N e w s C e n t r a l

Toyota hopes for a smoother start with its redesigned bZ all-electric SUV

In an increasingly competitive EV landscape, Toyota hopes its newly redesigned and renamed <a href="https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-bz-all-electric-suv-adds-range-charging-and-exterior-updates-for-2026/"><ins>Toyota bZ</ins></a> can stand out. As brands from <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/the-2026-subaru-trailseeker-ev-has-solid-4x4-bonafides-but-mediocre-range-132516217.html"><ins>Subaru</ins></a> to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/volkswagen-is-unveiling-a-21000-entry-level-ev-in-march-150057140.html"><ins>Volkswagen</ins></a> continue to expand all-electric offerings, Toyota is placing its bets on a single EV model for the American market. The change in name may be partly in hopes of distancing the new model in consumers’ minds from the original bZ4X, which began stateside sales in 2022, only to be <a href="https://www.engadget.com/toyota-recalls-nearly-3000-bz4x-ev-over-potentially-deadly-wheel-defect-192025370.html"><ins>met with recalls</ins></a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/toyota-bz4x-ev-buyback-offer-202133046.html"><ins>buybacks</ins></a>. Toyota, for its part, <a href="https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-bz-all-electric-suv-adds-range-charging-and-exterior-updates-for-2026/"><ins>states in a press release</ins></a> that the branding change is just “simplifying the name for customers.” Toyota is hoping for a fresh start and has brought several key improvements to the table. The new bZ will have an estimated range of 314 miles, up from just 252 in the previous model. There is also a significant horsepower boost for all-wheel drive models, reaching 338 hp, and a modest 20-hp boost for front-wheel drive models, measuring in at 221 hp. This model will come equipped with the now-standardized North American Charging Standard (NACS) outlet, first developed by <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/tesla/">Tesla</a>. This brings fast-charging capability to the new bZ, which Toyota says will allow it to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Toyota has also brought a number of other improved creature comforts and new features to this second-gen model including an updated X‑MODE system with Grip‑Control for improved off‑road traction. The bZ’s price at launch is set to be somewhere between $37,000 and $42,000, depending on the trim and configuration. This positions the model to compete with other smaller all-electric SUVs like the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-starts-selling-cheaper-model-y-evs-in-the-us-124506011.html"><ins>Tesla Model Y</ins></a>. Toyota expects the new bZ to begin arriving at Toyota dealerships in the back half of 2025.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/toyota-hopes-for-a-smoother-start-with-its-redesigned-bz-all-electric-suv-182426253.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The UK's House of Lords kicks back bill that let AI train on copyrighted content

The UK's House of Lords just voted to add an amendment to a data bill that mandates that tech companies disclose which copyright-protected works were used to train AI models, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/may/12/house-of-lords-pushes-back-ai-plans-data-bill"><ins>as reported by </ins><ins>The Guardian</ins></a>. The amendment faced government opposition but resoundingly passed with 272 votes to 125. The vote came just a few days after hundreds of artists and organizations joined together to urge the government not to "give our work away at the behest of a handful of powerful overseas tech companies." The artists involved in this push included Paul McCartney, Elton John and Dua Lipa, among many others. <div id="90276c70dd3b4d559939259efa7ee6b3"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, the Lords asked the government to think again on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DataBill?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DataBill</a>, voting through changes on processing personal data, AI models, and the collection of sex data. ⬇️ Find out more <a href="https://t.co/5T0A3BvCe6">https://t.co/5T0A3BvCe6</a>— House of Lords (@UKHouseofLords) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords/status/1922319744553636228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> </div> The government's preferred position has been a provision that would force copyright holders to formally opt-out of being used to train AI models. Critics say this would be impractical and unworkable for many artists. The bill will now return to the House of Commons for another vote. If today's amendment is removed, it will likely lead to another confrontation with the House of Lords. “The House of Lords has once again taken the right decision by voting to establish vital transparency obligations for AI companies," Sophie Jones, chief strategist for the British Phonographic Industry, <a href="https://www.billboard.com/pro/uk-government-ai-plans-dealt-blow-house-of-lords-vote/"><ins>told </ins><ins>Billboard</ins></a>. "Transparency is crucial in ensuring that the creative industries can retain control over how their works are used.” This isn't the first time the House of Lords has demanded tech companies make clear whether they have used copyright-protected material when training AI models. Back in January, the body voted 145 to 126 in favor of adding amendments to the bill aimed at <a href="https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/uks-house-of-lords-votes-to-strengthen-copyright-protections-in-ai-dealing-blow-to-governments-plans/"><ins>strengthening copyright protections</ins></a>. "Creators do not deny the creative and economic value of AI, but we do deny the assertion that we should have to build AI for free with our work, and then rent it back from those who stole it," Baroness Beeban Kidron of the House of Lords said during a debate before this week's vote. <div id="6215ef2483e94bce8b56515062ba72c9"></div> There are some signs that Prime Minister Starmer is backing off the proposed "opt-out" idea that would force creators to petition AI companies not to use their work. The government recently added its own amendments to the data bill that include a commitment to conduct an economic impact assessment and to publish reports on transparency with regard to licensing. Technology secretary Peter Kyle has been looking into a new proposal that would, instead, create a licensing system for copyright holders and AI developers, <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1e9b353f-2483-466c-93ba-e142a13fe4a3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=ce5b3261-db92-4d14-a9f4-83538b5681d5&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Telegraph+UK&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZWxlZ3JhcGguY28udWsvcG9saXRpY3MvMjAyNS8wNS8wNy9sYWJvdXItYXJ0aWZpY2lhbC1pbnRlbGxpZ2VuY2Utb3B0LW91dC1jb3B5cmlnaHQvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJjZTViMzI2MS1kYjkyLTRkMTQtYTlmNC04MzUzOGI1NjgxZDUiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRlbGVncmFwaC5jby51ay9wb2xpdGljcy8yMDI1LzA1LzA3L2xhYm91ci1hcnRpZmljaWFsLWludGVsbGlnZW5jZS1vcHQtb3V0LWNvcHlyaWdodC8ifQ&signature=AQAAAbldNIGUi4X6X9YhJIoKb5oCMdMdrAyiFmYzPcbK-jw4&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fpolitics%2F2025%2F05%2F07%2Flabour-artificial-intelligence-opt-out-copyright%2F"><ins>according to a report by </ins><ins>The Telegraph</ins></a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-uks-house-of-lords-kicks-back-bill-that-let-ai-train-on-copyrighted-content-181540558.