N e w s C e n t r a l

Apple has teamed up with Synchron to develop tech that lets people control its devices with thoughts

<a href="https://www.engadget.com/gear/apple/">Apple</a> has partnered with brain-computer interface maker Synchron to develop tech that <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250513927084/en/Synchron-To-Achieve-First-Native-Brain-Computer-Interface-Integration-with-iPhone-iPad-and-Apple-Vision-Pro">lets consumers control devices</a> like iPhones with their thoughts, <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/apple-brain-computer-interface-9ec69919">according to a report by the Wall Street Journal</a>. This is primarily intended to help people with medical conditions that limit hand use, such as spinal cord injuries or diseases like ALS. Here's the gist. Synchron <a href="https://www.engadget.com/fda-brain-computer-interface-clinical-trial-synchron-stentrode-190232289.html">has been developing</a> a stent-like implant that's placed in a vein on top of the brain's motor cortex. It's called the Stentrode and it reads brain signals before translating them into the selection of icons on a screen. People can use the implant to select icons on <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/apple/">Apple</a> devices thanks to software called switch control, which is a feature in Apple's OS that allows for the addition of new input devices. <div id="32cc2920b2da48ad8357710a3afaf961"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thoughts are now an input device. Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/Apple?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Apple</a> announced its new BCI Human Interface Device (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HID</a>) protocol—and Synchron is proud to be the first brain-computer interface company to achieve native integration with iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. That means: 🧠 No touch.… <a href="https://t.co/7prNC3uoau">pic.twitter.com/7prNC3uoau</a>— Synchron (@synchroninc) <a href="https://twitter.com/synchroninc/status/1922278102602023018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> </div> Human trials of Stentrode <a href="https://www.engadget.com/first-brain-computer-interface-implant-in-us-163756888.html">have been successful</a> and now the two companies are working to develop a new standard for the technology specifically for Apple devices. These implants are typically called brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and Apple looks forward to a day when this type of technology receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration. That day, however, is likely years away, even if recent tests <a href="https://www.engadget.com/bci-implant-severe-paralysis-synchron-medicine-stroke-160012833.html">have shown a lot of promise</a>. Apple does plan on releasing the new software standard for Synchron implants to third-party developers later this year. <div id="26f359f258e24a5da720a7a1a5f9e23f"></div> An early tester used Apple's new software along with a Stentrode implant to control the Apple Vision Pro and other devices. The ALS patient was able to peer over a mountain in the Swiss Alps in VR and communicate with his iPhone and iPad. It's worth noting that the current tech has its limits. The tester couldn't use the implant to mimic navigating a touch screen with fingers or moving a cursor with a mouse. Still, there are over 150,000 people in the US who suffer from serious upper-limb impairments that could be candidates for a BCI. Apple has long been at the forefront of accessibility tech. It launched similar connectivity software for hearing aids all the way back in 2014 that has since become an industry standard. More recently, the company brought its accessibility-focused <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/apple-brings-magnifier-to-macs-and-introduces-a-new-accessibility-reader-mode-120054992.html">Magnifier reader to Macs</a> and enhanced its Braille Access toolset.This article originally appeared on Engadget at 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?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Pick up this Anker 5K magnetic battery pack while it's on sale for $22

