Pro comes out on top as its 1.45-inch screen can output a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. The base model has a smaller 1.39-inch screen with a resolution of 454 x 452 pixels. The Pro watch is also a bit lighter at 43g whereas the regular Cheetah weighs 47g.
As for exclusive tools, the Cheetah Pro supports Bluetooth calling and offline music playback that can be listened to either through a connected pair of headphones or the on-device speaker.
You can purchase the Amazfit Cheetah in Speedster Grey on the company’s website for $229.99/£229.90. For the Cheetah Pro, you can buy it in a slightly different version of the base Cheetah model, sporting a square-shaped watch face.
It'll be interesting to see how Garmin responds to the Cheetah series since two of its rivals have launched wearables with generative AI on board. Perhaps the next Forerunner will have an OpenAI-powered chatbot.
Having claimed to have achieved its first milestone towards a quantum supercomputer, Microsoft reckons it will take less than a decade for it to have built its own.
Comparing it to the revolutions caused by the Iron Age and the Silicon Age, Redmond reckons quantum computing will have significant impacts on the way we live, enabling the transportation industry to develop more efficient and powerful batteries as we transition to EVs and beyond, the chemistry industry to discovery safer compounds, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop better drugs.
Most importantly, Microsoft hopes that quantum supercomputers, including its own, will help to solve “society’s most pressing challenges,” such as climate change and food insecurity.
Quantum computing coming sooner than you think
Speaking to TechCrunch, Microsoft VP of advanced quantum development, Krysta Svore, said: “We think about our roadmap and the time to the quantum supercomputer in terms of years rather than decades.”
Expressing similar optimism, CEO Satya Nadella said at the Azure Quantum: Accelerating Scientific Discovery virtual event: “Our goal is to compress the next 250 years of chemistry and materials science progress into the next 25.”
Microsoft’s first step, creating quantum systems that run on noisy physical qubits, has already been realized with quantum machines available in the cloud via Azure Quantum.
In its roadmap to quantum supercomputing, Microsoft outlines a further two steps: reliable logical qubits, and engineering with scale. Drilling in with more detail, the journey to the next step will be to engineer hardware-protected or topological qubits, to improve and finesse their quality, and to create a multi-qubit system.
Like its voyage into AI, Microsoft stresses the importance of security, safety, and privacy, which are all set to get equal attention as quantum computing begins to threaten existing IT landscapes.
First, Your Library will have a new home on the left-hand side of the desktop window for quick access to “music and podcast collections.” Spotify states the new location will help users save time by making it easier to switch between playlists, plus it offers a “better overview" of said collections. Saved content can be displayed in the standard list view or you can switch to a grid arrangement if you want bigger thumbnails. The desktop app also allows people to create folders where they can store multiple playlists.
On the right side is the revamped Now Playing view which will now display more information beyond pointing out what you’re listening to. It adds listings for upcoming tour dates as well as merch you can purchase from your favorite artists. For some podcasts, Spotify will offer transcripts so people can follow along as they listen. The company doesn’t state which podcasts will have the transcript, although we did ask. This story will be updated if we hear back.
Availability
Besides the two, Spotify is moving the Friend Activity feed to the friends icon, which sits next to your profile picture in the top-right corner of the main screen. This update is currently making its way to all desktop users across the globe so keep an eye out for the patch once it reaches you.
With most Spotify stories, we tend to ask, “When will high-fidelity audio launch on the platform?” It’s been two years since the original tease. Well, as it turns out, we may not have to wait very long as a recent Bloomberg report states hi-res audio will be a part of a new subscription tier releasing later this year.
Solar companies offer different solar panels, inverters, batteries, warranties and service. See how they compare and which we crowned the best solar company.
TOPDON, a leading provider of automotive diagnostic solutions, has launched its latest product, TopScan. Designed to meet the needs of both automotive DIYers and professional technicians, TopScan revolutionizes the way car diagnostics are performed. It’s a powerful and versatile diagnostic tool that offers an array of features and benefits for car enthusiasts and technicians alike, and thanks to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive functions, it enables users to diagnose and solve vehicle problems with ease.
One of the key features of TopScan is its extensive Repair Data Library, which provides a wealth of maintenance knowledge and guidance. For beginners, the OBD2 DTC Repair Guide offers clear explanations of fault codes and step-by-step repair instructions. Additionally, technicians can access original technical service bulletins specific to each vehicle, ensuring accurate and efficient diagnostics. TopScan's unique advantage lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of users.
For car DIYers, the Lite Version, priced at $59.99, provides an affordable entry point with the option to upgrade to the Pro Version or purchase professional-level features such as IMMO for secure immobilizer features for your vehicle. Professional technicians can benefit from the advanced capabilities of the Pro Version, available at $99.
TopScan has undergone an extensive testing and optimization phase, involving seven months of rigorous evaluation and feedback from over 1,000 beta testers. This meticulous process ensures that the product has been thoroughly validated and refined to deliver the best performance and user experience. The valuable insights and suggestions provided by the dedicated beta testing community have played a pivotal role in shaping the final version of TopScan.
"We are excited to introduce the TopScan to car enthusiasts and technicians worldwide," said Mike Zhou, CEO of TOPDON. "Our goal is to make automotive repair easier and more accessible for everyone, and our TopScan tool embodies that vision. Whether you're a DIYer or a professional, TopScan has the abilities you need to diagnose and repair vehicles effectively."