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Everything Google announced at The Android Show

<a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-io-2025-what-to-expect-over-the-next-two-weeks-on-android-16-android-xr-and-gemini-203044392.html">Google I/O 2025</a> is still a week out, but Google shared a taste of the updates coming to Android and the larger Android Ecosystem at a separate event today, dubbed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3yDd3CmA_Y">The Android Show: I/O Edition.</a> Engadget followed along with the announcements as they happened <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/android-show-2025-live-updates-material-3-expressive-android-16-gemini-and-more-from-googles-pre-io-event-213327433.html">in our liveblog</a>, but for an overview, here are the changes Google has planned for Android, its visual design and Gemini. <h2 id="jump-link-material-3-expressive-is-going-to-make-android-and-wear-os-more-fun">Material 3 Expressive is making Android and Wear OS more fun</h2> <figure><img alt="Google's new design language in a few of its most popular apps." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/91bb63c0-301c-11f0-9ab1-55c3f6f7d139" style="height: 950px; width: 1738px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Google</div></figure> Material Design, Google’s design language for Android and Android apps, has been slowly evolving for years at this point, but <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/google-gives-android-an-animated-makeover-with-material-3-expressive-170045667.html">Material 3 Expressive</a> should be the biggest departure yet, adding new animations, typography and colors. Google believes these changes make Android and apps easier to understand, while making them more appealing to young people. Based on the screenshots and clips Google shared, using Material 3 Expressive on Android 16 and Wear OS 6 has made the OSes look bouncier, more playful and fun. On Android, that also comes with the ability to add more tools to Quick Settings and apps and widgets to your home screen app grid. How much of a difference the new design language actually makes in your day-to-day life will depend on how quickly developers adopt the new style. Google says you'll be able to check out the new look yourself when the Android 16 beta becomes available on select Android devices in June. <h2 id="jump-link-gemini-is-coming-to-even-more-places">Gemini is coming to even more places</h2> <figure><img alt="Gemini in Android Auto" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/44d2e010-3021-11f0-a7ef-6b053b6d3352" style="height: 614px; width: 1116px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Google</div></figure> Google made Gemini the default assistant on Android and offered the multimodal generative AI's smarts on the web and iOS. Now the assistant is making the jump to <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-bringing-gemini-to-wear-os-android-auto-and-more-170028033.html">even more of the surfaces Google already controls</a>, including Wear OS, the wearable operating system used by Samsung’s Galaxy Watches and Google’s Pixel Watches, Google TV and Android Auto. Gemini will be able to do all of the things Google Assistant could do, like setting timers or creating reminders, but with much more flexible, natural language interactions. In Android Auto and cars with Google Built-in, you’ll also be able to use Gemini Live, Google’s tool for having live conversations with the AI about whatever topic you choose. Google TV will leverage Gemini for TV and movie recommendations across your favorite genres, along with the AI assistant's basic ability to answer questions. You could, for example, ask it for recommendations for kid shows and get information about your favorite actor. Gemini will also be available on Google's new <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/google-lays-out-its-vision-for-an-android-xr-ecosystem-160001103.html">Android XR</a> platform, but Google suggested that more information about its mixed-reality plans are being saved for I/O on May 20. <h2 id="jump-link-android-is-getting-new-security-features-and-the-find-hub">Android is getting new security features and the Find Hub</h2> <figure><img alt="The logo for the new Find Hub Google plans to use to track lost items." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/1bbc3010-3020-11f0-bfab-156a27e73692" style="height: 974px; width: 1742px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Google</div></figure> A major component of each new version of Android is improved security features, and Google has <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/android-16-adds-new-features-for-scam-detection-and-device-finding-170037778.html">a few new features</a> planned for Android 16. The company says it's expanding its AI model for detecting spam texts and calls to account for new types of scams, like road toll scams. The next version of Android will also make it possible to grant accessibility privileges on a call with an unknown contact, and a new Key Verifier tool makes it possible to swap encryption keys to verify the person you're talking to is who they say they are. On top of those changes, Google is expanding its Find My Device network into the new Find Hub, which can track your Android devices, compatible accessories and trackers, all in one location. The big change in the move from Find My Device to Find Hub is broad support for devices with ultra-wideband radios, which offer more precise tracking. Devices in Find Hub will also be able to use your phone's satellite connectivity to make themselves findable even when you don't have cell service.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/everything-google-announced-at-the-android-show-174155773.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Google gives Android an animated makeover with Material 3 Expressive