Before heading out on your vacations and road trips this summer, make sure you have all of the tech you need to keep you going. A non-negotiable is a good <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-power-bank-143048526.html">portable charger</a> for you phone, and now you can get exactly that for only $22. This <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=b4b36c69-d2e6-4218-ac55-d68fd23a4bd3&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAAZlNG77P8sY0SXCiqiRzUC_mVu0xo014rKImdcvbjWje&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAnker-PowerCore-Magnetic-Wireless-Compatible%2Fdp%2FB0BV64SKQV%2F">Anker 321 MagGo magnetic battery pack</a> is 15 percent off and down to $22 right now, but only for a limited time. We generally like Anker charging gear, and a different MagSafe-compatible item topped out list of the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-power-bank-143048526.html">best power banks</a>. This one has the advantage of being ultra affordable, and it's available at the sale price in multiple colors. Once attached, the 5,000mAh battery provides up to 19 hours of additional battery life. It offers simultaneous charging, so the bank can charge as the phone juices up. It's also light and compact, with a design that easily fits in a pocket or bag. It does connect via USB-C, so it's not really ideal for older iPhones with the dreaded Lightning port. This one doesn't include a kickstand, which could be a dealbreaker for some. We got you covered. The Anker 621 MagGo is also <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=b4b36c69-d2e6-4218-ac55-d68fd23a4bd3&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAAZQjoA49_w4OzdqGfTf_ZYMDCbnSD0fKjWI8SF36pkXL&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAnker-Magnetic-Upgraded-Foldable-Interstellar%2Fdp%2FB0B466YTT3">heavily discounted on Amazon</a>. This price is down to $32 from $48. The 621 includes a kickstand, while still retaining the ability to magnetically attach to the back of a smartphone. Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals">@EngadgetDeals</a> on X for the latest <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/">tech deals</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/best-tech/">buying advice</a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-this-anker-5k-magnetic-battery-pack-while-its-on-sale-for-22-180728140.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are half off right now

Nothing says "please, leave me alone" while you're in public like a good pair of over-ear, noise-canceling headphones. The Beats Studio Pro — which are, coincidentally, a good pair of over-ear, noise-canceling headphones — are on sale right now. You can <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=1be5fded-fe8f-42f0-896a-ed32709ead25&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAAaK6lzrm2TtOvbb4dMCl4XbrOxA3roeojgKQPONbUq-m&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBeats-Studio-Pro-Personalized-Compatibility%2Fdp%2FB0C8PR4W22"><ins>snap up a pair for $170</ins></a>. That's a discount of 51 percent (or $180) and only $10 more than the lowest price we've seen to date for them. The Beats Studio Pro arrived in 2023 and we gave them <a href="https://www.engadget.com/beats-studio-pro-review-upgraded-sound-makes-all-the-difference-140058369.html"><ins>a score of 81 in our review</ins></a>. While they aren't among our top picks for the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-headphones-wireless-bluetooth-120543205.html"><ins>best wireless headphones</ins></a> or the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-canceling-headphones-130029881.html"><ins>best noise-canceling headphones</ins></a>, they're still a decent option — especially at this price. Thanks in large part to Beats' second-gen chipset, the Beats Studio Pro deliver notably better audio quality than the brand's earlier over-ear headphones. Beats upgraded the active noise cancellation (ANC), while the addition of spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is welcome. So too is the USB-C wired mode if you'd like to listen to high-resolution and lossless audio. The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are also on sale. They can be yours for <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=1be5fded-fe8f-42f0-896a-ed32709ead25&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFQyTFRSTDc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMWJlNWZkZWQtZmU4Zi00MmYwLTg5NmEtZWQzMjcwOWVhZDI1Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwRFQyTFRSTDciLCJkeW5hbWljQ2VudHJhbFRyYWNraW5nSWQiOnRydWUsInNpdGVJZCI6InVzLWVuZ2FkZ2V0IiwicGFnZUlkIjoiMXAtYXV0b2xpbmsiLCJmZWF0dXJlSWQiOiJ0ZXh0LWxpbmsifQ&signature=AQAAAUF3ceG-Py5r9XLSiP3OhKql3E_3G8LEM65vpFt_5zFh&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0DT2LTRL7"><ins>$200</ins></a>, which is $50 off and a record low price. We gave these <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/beats-powerbeats-pro-2-review-apples-first-earbuds-with-heart-rate-tracking-150026710.html"><ins>a score of 79 in our review</ins></a>. These are Apple's first earbuds with built-in sensors that can track your heart rate, making them an intriguing option for fitness enthusiasts. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have Apple's H2 chip, which enables them to offer many of the same features that you'd find on the AirPods Pro 2, such as Hearing Protection — but not the hearing aid or hearing test options. The earbuds are comfortable to wear (though the hook design may not be for everyone) and deliver generally solid audio including powerful, balanced performance on the low end. However, we felt the ANC performance was so-so. Check out our coverage of the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-apple-deals-150020110.html">best Apple deals</a> for more discounts, and follow <a href="https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals">@EngadgetDeals</a> on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-beats-studio-pro-headphones-are-half-off-right-now-144737501.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Amazon renews Fallout months before season 2's premiere