Additional features
In addition to its comprehensive diagnostic functions, TopScan offers a range of other benefits:
Bi-directional Control: Access vehicle-specific subsystems and component parts to analyze and locate faults accurately.
Full Systems Diagnosis for 60+ Brands: Scan all vehicle systems, including engine, transmission, airbag, ABS, ESP, TPMS, immobilizer, gateway, steering, radio, and air conditioning.
Diagnostic Reports: Generate comprehensive diagnostic reports to track repairs and monitor the effectiveness of fault code resolutions.
AutoVIN & AutoScan: Streamline the diagnostic process with automatic vehicle identification and system detection.
Powerful, yet pocket-sized: Compact and lightweight, TopScan is designed for both home garage projects and professional jobs on the go.
Multilingual support: Available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Italian.
Performance test: Conduct vehicle performance tests and record acceleration data accurately.
Get All the OBD2 Data: Access crucial information on various vehicles with full OBD2 functionalities.
As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, TOPDON offers extensive customer support and a user-friendly experience.
TOPDON is a leading provider of automotive diagnostic solutions dedicated to making automotive repair easier and more enjoyable. With a focus on persistence, passion, and professionalism, Topdon offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools and services, supporting clients from problem identification to resolution.
With TopScan, users can expect reliable and accurate diagnostics to enhance their automotive repair journeys. For more information about TopScan and other TOPDON products, visit www.topdon.com.
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It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints, plus the answers for both the main game and the Daily Sequence spin off.
Quordle is the only one of the many Wordle clones that I'm still playing now, around 18 months after the daily-word-game craze hit the internet, and with good reason: it's good fun, but also difficult.
What's more, its makers (now the online dictionary Merriam-Webster) are also keeping it fresh in the form of a new variant called the Daily Sequence, which sees you complete four puzzles consecutively, rather than concurrently.
But Quordle is tough, so if you already find yourself searching for Wordle hints, you'll probably need some for this game too.
I'm a Quordle and Wordle fanatic who's been playing since December 2021, so I can definitely help you solve Quordle today and improve your game for tomorrow. Read on for my Quordle hints to game #511 and the answers to the main game and Daily Sequence.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #511) - hint #1 - Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #511) - hint #2 - total vowels
What is the total number of vowels in Quordle today?
• The total number of vowels across today's Quordle answers is 8.
Quordle today (game #511) - hint #3 - repeated letters
Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.
Quordle today (game #511) - hint #4 - total letters
How many different letters are used in Quordle today?
• The total number of different letters used in Quordle today is 12.
Quordle today (game #511) - hint #5 - uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
Where Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day, Quordle presents you with four puzzles to solve. And rather than complete them in turn, you do so simultaneously. You get nine guesses, rather than the six for Wordle, but the rules are otherwise very similar.
As with Wordle, the answers are the same for every player each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world. And also as with Wordle, the puzzle resets at midnight so you have a fresh challenge each day.
The website also includes a practice mode - which I definitely recommend using before attempting the game proper! - and there are daily stats including a streak count. You also get Quordle Achievements - specific badges for winning a game in a certain number of turns, playing lots of times, or guessing particularly hard words.
Oh, and it's difficult. Really difficult.
What are the Quordle rules?
The rules of Quordle are almost identical to those of Wordle.
1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.
2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow.
3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray…
4. …BUT the word you guess appears in all quadrants of the puzzle at the same time, so an A could turn green in one square, yellow in another and gray in the final two.
5. Answers are never plural.
6. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.
7. Each guess must be a valid word in Quordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.
8. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses and there is no equivalent of Wordle's Hard mode.
9. You have nine guesses to find the Quordle answers.
10. You must complete the daily Quordle before midnight in your timezone.
What is a good Quordle strategy?
Quordle needs to be approached in a different way to Wordle. With four puzzles to solve in nine guesses, you can't blindly throw letters at it and expect to win - you'll stand a far better chance if you think strategically.
That's the case in Wordle too, of course, but it's even more important in Quordle.
There are two key things to remember.
1. Use several starting words
Firstly, you won't want just a single starting word, but almost certainly two or three starting words.
The first of these should probably be one of the best Wordle starting words, because the same things that make them work well will apply here too. But after that, you should select another word or possibly two that use up lots more of the most common consonants and that include any remaining vowels.
For instance, I currently use STARE > DOILY > PUNCH. Between them, these three words use 15 of the 26 letters in the alphabet including all five vowels, Y, and nine of the most common consonants (S, T, R, D, L, P, N, C and H). There are plenty of other options - you might want to get an M, B, F or G in there instead of the H, maybe - but something like that should do the trick.
If all goes well, that will give you a good lead on what one or sometimes two of the answers might be. If not, well good luck!
2. Narrow things down
Secondly, if you're faced with a word where the answer might easily be one of several options - for instance -ATCH, where it could be MATCH, BATCH, LATCH, CATCH, WATCH, HATCH or PATCH - you'll definitely want to guess a word that would narrow down those options.
In Wordle, you can instead try several of those in succession and hope one is right, assuming you have enough guesses left. It's risky, but will sometimes work. Plus, it's the only option in Hard mode. But in Quordle, this will almost certainly result in a failure - you simply don't have enough guesses.
In the scenario above, CLAMP would be a great guess, as it could point the way to four of the seven words in one go.
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