Well, <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://9to5google.com/2025/05/05/material-3-expressive-leak/">the leaks</a> were right. Google is <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="http://blog.google/products/android/material-3-expressive-android-wearos-launch">updating the look of Android and Wear OS</a> to make its mobile and wearable operating systems more visually expressive and animated. Google has dubbed its new design system Material 3 Expressive, and plans to introduce it when Android 16 and Wear OS 6 launch later this year. Material 3 Expressive builds on the <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/google-material-you-android-personalized-redesign-182501466.html">Material You</a> design changes Google made with the introduction of Android 12 by adding "more natural, springy animations," a greater sense of depth, updated "dynamic color themes" and "emphasized typography." If you're familiar with <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/apple/">Apple</a>'s approach to animation in iOS, Google seems to be using a similar philosophy here, making software elements more reactive to each other and your input, and layering in haptics so you can feel them react, too. <figure><img alt="The new animations in Android 16 for working with notifications." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/a54783b0-2f72-11f0-bf7d-36dac70a8903" style="height: 1080px; width: 1920px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Google</div></figure> The company specifically calls out the way other notifications bounce and jiggle when you pull one out of a stack in the notification shade and the haptics you feel dismissing apps in the recent apps menu, but new animations should be noticeable throughout Android 16. That's along with what looks like an even more playful use of typography and color theming in Google's stock apps, and a tasteful blur in the background of contextual menus. For even more personalization options, Google says the Quick Settings menu can now be customized to fit more actions, not unlike <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ios-18-gets-a-revamped-control-center-and-loads-of-home-screen-customization-options-172350046.html">iOS 18's Control Center</a>. On the lock screen, apps will also have the option to display a live-updating notification, a feature Google calls "Live Updates" that is equivalent to Live Activities in iOS. <figure><img alt="A gif showing the rounder and bouncier glances, app list and notifications from Wear OS 6." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/39d4d780-2f73-11f0-9f3e-9fe9f529dbe2" style="height: 608px; width: 1080px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Google</div></figure> Given the smaller screen real estate, Material 3 Expressive comes across as less of a major change on Wear OS, but there are still visual changes that should be noticeable once you update. That includes new animations when you scroll through lists and glances, dynamic color-theming that matches the rest of your watch to your watch face and tweaks to notifications that make them easier to interact with. That's on top of performance improvements that are supposed to give Wear OS 6 smartwatches up to 10 percent more battery life, according to Google. Material 3 Expressive adds more of the quirky pizazz that has made the company's software stand out in the last few years, but Google claims these changes are backed up by research, too. Material 3 Expressive is "the most researched update to Google's design system, ever," according to the company. There's <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://design.google/library/expressive-material-design-google-research?utm_source=android-blog&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=IO25">a blog</a> digging into some of Google's findings, but of particular note is the idea that Material 3 Expressive apps are attractive to young people — the company claims up to 87 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds prefer expressive design — while being easier to understand for people over the age of 45. It remains to be seen whether developers take these changes in stride, but at the very least Android 16 and Wear OS 6 will be more visually exciting than anything Google's released in years.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/google-gives-android-an-animated-makeover-with-material-3-expressive-170045667.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Android 16 adds new features for scam detection and device finding

<figure><img alt="Android 16's new Advanced Protection feature simplifies the task of managing your phone's security settings." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/f1178e50-2f74-11f0-a8fc-567f8d63dcd6" style="height: 3852px; width: 3638px;" /><figcaption>Android 16's new Advanced Protection feature simplifies the task of managing your phone's security settings.</figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Google</div></figure> This summer's Android 16 release will add several new and updated security measures that should make it more difficult for criminals to scam Android users or take advantage of stolen Android phones. After <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/the-latest-android-update-includes-live-scam-message-detection-170040545.html#:~:text=First%20up%2C%20Google%20Messages%20now,and%2For%20block%20the%20conversation.">introducing AI features in March</a> that detect fraudulent messages based on common language patterns, Google is working on teaching its models to recognize a wider range of text scams, such as those <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/have-you-been-the-victim-of-a-text-message-scam-claiming-you-owe-money-for-unpaid-tolls-tell-us-your-story-173838497.html">unpaid road toll scams</a> you've probably seen this year. It's also adding faster pattern analysis to Google Play Protect so it can unmask malicious apps more quickly. Starting in Android 16, it will be impossible to grant certain accessibility privileges while on a call with an unknown contact. Meanwhile, the new Key Verifier feature prevents scammers from co-opting your known contacts, letting you and a trusted contact swap public encryption keys to confirm each other's identities. Android 16 also adds new ways to protect your phone against thieves. The Identity Check feature requires extra biometric verification to change sensitive settings outside user-designated safe locations. It <a