The second season of the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/the-fallout-tv-series-is-a-very-awesome-tv-show-130039789.html">Fallout TV series</a> doesn't even have a concrete release date in December yet, but Amazon has already <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/fallout-season-2-season-3-prime-video">renewed the show</a> for a third season. Amazon has announced that it has greenlit the new season at its annual presentation in New York City. The company said Fallout has had more than 100 million viewers since it dropped on <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/review/amazon-prime-video-review-132835305.html">Prime Video</a> in April 2024 and remains one of its top-three most watched titles ever.  If you'll recall, the live adaptation was so well-received, Fallout 4 <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/fallout-4-currently-europes-best-selling-game-almost-a-decade-after-release">enjoyed a resurgence in sales</a> nearly a decade after its release. Amazon also <a href="https://www.engadget.com/fallout-has-already-scored-a-green-light-for-a-second-season-103013664.html">renewed the series</a> for a second season just a few days after the first season debuted on its streaming service. Based on the <a href="https://tech.yahoo.com/gaming/">video game</a> franchise of the same name, Fallout is set 200 years into the future after an apocalyptic event. In the story, the humans who survived the apocalypse hid in luxury fallout shelters where their descendants remained for hundreds of years. The show follows Lucy as she leaves her shelter after an attack by outsiders to find her father who'd been kidnapped. Along the way, she meets more characters, including a squire from the Brotherhood of Steel and a ghoul bounty hunter. Amazon has yet to reveal season 3's story, which doesn't come as a surprise, seeing as the second season has yet to drop. But season 2 will pick up from where the first one had left off and will take viewers from the Mojave wastelands to New Vegas.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-renews-fallout-months-before-season-2s-premiere-143028657.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Panasonic's S1 II is its most powerful creator camera yet