href="https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/androids-identity-check-feature-is-rolling-out-to-pixel-and-samsung-galaxy-devices-193048987.html">launched on some Pixel and Galaxy devices</a> in January, but Android 16 will widen the rollout. These upgrades should help protect against <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2f007401-3eaa-4237-b69b-54ccbe125502&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=c85019c0-e7ee-48b4-a6e5-39be424bddc0&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Wall+Street+Journal&custData=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&signature=AQAAAVfq-KhqBVaQm_VEw8dlmBuVc4OaG32jkgijl6xo27J2&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Fvideo%2Fseries%2Fjoanna-stern-personal-technology%2Fan-iphone-thief-explains-how-he-steals-your-passcode-and-bank-account%2FC37B4009-E548-4459-8D0A-22B7400C3FEA">"shoulder surfing" device thefts and bank account breaches</a>, in which thieves learn passcodes by watching targets unlock their phones, then steal and unlock the devices themselves. Such attacks have been vexing smartphone owners in bars and other crowded venues for years. New anti-theft features include a security question for deactivating remote locks and more restrictions on what can be done to a device after a factory reset. If a phone running Android 16 is not unlocked or connected to Wi-Fi for a while, the lock screen will hide two-factor authentication codes received through texts. Along with the new security features, Android 16 will centralize security under a single device-level feature called Advanced Protection. While the Advanced Protection switch is active, no feature under its umbrella can be turned off. As a final complement to the Android 16 security updates, Google is expanding its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/googles-find-my-device-app-can-now-show-your-contacts-real-time-locations-154857019.html">Find My Device feature</a> into Find Hub, a dashboard that can locate basically any object with smart capabilities or a bluetooth tag. Find Hub can use ultra-wide band (UWB) on compatible devices to narrow down more precise locations, and can also communicate via satellite so its features work outside cell range.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/android-16-adds-new-features-for-scam-detection-and-device-finding-170037778.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Google is bringing Gemini to Wear OS, Android Auto and more

Google is bringing Gemini to more devices. During Tuesday's airing of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/android-show-2025-live-updates-material-3-expressive-android-16-gemini-and-more-from-googles-pre-io-event-213327433.html">The Android Show: I/O Edition</a>, the company said its family of AI models would soon power the conversational experiences on Android Auto, Wear OS, Google TV and beyond. I know what you're thinking: don’t those platforms already come with Google Assistant? They do, but Google is promising Gemini will make every device it comes to more conversational. For instance, once Gemini arrives on Wear OS, Google says you won't need to get the wording of your request just right for the software to understand you. Instead, you can say something like "Remember I’m using locker 43 today," and Gemini will know to set a reminder for you. Google is promising similar enhancements on Android Auto, where Google Assistant has been an important part of the experience for years. "Soon, Gemini will upgrade that experience by understanding what you want while you're driving, through natural conversations," the company says. "So instead of focusing on the perfect prompt or tapping the right button, you can stay focused on the road ahead."  In practice, that means Gemini will be able to do things like summarize text messages for you and translate them into more than 40 languages. With its ability to "remember" things, you can do things like tell Gemini to always send messages to a specific friend in Spanish, even though you might not speak the language. Google will start rolling out Gemini to Android Auto in the coming months, with cars with Google built-in to follow later this year. Elsewhere, Google is building <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/google-lays-out-its-vision-for-an-android-xr-ecosystem-160001103.html">Android XR</a> from the ground up with Gemini built-in. "When the first headset from Samsung launches later this year, Gemini can help you do things like plan a vacation by surrounding you with videos, maps and local tips, creating an entire itinerary in minutes while providing a more realistic feel for the place you're researching," the company says. In the coming months, Google will also bring Gemini to Google TV. As you can probably guess, here Gemini will augment recommendations. Specifically, you can expect better age-appropriate suggestions for your kids. The model will also give Google TV the capability to answer any questions your children might have about what they're watching. Last but not least, Google says Sony and Samsung will bring Gemini to some of the new earbuds the two companies plan to release this year and into the future. No details yet on what to expect there, but like on Wear OS and Android Auto, presumably the addition of Gemini will help make those earbuds better at understanding what you say to them.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-is-bringing-gemini-to-wear-os-android-auto-and-more-170028033.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

ESPN's streaming service will cost up to $30 per month and be called... ESPN

<a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a> isn't quite ready to reveal exactly when you'll be able to start using <a href="https://www.engadget.com/espns-standalone-streaming-service-will-launch-by-fall-2025-220624127.html"><ins>ESPN's long-awaited standalone streaming service</ins></a>, but it has announced some key details. For one thing, the company isn't rocking the boat in terms of branding. The service will simply be called ESPN. That was the best and most obvious option, especially considering that the unlimited plan includes all of ESPN's offerings, albeit via the internet instead of satellite or cable. "As we thought about the name, we kept returning to the fact that, across every generation, ESPN is the most trusted, loved and recognized name in sports, and that we should keep it simple and double down on the power of ESPN," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro <a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/05/new-direct-to-consumer-offering-to-be-singularly-branded-espn/"><ins>said in a statement</ins></a>. There are two plans that will be available through the revamped ESPN app: an unlimited subscription for $30 per month and a select plan for $12 per month. The former includes all of ESPN's linear networks. You'll be able to watch (deep breath) ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes live, as well as ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. ESPN's press release does not mention the inclusion of ESPN8 The Ocho, a free ad-supported <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/article/best-streaming-services-173846237.html">streaming channel</a> that features all kinds of strange and wonderful sports. Along with studio shows and original programming like the 30 for 30 films, the unlimited plan offers access to 47,000 live events every year plus on-demand replays, ESPN says. That includes games from the big four North American sports leagues, along with the NWSL, PGA Tour, UFC, Big 12, the College Football Playoff, dozens of NCAA championships, major European soccer leagues, three of the tennis grand slam tournaments and much more. The select plan, meanwhile, is basically what ESPN+ is now. There are other payment options available. An annual unlimited membership will run you $300. If you also use <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a>+ and/or <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/hulu-review-183007028.html">Hulu</a>, though, a bundle will likely be the best way to go. <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a> is trying to sweeten the deal for newcomers with a launch offer that includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN unlimited for $30 per month for 12 months. That effectively gets you <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a>+ and Hulu for free for a year, but it'll be the ad-supported version of each. After that, the bundle will cost you $36 per month for a plan with ads on <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a>+ and Hulu. To go ad-free on those services, you'll pay $45 per month for the bundle. As for the select plan, that's $120 for an annual subscription. The bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN select will be $17 per month with ads on <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a>+ and Hulu, and $27 to go ad-free. Bundle subscribers will be able to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/disney-will-start-showing-some-live-sports-from-espn-this-year-173524610.html"><ins>access ESPN content from the Disney+ app</ins></a>. Current ESPN+ subscribers will be moved over to the ESPN service on the select plan (but expect a lot of attempts to upsell you on the unlimited offering). If you have a bundle with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, you'll soon find yourself with the ESPN select bundle. The transition will happen when the ESPN <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/">streaming service</a> debuts sometime in early fall. <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a> will announce more details, including the date when the service goes live, later this summer as <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/streaming-is-just-tv-all-over-again-165115834.html"><ins>the cable-ization of streaming TV</ins></a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/fox-one-is-a-new-streaming-service-that-should-launch-before-september-152650429.html"><ins>continues</ins></a>. The standalone ESPN service had been in the works for years, but it's not the only sports streaming platform <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/disney-plus-review-204658966.html">Disney</a> had been putting together. The company teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox with the intention to start a joint offering called Venu Sports, but that plan <a href="https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/rip-to-the-entirely-hypothetical-streaming-service-venu-sports-180532990.html"><ins>vaporized earlier this year</ins></a> amid legal challenges from competitors. Still, <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/fubo-review-134550375.html">Fubo</a> agreed to drop its case against Venu Sports after it <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/disney-to-merge-hulu--live-tv-with-fubo-challenging-youtube-tv-163627571.html"><ins>reached a deal with Disney</ins></a> on a joint venture that combines FuboTV with Hulu + Live TV.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/espns-streaming-service-will-cost-up-to-30-per-month-and-be-called-espn-164532920.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Watch Nicolas Cage kick black-and-white butt in this trailer for Spider-Noir

We finally have some actual footage of the upcoming Spider-Noir series, <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/spider-noir-nicolas-cage-prime-video"><ins>thanks to a teaser trailer</ins></a>. This is a real boon for fans of the original Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, as the show brings back Nicolas Cage as Spider-Man: Noir. It's also live action, so we get to see a real-life Nic Cage kicking butt as a down-on-his-luck private detective that's bitten by a magical spider. You can likely guess what happens to him after that. Amazon says that the character will be "forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only superhero." <div id="b695b934bce14e2d882fd261c98c223a"></div> This is a short trailer, but it's positively soaked in retro vibes. After all, the show's called Spider-Noir. The teaser is in black-and-white, but it's worth noting that the actual series will be available in both black-and-white and color. It's all up to personal preference, but I'm digging the black-and-white. Spider-Noir will first air on MGM+ before heading to Prime <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/amazon-prime-video-review-132835305.html">Video</a> the next day. We don't have a release date yet. In addition to Cage, the show stars Lamorne Morris, Brendan Gleeson, Li Jun Li and Karen Rodriguez, among others. Harry Bradbeer, who helmed most episodes of Fleabag, is directing the first two installments. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the pair behind the Spiderverse franchise, are on-hand as executive producers. The show's <a href="https://www.engadget.com/spider-man-noir-amazon-prime-series-sony-marvel-204523738.html"><ins>based on the comic book</ins></a> Spider-Man: Noir, which was first released back in 2009.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/watch-nicolas-cage-kick-black-and-white-butt-in-this-trailer-for-spider-noir-163332837.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Apple brings Magnifier to Macs and introduces a new Accessibility Reader mode