After dropping a rare photography-oriented camera recently with <a href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/panasonic-s1r-ii-review-an-excellent-hybrid-camera-thats-cheaper-than-rivals-163013065.html">the S1R II</a>, Panasonic is going back to its creator roots. The company just unveiled the S1 II, a 24-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera with a partially-stacked sensor (like the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nikons-z6-iii-is-the-first-mirrorless-camera-with-a-partially-stacked-cmos-sensor-140036768.html">Nikon Z6 III</a>) that can capture 6K ProRes RAW video internally with minimal rolling shutter wobble. At the same time, Panasonic is pitching it as a relative value next to full stacked sensor cameras. With the same body as the S1R II, the S1 II is considerably smaller and lighter than the original S1 while still offering a large grip and full complement of manual controls. It also comes with a display that both tilts and flips out, a high-resolution 5.76 million-dot electronic viewfinder, CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II card slots and optional support for Panasonic's 32-bit float audio.  <figure> <img alt="Panasonic's S1 II camera arrives with a partially stacked sensor and 6K RAW video" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/cfa20a70-2fd8-11f0-aeeb-b0be51b87351" style="height: 2160px; width: 3840px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Steve Dent for Engadget </div> </figure> Photographers get up to 70 fps burst shooting speeds in electronic shutter mode and 10 fps with the mechanical shutter (along with 1.5s pre-burst capture). They can also take 96MP high resolution shots (with no tripod needed), along with live view composites, multiple exposures and timelapse animations. Autofocus is via Panasonic's latest AI Phase Hybrid AF with Eye/Face AF, AF tracking and detection of animals, vehicles and a new category, "urban sports" (ie breakdancing).  On paper, though, this is more of a video-oriented camera camera. You can shoot ProRes and ProRes RAW video at up to 5.8K and 3:2 "open-gate" video at 5,952 x 3,968 resolution, along with 4K at 120 fps. It supports V-Log / V-Gamut capture with dual native ISO at 640/5000 and up to 15 stops of dynamic range. In addition, you get anamorphic video modes plus external RAW HDMI recording in either ProRes or Blackmagic formats.  Panasonic boosted in-body stabilization to 8.0 stops via it's Dual I.S.2 system, while also offering the cropless IBS mode introduced on the S1R II. Optical smoothing can can be enhanced with electronic stabilization when more aggressive smoothing is required for walking or quick camera movements.  <figure> <img alt="Panasonic's S1 II camera arrives with a partially stacked sensor and 6K RAW video" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/1ba14d50-2fd9-11f0-affd-fdd97b4e0a77" style="height: 1817px; width: 2500px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Panasonic </div> </figure> Other key features include video monitoring tools like false color and exposure review, live streaming, wired webcam supports via USB-UVC/UAC (a first for Panasonic) and support for the Lumix Flow app that lets you do things like creator storyboards and shot lists for quicker editing. And as with other recent models, the S1 II supports real time LUTs and the Lumix Lab app, letting you download creator designed film looks that can be baked in to your video or added later in post. Panasonic will also introduce ARRI LogC3 so that the S1 II, S1R II and S1 IIE can be used in conjunction with ARRI digital cinema cameras.  The Panasonic S1 II is now available for pre-order at $3,199 (body only) with shipping set to start on June 16th. That price is high next to its main competition, the Nikon Z6 III, which retails for $2,497 and is <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=95276f3c-7b79-4c1e-803f-981cd9f7a968&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=1d515fde-74ee-4f5e-baf4-54b73e9840d6&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26H+Photo&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2Mvc2VhcmNoP3E9Tmlrb24lMjB6NiUyMGlpaSZzdHM9bWEiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjFkNTE1ZmRlLTc0ZWUtNGY1ZS1iYWY0LTU0YjczZTk4NDBkNiIsIm9yaWdpbmFsVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmhwaG90b3ZpZGVvLmNvbS9jL3NlYXJjaD9xPU5pa29uJTIwejYlMjBpaWkmc3RzPW1hIn0&signature=AQAAAZO_Ny9rE0OQ6Vqctv_sI2Ne-fATzBGWRAxLfSHkQk9f&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DNikon%2520z6%2520iii%26sts%3Dma">often on sale</a>.  <figure> <img alt="Panasonic's S1 II camera arrives with a partially stacked sensor and 6K RAW video" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/7ec40670-2fd9-11f0-9f19-88bf293bc91c" style="height: 1776px; width: 2800px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Panasonic </div> </figure> Panasonic does have an answer to that: the $2,499 S1 IIE that has the body and features of the S1 II but lacks the stacked sensor and high-speed photo bursts. Panasonic also introduced an interesting lens, the Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8. It offers the features and most of the range of its $2,000 Lumix S 24-70mm f/2.8 lens but in a smaller and lighter size and at a lower $1,200 price tag. I've had the S1 II for a short time now and have been impressed so far with its speed and capabilities, so stay tuned for a full review with final firmware. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/panasonics-s1-ii-is-its-most-powerful-creator-camera-yet-140039445.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Notion AI can transcribe conversations and write reports, but it'll cost you