This Thursday is <a href="https://www.engadget.com/engadget-podcast-how-apple-and-google-are-highlighting-accessibility-123058124.html">Global Accessibility Awareness Day</a> (GAAD), and as has been its custom for the last few years, <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/apple/">Apple</a>'s accessibility team is taking this time to share some new assistive features that will be coming to its ecosystem of products. In addition to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/apple-is-bringing-accessibility-labels-to-the-app-store-later-this-year-120020185.html">bringing "Accessibility Nutrition Labels" to the App Store</a>, it's announcing the new Magnifier for Mac, an Accessibility Reader, enhanced Braille Access as well as a veritable cornucopia of other updates to existing tools.  According to the company's press release, this year in particular marks "40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple." It's also 20 years since the company first launched its screen reader, and a significant amount of this year's updates are designed to help those with vision impairments.  <h2 id="jump-link-magnifier-for-mac">Magnifier for Mac</h2> One of the most noteworthy is the arrival of Magnifier on Macs. The camera-based assistive feature <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=84ed26c5-191b-4abd-b7b0-198ba6c14624&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzLzEwNTEwMiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiODRlZDI2YzUtMTkxYi00YWJkLWI3YjAtMTk4YmE2YzE0NjI0Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzLzEwNTEwMiJ9&signature=AQAAAfuqhLCEy5qW9RK2Xvs98ZcYcYeURb_qLfoej76StHF6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.apple.com%2Fen-us%2F105102">has been available on iPhones and iPads</a> since 2016, letting people point their phones at things around them and getting auditory readouts of what's in the scene. Magnifier can also make hard-to-read things easier to see, by giving you the option to increase brightness, zoom in, add color filters and adjust the perspective.  With Magnifier for Mac, you can use any USB-connected camera or your iPhone (via Continuity Camera) to get feedback on things around you. In a video, Apple showed how a student in a large lecture hall was able to use their iPhone, attached to the top of their MacBook, to make out what was written on a distant whiteboard. Magnifier for Mac also works with Desk View, so you can use it to more easily read documents in front of you. Multiple live session windows will be available, so you can keep up with a presentation through your webcam while using Desk View to, say, read a textbook at the same time.  <h2 id="jump-link-accessibility-reader">Accessibility Reader</h2> Magnifier for Mac also works with another new tool Apple is unveiling today — Accessibility Reader. It's a "new systemwide reading mode designed to make text easier to read for users with a wide range of disabilities, such as dyslexia or low vision." Accessibility Reader will be available on iPhones, iPads, Macs and the Apple Vision Pro, and it's pretty much the part of Magnifier that lets you customize your text, with "extensive options for font, color and spacing." It can help minimize distractions by getting rid of clutter, for instance. Accessibility Reader also supports <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=84ed26c5-191b-4abd-b7b0-198ba6c14624&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2d1aWRlL21hYy1oZWxwL2hhdmUteW91ci1tYWMtc3BlYWstdGV4dC10aGF0cy1vbi10aGUtc2NyZWVuLW1oMjc0NDgvbWFjIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI4NGVkMjZjNS0xOTFiLTRhYmQtYjdiMC0xOThiYTZjMTQ2MjQiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VwcG9ydC5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ3VpZGUvbWFjLWhlbHAvaGF2ZS15b3VyLW1hYy1zcGVhay10ZXh0LXRoYXRzLW9uLXRoZS1zY3JlZW4tbWgyNzQ0OC9tYWMifQ&signature=AQAAAT3arrrW9vdT99BagevhMINoFkp4yglbR44tmMKBkoTY&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.apple.com%2Fguide%2Fmac-help%2Fhave-your-mac-speak-text-thats-on-the-screen-mh27448%2Fmac">Spoken Content</a>, and as it's built into the Magnifier app, can be used to make real-world text like signs or menus easier to read as well. You can also launch it from any app, as it's a mode available at the OS level.  <figure><img alt="Two phones side by side, showcasing Apple's new Accessibility Reader mode. The left is a narrow column of text in a document, while the right is the Accessibility Reader version of it that has more legible white-on-black text and playback controls at the bottom." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/ae400010-2fa3-11f0-aef2-772150ee72b9" style="height: 1800px; width: 3200px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Apple</div></figure> <h2 id="jump-link-braille-access">Braille Access</h2> For people who are most comfortable writing in Braille, Apple has supported Braille input for years, and more recently started working with <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=84ed26c5-191b-4abd-b7b0-198ba6c14624&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzLzEwMzI0NiIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiODRlZDI2YzUtMTkxYi00YWJkLWI3YjAtMTk4YmE2YzE0NjI0Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzLzEwMzI0NiJ9&signature=AQAAAb3tOccXJyeOwPCADi5OCsLVEguMk4kG-wg9230DybJz&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.apple.com%2Fen-us%2F103246">Braille displays</a>. This year, the company is bringing Braille Access to iPhones, iPads, Macs and Vision Pros, and it's designed to make taking notes in Braille easier. It will come with a dedicated app launcher that allows people to "open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device." Braille Access also enables users to take notes in braille format and use Nemeth code for their math and science calculations. Braille Access can open files in the Braille Ready Format (BRF), so you can return to your existing documents from other devices. Finally, "an integrated form of Live Captions allows users to transcribe conversations in real time directly on braille displays." <h2 id="jump-link-brain-computer-interface-bci-support-for-controlling-devices-with-your-mind">Brain Computer Interface (BCI) support for controlling devices with your mind</h2> In an earlier version of this story, I noted the following: Speaking of connected devices, Apple is also adding a new protocol to Switch Control that would enable support for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs). Theoretically, that would mean brainwave-based control of your devices, and Apple lists iOS, iPadOS and visionOS as those on deck to support this new protocol. Again, it's uncertain whether we can go as far as to say brainwave-based control is coming, and I've also asked Apple for more information on this. As it turns out, the Wall Street Journal published <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2f007401-3eaa-4237-b69b-54ccbe125502&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=84ed26c5-191b-4abd-b7b0-198ba6c14624&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Wall+Street+Journal&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53c2ouY29tL3RlY2gvYXBwbGUtYnJhaW4tY29tcHV0ZXItaW50ZXJmYWNlLTllYzY5OTE5IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI4NGVkMjZjNS0xOTFiLTRhYmQtYjdiMC0xOThiYTZjMTQ2MjQiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndzai5jb20vdGVjaC9hcHBsZS1icmFpbi1jb21wdXRlci1pbnRlcmZhY2UtOWVjNjk5MTkifQ&signature=AQAAAeSak2E-4D7Q_R4LuvdE4g2IBCkCoJb0KlF5V3khHMB_&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsj.com%2Ftech%2Fapple-brain-computer-interface-9ec69919">an exclusive story</a> this morning detailing how "Apple wants people to control devices with their thoughts." Basically, the company is working with Synchron, a brain computer interface startup, to bring BCI-powered Switch input support to its products. More in our article here: <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-has-teamed-up-with-synchron-to-develop-tech-that-lets-people-control-its-devices-with-thoughts-154018858.html">Apple has teamed up with Synchron to develop tech that lets people control its devices with thoughts</a>. <h2 id="jump-link-apple-watch-gets-live-captions-vision-pro-gets-live-recognition">Apple Watch gets Live Captions; Vision Pro gets Live Recognition</h2> Wrapping up the vision-related updates is an expansion of such accessibility features in visionOS. The Zoom function, for instance, is getting enhanced to allow wearers to magnify what they see in both virtual reality and, well, actual reality. This uses the Vision Pro's cameras to see what's in your surroundings, and Apple will make a new API available that will "enable approved apps to access the main camera to provide live, person-to-person assistance for visual interpretation in apps like Be My Eyes." Finally, Live Recognition is coming to VoiceOver in the Vision Pro, using on-device machine learning to identify and describe things in your surroundings. It can also read flyers or invitations, for example, and tell you what's on them. For those who have hearing loss, the Live Listen feature that's already on iPhones will be complemented by controls on the Apple Watch, plus some bonus features. When you start a Live Listen session on your iPhone, which would stream what its microphone picks up to your connected AirPods, Beats headphones or compatible hearing aids, you'll soon be able to see Live Captions on your paired Apple Watch. You'll also get controls on your wrist, so you can start, stop or rewind a session. This means you can stay on your couch and start Live Listen sessions without having to go all the way over to the kitchen to pick up your iPhone and hear what your partner might be saying while they're cooking. Live Listen also works with the hearing health and hearing aid features introduced on the AirPods Pro 2.  <h2 id="jump-link-background-sounds-personal-voice-vehicle-motion-cues-and-eye-tracking-get-updates">Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues and Eye Tracking get updates</h2> While we're on the topic of sound, Apple is updating its Background Sounds feature that can help those with tinnitus by playing white noise (or other types of audio) to combat symptoms. Later this year, Background Sounds will offer automatic timers to stop after a set amount of time, automation actions in Shortcuts and a new EQ settings option to personalize the sounds. Personal Voice, which helps those who are at risk of losing their voice preserve their vocal identity, is also getting a major improvement. When I tested the feature to write a tutorial on <a href="https://www.engadget.com/how-to-use-personal-voice-on-iphone-with-ios-17-193002021.html">how to create your personal voice on your iPhone</a>, I was shocked that it required the user to read out 150 phrases. Not only that, the system needed to percolate overnight to create the personal voice. With the upcoming update, Personal Voices can be generated in under a minute, with only 10 phrases needing to be recorded. The resulting voice also sounds smoother and with less clipping and artifacts. Apple is also adding Spanish language support for the US and Mexico. Last year, Apple introduced <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-brings-eye-tracking-to-recent-iphones-and-ipads-140012990.html">eye-tracking built into iPhones and iPads</a>, as well as vehicle motion cues to alleviate car sickness. This year, it continues to improve those features by bringing the motion cues to Macs, as well as adding new ways to customize the onscreen dots. Meanwhile, eye-tracking is getting an option to allow users to dwell or use a switch to confirm selections, among other keyboard typing updates.  <h2 id="jump-link-more-across-apple-tv-carplay-head-tracking-and-settings">More across Apple TV, CarPlay, Head Tracking and Settings</h2> Apple's ecosystem is so vast that it's almost impossible to list all the individual accessibility-related changes coming to all the products. I'll quickly shout out Head Tracking, which Apple says will enable people to more easily control their iPhones and iPads by moving their heads "similar to Eye Tracking." Not much else was shared about this, though <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=84ed26c5-191b-4abd-b7b0-198ba6c14624&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2d1aWRlL2lwYWQvc2VsZWN0LWl0ZW1zLXBlcmZvcm0tYWN0aW9ucy1hbmQtbW9yZS1pcGFkODUwZWQ0ZTMvaXBhZG9zIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI4NGVkMjZjNS0xOTFiLTRhYmQtYjdiMC0xOThiYTZjMTQ2MjQiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VwcG9ydC5hcHBsZS5jb20vZ3VpZGUvaXBhZC9zZWxlY3QtaXRlbXMtcGVyZm9ybS1hY3Rpb25zLWFuZC1tb3JlLWlwYWQ4NTBlZDRlMy9pcGFkb3MifQ&signature=AQAAAd67pG4-z_2QEPRG5VUcpMNH-WLlmahT2pWgAUQpxgWX&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fsupport.apple.com%2Fguide%2Fipad%2Fselect-items-perform-actions-and-more-ipad850ed4e3%2Fipados">currently head-tracking on iPhones and iPads</a> is supported through connected devices. The idea that it would be "similar to Eye Tracking" seems to imply integrated support, but we don't know if that is true yet. I've asked Apple for more info and will update this piece with what I find out. For those who use <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/apple-tv-plus-review-110006011.html">Apple TV</a>, Assistive Access is getting a new custom Apple TV app featuring a "simplified media player," while Music Haptics on the