Notion is coming for <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/otterais-meeting-agent-can-schedule-calls-and-write-emails-for-you-130048189.html">Otter.ai</a>. On Tuesday, the company announced an update for <a href="https://www.engadget.com/notion-ai-announced-202032305.html">Notion AI</a>, the suite of generative AI features available through its popular note-taking app. Among the new tools included in the package is AI Meeting Notes, a feature that can transcribe and summarize any conversation directly within Notion. No need to turn to dedicated software like the aforementioned <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=f97e470a-dec4-4762-a5e4-958307cb4a94&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3R0ZXIuYWkvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJmOTdlNDcwYS1kZWM0LTQ3NjItYTVlNC05NTgzMDdjYjRhOTQiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9vdHRlci5haS8ifQ&signature=AQAAAbBP-h1AhDawEIZ6iWRRHpTbp7wP0Li9K5uzs7CG929Q&gcReferrer=http%3A%2F%2Fotter.ai%2F">Otter.ai</a>. If you use <a href="https://www.engadget.com/notion-turns-its-cron-acquisition-into-an-integrated-calendar-app-215644220.html">Notion Calendar</a>, your meeting notifications will include the option to start an AI Meeting Note page. Alternatively, you can write "/meeting" to add a transcription block to an existing note. Any conversation Notion AI transcribes for you is searchable through the app, and you can add what you get to any of your projects. <figure><img alt="Notion model select" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-05/064e29b0-2f6a-11f0-ad9f-f20ead23fa8f" style="height: 900px; width: 1200px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Notion</div></figure> Speaking of search, you can now use Notion AI to comb through a number of different productivity apps, including Slack, Google Workspace and Github. As long as you've connected those platforms to Notion, the app can resolve natural language queries, like, "What's the latest on our upcoming brand campaign?" and sort results by source. Separately, Notion is adding a Research Mode. Similar to Deep Research modes from <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-gemini-deep-research-tool-is-here-to-answer-your-most-complicated-questions-154354424.html">Google</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/chatgpts-deep-research-tool-can-create-reports-from-hundreds-of-online-sources-022223298.html">OpenAI</a>, you can ask Notion's built-in AI to write reports for you. The difference here being that Notion AI will pull information from your projects, in addition to what it finds online. The company is pitching this as a real time-saver. "Create project updates, research reports, and internal best practices in minutes with one prompt," Notion says. "We've already seen this save days worth of time." <div id="01fde04097934fe1ab5d7c51fe70f01e"></div> Last but not least, if you would rather prompt with <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-phasing-out-gpt-45-for-developers-185554841.html">GPT-4.1</a> or <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/anthropics-new-claude-model-can-think-both-fast-and-slow-203307140.html">Claude 3.7</a> than Notion's own chatbot, you can now do that directly within the app courtesy of a new model picker. OpenAI and Anthropic's models won't have access to your workspace data, but they're there for users who prefer their responses for general questions and in case you want to turn to a reasoning system in the form of Claude 3.7 Sonnet. As part of today's announcement, Notion is changing how it bills for its AI features. Instead of a separate $10 per month plan, unlimited access to Notion AI is now part of the company's <a href="https://www.notion.com/pricing">Business plan</a>, which is increasing from $15 per month and per member to $20 per month and per member. Notion's justification for the increase is that it's giving users access to several different tools, including GPT-4.1 and Claude 3.7, for the price of an all-in-one package. Of course, it's not quite a one-to-one comparison. For example, if you decide to skip out on ChatGPT Plus, you miss out on expanded limits on Advanced Voice mode and Deep Research. Still, for Notion users that might be a tradeoff well worth making.  If you're a current Notion AI subscriber, you'll keep access to all the AI features you had before today's announcement. For Free and Plus users, you get limited trial access to all the new features.    Update 9:54AM ET: Notion initially said the price of its Business plan was going up to $30, but it actually going up to $20 per month and per member.  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/notion-ai-can-transcribe-conversations-and-write-reports-but-itll-cost-you-130018464.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Sony's new Xperia 1 VII borrows Hi-Fi sound tech from its Walkman