iPhone will offer the option to turn on haptics for an entire track or just the vocals, as well as general settings to fine-tune the intensity of taps, textures and vibrations. The Sound Recognition feature that alerts those who are deaf or hard of hearing to concerning sounds (like alarms or crying babies) will add Name Recognition to let users know when they are being called. Sound Recognition for CarPlay, in particular, will inform users when it identifies crying children (in addition to the existing support for external noises like horns and sirens). CarPlay will also get support for large text, which should make getting glanceable information easier. Other updates include greater language support in Live Captions and Voice Control, as well as the ability to share accessibility settings quickly and temporarily across iPads and iPhones so you can use a friend's device without having to painstakingly customize it to your needs. There are plenty more accessibility rollouts from Apple across its retail locations, Music playlists, Books, Podcasts, TV, News, Fitness+ and the App Store, mostly around greater representation and inclusion. There isn't much by way of exact release window for most of the new features and updates I've covered here, though they have usually showed up in the next release of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS.  We'll probably have to wait until the public rollout of iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and more to try these on our own, but for now, most of these seem potentially very helpful. And as always, it's good to see companies design inclusively and consider a wider range of needs. Update, May 13 2025, 12:28PM ET: This story has been updated to create a new section for brain computer interface input and add details from a Wall Street Journal report and move the earlier mention of this feature to that section.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/apple-brings-magnifier-to-macs-and-introduces-a-new-accessibility-reader-mode-120054992.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Microsoft is laying off 3 percent of its global workforce

As first reported by <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=0e6a4418-0fa9-4252-ab9b-a43145005f41&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA1LzEzL21pY3Jvc29mdC1pcy1jdXR0aW5nLTNwZXJjZW50LW9mLXdvcmtlcnMtYWNyb3NzLXRoZS1zb2Z0d2FyZS1jb21wYW55Lmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjBlNmE0NDE4LTBmYTktNDI1Mi1hYjliLWE0MzE0NTAwNWY0MSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25iYy5jb20vMjAyNS8wNS8xMy9taWNyb3NvZnQtaXMtY3V0dGluZy0zcGVyY2VudC1vZi13b3JrZXJzLWFjcm9zcy10aGUtc29mdHdhcmUtY29tcGFueS5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAAU4tCTwkePDJWn9zYVc9aVYx0vMzS_fFn6j_swaX62RT&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F05%2F13%2Fmicrosoft-is-cutting-3percent-of-workers-across-the-software-company.html"><ins>CNBC</ins></a>, <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/microsoft/">Microsoft</a> will be laying off 3 percent of its global workforce in an aim to streamline its operations and thin out its management structure. The layoffs will be felt across all teams, levels and regions within the company and are not performance-based. In a <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=0e6a4418-0fa9-4252-ab9b-a43145005f41&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA1LzEzL21pY3Jvc29mdC1pcy1jdXR0aW5nLTNwZXJjZW50LW9mLXdvcmtlcnMtYWNyb3NzLXRoZS1zb2Z0d2FyZS1jb21wYW55Lmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjBlNmE0NDE4LTBmYTktNDI1Mi1hYjliLWE0MzE0NTAwNWY0MSIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25iYy5jb20vMjAyNS8wNS8xMy9taWNyb3NvZnQtaXMtY3V0dGluZy0zcGVyY2VudC1vZi13b3JrZXJzLWFjcm9zcy10aGUtc29mdHdhcmUtY29tcGFueS5odG1sIn0&signature=AQAAAU4tCTwkePDJWn9zYVc9aVYx0vMzS_fFn6j_swaX62RT&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F05%2F13%2Fmicrosoft-is-cutting-3percent-of-workers-across-the-software-company.html"><ins>statement to </ins><ins>CNBC</ins></a>, a Microsoft spokesperson said, "We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace." This latest round of layoffs follows deep cuts in 2023, when <a href="https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-confirms-layoffs-151816595.html"><ins>Microsoft laid off over 10,000 employees</ins></a>. Microsoft and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-lays-off-hundreds-of-people-from-inside-its-platform-and-devices-division-122328196.html"><ins>other large tech companies</ins></a> are doing all they can lately to weather a shaky economic environment, made more challenging by <a href="https://www.engadget.com/general/us-and-china-agree-to-slash-tariffs-for-90-days-120050454.html"><ins>on-and-off-again tariffs</ins></a>, a bevy of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/what-weve-learned-from-ftc-v-meta-antitrust-trial-162048138.html"><ins>FTC anti-trust activity</ins></a>, and the demand to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/microsoft-is-spending-80-billion-on-data-centers-this-year-130016150.html"><ins>burn billions in cash</ins></a> vying for pole position in the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-new-for-profit-plan-leaves-many-unanswered-questions-193942365.html"><ins>AI race</ins></a>. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/intel-confirms-layoffs-as-it-tries-to-make-engineers-more-productive-143825752.html"><ins>Huge layoffs</ins></a> have become a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/mark-zuckerberg-plans-to-lay-off-an-additional-five-percent-of-metas-workforce-182651886.html"><ins>regular occurrence</ins></a> over the last few years as giant companies seek to right-size from <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/IHLIDXUSTPSOFTDEVE"><ins>pandemic-era overhiring</ins></a>. Microsoft also recently <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/microsoft-just-increased-all-xbox-prices-grab-one-before-the-hikes-go-into-effect-192628921.html"><ins>raised prices on its Xbox consoles</ins></a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/microsoft-says-it-hasnt-raised-surface-prices-210427376.html"><ins>removed entry-level Surface laptops</ins></a> to drive more profits. Last quarter, Microsoft <a href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https://cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/SlidesFY25Q3"><ins>reported earnings</ins></a> that outperformed expectations for both revenue and profit.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/microsoft-is-laying-off-3-percent-of-its-global-workforce-154755787.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

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