Sony's smartphones probably haven't made much money in a long time, but they do provide a showcase for the company's latest camera and AV tech. A case in point is the new <a href="https://www.sony.co.uk/smartphones/products/xperia-1m7">Xperia 1 VII flagship</a>, a model that borrows Sony's Alpha camera and Bravia TV tricks and now features Walkman audio technology for the first time as well.  On the camera side, Sony introduced a new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera (16mm full-frame equivalent) with a good-sized 1/1.56-inch sensor, significantly improving the specs of the Xperia 1 VI's ultrawide. That's on top of the main 48MP 1/1.35-inch 24mm camera and 12MP 85-170mm telephoto zoom.  Another new camera feature is AI-powered Auto Framing. It lets you capture an entire scene with a wide angle, while automatically creating a closeup crop (vertical or horizontal) of a subject within the frame. That matches technology already available on Sony's Alpha camera lineup. Other key camera features include an improved Bokeh mode, real-time tracking and real-time eye autofocus, "telemacro" photography via the 120mm equivalent lens (with focus as close as 4cm), pro controls, a dedicated shutter button, live streaming and "low-light capability in line with full-frame cameras," Sony claims.  <div id="57029d21c83e4315ad78fc289c3a1580"> <div style="width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"> </div> </div> As for audio, Sony has upgraded the Xperia 1 VII considerably from the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/sonys-new-smartphone-could-entice-shutterbugs-away-from-apple-and-google-180755649.html">previous model</a>. It now uses the high-end Walkman components in key areas like sound resistors. Unlike other smartphone makers, Sony has kept its headphone jack and improved wired sound via a premium-grade integrated circuit, while also improving its LDAC wireless audio quality. Plus, the Xperia 1 VII supports Sony's DSEE Ultimate AI sound upscaling technology, along with 360 Reality audio or Dolby Atmos formats.  The Xperia 1 VII is also taking a cue from Sony's Bravia displays with a new adaptive brightness feature for the 6.5-inch OLED display. It now has light sensors both front and back to better gauge environmental light levels and adjust brightness, contrast and color accordingly.  Other key features include a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (expandable to 2TB with microSD), WiFi 7, FPS gaming optimizer, two days of battery life via the new 5,000mAh battery, a vapour chamber cooler and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for environmental protection. Sony is even throwing in a free set of its top-end <a href="https://www.engadget.com/sony-wh-1000xm5-review-160045478-160045458.html">WH-1000XM5 headphones</a> worth around $300. Unfortunately there's no sign that the Xperia 1 VII is coming to the United States. It's now available to order in Europe and the UK for €1,499 and £1,399 respectively, or around $1,700.  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/sonys-new-xperia-1-vii-borrows-hi-fi-sound-tech-from-its-walkman-133017552.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

xMEMS launches a tiny speaker for smartwatches

xMEMS has <a href="https://xmems.com/">launched</a> the Sycamore-W, which it claims is the "world’s thinnest speaker designed specifically for wrist-worn wearables." The Sycamore-W is only 1 mm thin and weighs only 150 mg, making it approximately 70 percent smaller than the speakers typically used for smart watches. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/could-mems-be-the-next-big-leap-in-headphone-technology-173034402.html">xMEMS</a> took the micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology used in cell phones' microphones and developed drivers based on it for use in earphones instead. Last year, it launched the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/wearables/mems-drivers-are-coming-to-open-wear-devices-like-xr-glasses-smart-watches-and-earbuds-150429131.html">Sycamore</a> speakers, based on the same platform as its original product, for open-fit earbuds, smart glasses and smart watches.  While the original Sycamore could already be used in smartwatches, the Sycamore-W was engineered specifically for wrist-based wearables. Since it's very thin, companies can fit larger batteries or more biometric sensors into their products. The speakers are also water, dust and shock-resistant. "Sycamore-W redefines audio for smart watches, combining compact design with robust performance to meet the demands of next-generation wearables," said Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development. "As the wrist becomes a key interface for ears-free, hands-free AI interactions, Sycamore-W empowers manufacturers to deliver premium audio in smaller, lighter, more durable devices." The company is planning to start volume production for the Sycamore-W in the second quarter of 2026, so we won't be seeing products that use the component until sometime next year. xMEMS will continue producing the original Sycamore speakers for smart glasses, open-fit earbuds and laptops, but it will announce more models for more specific applications in the coming months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/xmems-launches-a-tiny-speaker-for-smartwatches-130026711.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Spotify's AI DJ now takes requests

<a href="https://www.engadget.com/spotifys-new-ai-dj-will-talk-you-through-its-recommendations-140052560.html">Spotify's AI DJ</a> is taking requests. Starting on Tuesday, Premium subscribers can ask it to play something that fits the mood. Although the company <a href="https://www.engadget.com/spotifys-ai-music-dj-can-now-speak-spanish-180022156.html">added a Spanish-speaking version</a> last year, requests are only available in English at launch. The AI DJ will respond to verbal requests for a specific artist, genre, mood or something that fits an activity. Spotify suggests phrases like "DJ, morning motivation needed ASAP," "Surprise me with some indie tracks" or "Play me something with a Y2K vibe." You can find it by heading to the search tab and entering "DJ." After it starts spinning, press and hold the DJ button in the lower right-hand corner. Once you hear a beep, you can tell your synthetic disc jockey about your insatiable thirst for A Flock of Seagulls deep cuts. Spotify's AI DJ launched in 2023, aiming to strike a balance between today's ultra-personalized streaming algorithms and old-school radio. The company says none of its dialog is pre-recorded. It's all generated on the fly via <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/organizations/openai/">OpenAI</a>. Whether you love or hate the DJ, it can make for unintentional comedy as it butchers names and falls prey to AI's inevitable awkwardness. When I tried it with a classic blues mix, it consistently pronounced Howlin' Wolf as "Hole-in' Wolf." Some gems from a 2024 Reddit <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spotify/comments/1abrvre/whats_the_silliest_thing_spotifys_ai_dj_x_has/">thread</a> include "Blink One Hundred Eighty-Two" and "Here are some of your typical Sunday morning vibes, starting off with Shitfucker."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/spotifys-ai-dj-now-takes-requests-130005706.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Google is reportedly planning to unveil a Pinterest alternative at I/O 2025

Google is set to debut a new feature that <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ba0a4cdc-cec8-416a-9e93-e11b8179129c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=5f1add5b-c13b-4284-827d-321c773510de&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Information&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50aGVpbmZvcm1hdGlvbi5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXMvZ29vZ2xlLWRldmVsb3Bpbmctc29mdHdhcmUtYWktYWdlbnQtcGludGVyZXN0LWxpa2UtZmVhdHVyZS1haGVhZC1vP3JjPXlzaTM0YSIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNWYxYWRkNWItYzEzYi00Mjg0LTgyN2QtMzIxYzc3MzUxMGRlIiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50aGVpbmZvcm1hdGlvbi5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXMvZ29vZ2xlLWRldmVsb3Bpbmctc29mdHdhcmUtYWktYWdlbnQtcGludGVyZXN0LWxpa2UtZmVhdHVyZS1haGVhZC1vP3JjPXlzaTM0YSJ9&signature=AQAAAdf85qQowXF4mUk7Q3i5g6idzmPF73t-Fre64A8n2sep&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theinformation.com%2Farticles%2Fgoogle-developing-software-ai-agent-pinterest-like-feature-ahead-o%3Frc%3Dysi34a">The Information</a> describes as "Pinterest-like" at its <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">annual I/O developer conference</a> next week. It reportedly shows users image results, based on their queries, that can give them ideas for fashion and interior design. Users can then save the images in different folders of their choice if they want to keep them separated based on certain themes. While The Information has likened it to Pinterest, it could be more similar to <a href="https://www.cosmos.so/discover">Cosmos</a>, which is a more pared-down version of the idea. Cosmos lets users curate anything they saved from the web into clusters, which they can then share with other people.  As the publication has noted, Google might be debuting a Pinterest competitor in order to secure its ads revenue from commercial queries. Google has been losing searches in homework and math from ChatGPT, a company executive told the court during a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/technology/google-chrome-monopoly-remedies.html">hearing</a> related to a previous court decision that the company maintains an <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-a-monopolist-in-search-us-judge-rules-in-antitrust-case-193358356.html">illegal monopoly in search</a>. While those queries don't typically generate ads revenue, Google knows that it's inevitable for the company lose earnings from ads for commercial inquiries. Giving users a more interesting way to get search results that an AI couldn't provide through a new feature or a new product could help Google retain revenue from advertisements.  In addition to the Pinterest-like competitor, Google could also introduce a "software development lifecycle agent" that could help software engineers identify bugs or flag security vulnerabilities while they're developing programs. It could also demonstrate the voice-powered integration of the Gemini AI chatbot into its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/google-lays-out-its-vision-for-an-android-xr-ecosystem-160001103.html">Android XR</a> glasses and headset. Previous clues point to Google launching the integration of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/with-gemini-live-google-wants-you-to-relax-and-have-a-natural-chat-with-ai-181329788.html">Gemini Live</a> inside the Chrome desktop browser, as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-reportedly-planning-to-unveil-a-pinterest-alternative-at-io-2025-123033887.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

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