N e w s C e n t r a l

Xbox's second batch of Game Pass additions for July includes Grounded 2 and Wheel World

Xbox has confirmed the second batch of <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/07/15/xbox-game-pass-july-2025-wave-2/?ocid=XGP_soc_omc_xbo_tw_Photo_lrn_7.15.1"><ins>Game Pass additions for July</ins></a>. There's no obvious headliner here, but there are a bunch of great additions to the catalog. These include indie hits like Wheel World and blockbusters like Robocop: Rogue City. Let's get into it. <div id="8b01d137acb34204865e74ed6fb0992c"></div> Robocop: Rogue City came as a huge surprise back in 2023. A game based on a decades-old sci-fi franchise by a relatively unknown developer? It should have been a train wreck. Instead, it's a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/robocop-rogue-city-has-been-delayed-to-september-190942430.html"><ins>solid 3D action title</ins></a> that perfectly captures the vibe of the original film. This is a must-play for children of the 1980s. It'll be available on July 17 for subscribers on all tiers. <div id="6cc9639a3e3f41d7823d8f3459357b6c"></div> Grounded 2 looks to be a fantastic take on the "shrunken teens navigating a yard" genre, as first pioneered in the film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The first game was great and Obsidian looks to be <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/obsidian-entertainment-has-big-ambitions-for-grounded-2s-small-world-173027415.html"><ins>upping the ante here in nearly every way</ins></a>, with a larger focus on story, a more immersive world and insects to ride around on. This is a day one Game Pass release, which happens on July 29. It'll only be playable for PC and Ultimate subscribers. <div id="9d944f78ce27491e9a2defa47a6f8898"></div> The Annapurna-published Wheel World <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-annapurna-published-cycling-adventure-ghost-bike-is-now-wheel-world-173009766.html"><ins>is finally heading our way</ins></a> on July 23, and it's a day one Game Pass release. This is an open-world bicycle sim with gorgeous cel-shaded graphics. The title promises "impressive vistas, hidden secrets and races that will test your skills." It'll be available for Ultimate and PC subscribers. <div id="7ae21cb63cb04483914402202d105c3c"></div> Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is another day one release, with availability on July 24. This is a Souls-like action RPG set in the final days of the Ming Dynasty. The combat looks absolutely brutal. Again, only Ultimate and PC subscribers will have access to the game. Those are just the titles that caught my interest. The shooter High On Life returns to the platform today and the survival horror adventure My Friendly Neighborhood drops on July 17. The prison-based RPG Back to the Dawn will be playable on July 18 and the survival crafting title Abiotic Factor releases on July 22. As always, Game Pass remains <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/arkane-founder-calls-game-pass-an-unsustainable-model-thats-wrecking-the-industry-175819929.html"><ins>one heck of a deal</ins></a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xboxs-second-batch-of-game-pass-additions-for-july-includes-grounded-2-and-wheel-world-164450594.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Lucid will add hands-free driving options later this month

Lucid is about to roll out its first hands-free features. On July 30, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/lucids-most-affordable-air-ev-still-has-a-projected-410-mile-range-183806231.html">Lucid Air sedan</a> owners with the DreamDrive Pro add-on will get automated drive assist and lane-change features. If you have a Gravity SUV you'll have to wait until later this year. The features will arrive via an OTA update for vehicles with <a href="https://www.engadget.com/lucid-air-dreamdrive-semi-autonomous-features-160026944.html">DreamDrive Pro hardware</a>. The optional add-on has 32 sensors, including LiDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors and cameras. DreamDrive Pro already supports semi-autonomous features like lane change assist and curve control. The new drive assist and lane-change features take the automation further, letting you go hands-free. (Your eyes will still need to be on the road, of course). The features will only work on compatible divided highways. <figure><img alt="A Lucid Air sedan, charging in a driveway." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/1c58cbb0-6198-11f0-bffd-aec22bd552f4" style="height: 672px; width: 896px;" /><figcaption></figcaption><div class="photo-credit">Lucid Motors</div></figure> Lucid joins a growing pack of EV makers with hands-free options. It's a list that now stretches far beyond <a href="https://www.engadget.com/nhtsa-concludes-tesla-autopilot-investigation-after-linking-the-system-to-14-deaths-161941746.html">Tesla's Autopilot</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/tesla-blows-past-stopped-school-bus-and-hits-kid-sized-dummies-in-full-self-driving-tests-183756251.html">Full-Self-Driving</a>. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/rivians-latest-update-offers-hands-free-highway-driving-201926973.html">Rivian</a>, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gm-expanded-hands-free-super-cruise-network-first-vehicles-192942945.html">GM</a>, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ford-updates-its-blue-cruise-driver-assist-with-hands-free-lane-changing-and-more-204022978.html">Ford</a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-05-16-nissan-skyline-propilot-2-driver-assist.html">Nissan</a> each have automated options. As for Lucid, it's been a rocky ride lately, reflecting the industry's broader turbulence. It had two rounds of layoffs, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/lucid-motors-cuts-six-percent-of-its-workforce-ahead-of-ev-suv-launch-152746970.html">cutting 400 people</a> last year after <a href="https://www.engadget.com/lucid-motors-is-laying-off-1300-workers-to-reduce-expenses-090908953.html">reducing its workforce by 1,300</a> in 2023. On the bright side, its <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a63133880/2025-lucid-gravity-grand-touring-prototype-drive/">Gravity SUV</a> has had a positive reception. (It's rolling out now, joining the Air sedan in the lineup.) Lucid is also expanding its real estate. Earlier this year, the automaker <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lucid-to-buy-nikolas-arizona-ev-facilities-after-the-latters-bankruptcy-123027329.html">acquired an Arizona plant</a> previously owned by <a href="https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/ev-truck-maker-nikola-has-finally-called-it-quits-172516625.html">the bankrupt Nikola</a>.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/lucid-will-add-hands-free-driving-options-later-this-month-162816263.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Apple commits $500 million over several years to buy US-made rare earth magnets

Apple just announced a <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4130e2f0-a14f-4c5e-bdab-cd52ac7d8e79&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=7e68f7d0-114e-44bc-9bce-355b0ff5bdc7&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Apple&linkText=commitment+of+%24500+million&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vbmV3c3Jvb20vMjAyNS8wNy9hcHBsZS1leHBhbmRzLXVzLXN1cHBseS1jaGFpbi13aXRoLTUwMC1taWxsaW9uLXVzZC1jb21taXRtZW50LyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiN2U2OGY3ZDAtMTE0ZS00NGJjLTliY2UtMzU1YjBmZjViZGM3Iiwib3JpZ2luYWxVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hcHBsZS5jb20vbmV3c3Jvb20vMjAyNS8wNy9hcHBsZS1leHBhbmRzLXVzLXN1cHBseS1jaGFpbi13aXRoLTUwMC1taWxsaW9uLXVzZC1jb21taXRtZW50LyJ9&signature=AQAAAaJ6HdRiurVOjLvIx3EvJcyVC8Arw-G4-OHxgzRCkN5R&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fnewsroom%2F2025%2F07%2Fapple-expands-us-supply-chain-with-500-million-usd-commitment%2F"><ins>commitment of $500 million</ins></a> over several years to buy rare earth magnets from the US-based company MP Materials. These rare earth magnets are used in a number of products, including iPhones, MacBooks and the Apple Pencil stylus. The American-made magnets will be shipped throughout the world, to help "meet increasing global demand for the material." MP Materials is the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the country. The two companies have also pledged to work together to improve upon a processing facility in Texas, building a series of manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. Once finished, the factory will "support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D." “American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States." Apple and MP will also team up to create a recycling facility in California and have promised to develop "novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies" to enhance magnet performance.  <div id="fc63239be4594c648ca4876d34120026"></div> This is all part of Apple's pre-existing pledge to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-plans-to-invest-500-billion-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years-181217017.html"><ins>invest $500 billion in the US</ins></a> over the next four years, which is a slight increase over the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apple-build-us-campus-north-carolina-133359095.html"><ins>$430 billion pledged in 2021</ins></a>. Adjusted for inflation, <a href="https://www.dollartimes.com/inflation/inflation.php?amount=430&year=2021"><ins>these amounts are essentially the same</ins></a>. Apple basically pioneered the use of recycled rare earth elements in consumer electronics. It began using these materials <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2019-09-18-apple-will-use-recycled-rare-earth-metals-iphone-taptic-engine.html"><ins>back in 2019</ins></a>, in the Taptic Engine of the iPhone 11. The Pentagon recently became the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=7e68f7d0-114e-44bc-9bce-355b0ff5bdc7&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&linkText=largest+shareholder+of+MP+Materials&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI1LzA3LzEwL3BlbnRhZ29uLXRvLWJlY29tZS1sYXJnZXN0LXNoYXJlaG9sZGVyLWluLXJhcmUtZWFydGgtbWFnbmV0LW1ha2VyLW1wLW1hdGVyaWFscy5odG1sIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI3ZTY4ZjdkMC0xMTRlLTQ0YmMtOWJjZS0zNTViMGZmNWJkYzciLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNuYmMuY29tLzIwMjUvMDcvMTAvcGVudGFnb24tdG8tYmVjb21lLWxhcmdlc3Qtc2hhcmVob2xkZXItaW4tcmFyZS1lYXJ0aC1tYWduZXQtbWFrZXItbXAtbWF0ZXJpYWxzLmh0bWwifQ&signature=AQAAAVPb-EYjrkotxQBUgR4MYimWWdYfh3Xyr-T0rBLhLIJc&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F07%2F10%2Fpentagon-to-become-largest-shareholder-in-rare-earth-magnet-maker-mp-materials.html">largest shareholder of MP Materials</a>, as rare earth materials are also key components in a range of military weapons systems.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-commits-500-million-over-several-years-to-buy-us-made-rare-earth-magnets-152930080.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Sony's 61MP RX1R III fixed-lens compact camera is finally here after a ten-year wait

Sony just surprised the photography world by <a href="https://alphauniverse.com/stories/sony-electronics-introduces-the-rx1r-iii/">unveiling the RX1R III</a>, a fixed-lens 35mm full-frame compact camera. Coming nearly ten years after <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2015-10-14-sony-rx1r-ii.html">the RX1R II</a>, it has a 61MP Exmor R sensor along with Sony's latest image processing technology that promises low noise and high dynamic range.  Apart from all the new tech, the RX1R III is smaller and more streamlined than before and considerably lighter at 17 ounces than its main competition, <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=95276f3c-7b79-4c1e-803f-981cd9f7a968&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=1901eb3f-2f1c-4266-a082-7e8930e813d1&featureId=text-link&merchantName=B%26H+Photo&linkText=Leica%27s+Q3&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iaHBob3RvdmlkZW8uY29tL2MvcHJvZHVjdC8xNzY4Mjc3LVJFRy9sZWljYV8xOTA4MF9xM19kaWdpdGFsX2NhbWVyYS5odG1sIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIxOTAxZWIzZi0yZjFjLTQyNjYtYTA4Mi03ZTg5MzBlODEzZDEiLCJvcmlnaW5hbFVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJocGhvdG92aWRlby5jb20vYy9wcm9kdWN0LzE3NjgyNzctUkVHL2xlaWNhXzE5MDgwX3EzX2RpZ2l0YWxfY2FtZXJhLmh0bWwifQ&signature=AQAAAe-pWnLNRhTHVcxhZGYnZbW54RTzuCJTL5Wp2cmnAQHG&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bhphotovideo.com%2Fc%2Fproduct%2F1768277-REG%2Fleica_19080_q3_digital_camera.html">Leica's Q3</a> and the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/fujifilm-gfx100rf-review-a-powerful-and-fun-camera-thats-far-from-perfect-133034384.html">Fujifilm GFX100RF</a>. With that, it's designed to be a "carrying around" camera for street photographers, serious amateurs and others.  That small size is due in part to the Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm f2 lens that sits partly inside the body. While more compact than before, it has the same optics as the last model and offers high levels of sharpness and color rendering, according to Sony. It comes with a macro ring that enables users to get as close as 20cm to subjects and feature's Sony's new "Step Crop Shooting" function that allows 35mm, 50mm and 70mm focal lengths by cropping into the sensor, just like the GFX100RF can do with a similar button.  <figure> <img alt="Sony's 61MP RX1R III fixed-lens compact camera is finally here after a ten-year wait" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/72b52e60-61a5-11f0-9f2f-dffa8662f290" style="height: 733px; width: 1000px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Sony </div> </figure> The RX1R II has up to 15 stops of dynamic range thanks to the high-res sensor and image processing engine. It also features an anti-reflection coating and no optical low-pass filter to boost image quality, though that can cause some moire and other artifacts. Shooting speeds aren't quick at just 5 fps, though it's obviously not designed for sports. The electronic viewfinder is middling with 2.36 million dots and 0.7x magnification, though the rear display offers a decent 2.4 million dots of resolution. However, unlike the one on the previous model that tilted out and up, it's fixed in order to save weight and size. It also lacks any in-body or optical stabilization, relying solely on electronic shake reduction.  With Sony's latest Bionz XR and AI processors, it promises accurate tracking of "subjects, human bodies, heads and the position of eyes," Sony said, even if their faces aren't visible. It uses 693 phase-detection AF points covering around 78 percent of the image, just like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/sony-a7r-v-review-awesome-images-improved-video-unbeatable-autofocus-150058082.html">Sony's A7R V</a>.  <div id="703909e315054368be190a1c21db9514"> </div> It's not nearly as powerful as the A7R V for video, but can still handle 4K 30 fps video with 10-bit 4:2:2 color sampling, along with 1080p video at up to 120 fps. No log mode is available, but you do get the log-like S-Cinetone that boosts dynamic range a bit. Other features include a single SDXC UHS II slot, a mic input (but not headphone jack), a microHDMI port and a USB-C input.  The R1XR III is much more expensive than the RX1R II was at launch. It'll go on pre-order soon for $5,100, with shipping set to start on July 31st. Sony is also offering a handful of accessories (also expensive), including a $300 (!) thumb grip, $250 body case and $200 lens hood (!!).  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/sonys-61mp-rx1r-iii-fixed-lens-compact-camera-is-finally-here-after-a-ten-year-wait-152707087.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Insta360's X5 cam update brings ND filters, a giant battery and improved exposure

Insta360 has launched a firmware upgrade and new accessories for its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/cameras/insta360-x5-launch-date-price-hands-on-132439941.html">X5 360-degree camera</a> as part of what it calls the <a href="https://www.insta360.com/blog">Insta360 Summer Update</a>. Key new features include "AdaptiveTone" to improve dual camera exposure, a new "Ultra Battery" for longer recording times, an ND filter set and custom-designed lenses.  "It can be a struggle for dual-lens cameras like X5 to balance the exposure across both lenses," the company explained. To fix this issue it came up with AdaptiveTone, which independently records light data for both lenses in order to preserve highlight and shadow detail across the entire spherical image. Then, in automatically adjusts the exposure based on the perspective you choose, supposedly resulting in more natural-looking footage. It works with both 360 video at 8K 30 fps and 5.7K 30fps along with flat PureVideo.  Another key update is for PureVideo, allowing it work single lens mode rather than just in 360 mode as before. That will allow creators to capture low-light footage with reduced noise and improved color fidelity in both flat and spherical modes.  Battery life was another key target. The X5 now supports Endurance Mode in 8K, allowing nearly two hours of continuous recording while improving endurance mode at 5.7K 24 fps with a boost from 185 to 208 minutes. Should you need even more performance in that regard, Insta360 is selling a new $50 Ultra Battery that boosts runtime by up to 17 percent to just under four hours max.  <figure> <img alt="Insta360 X5 summer update" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/495e5800-616b-11f0-bf55-7edc3eb64942" style="height: 540px; width: 960px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Mat Smith for Engadget </div> </figure> Another new accessory is X5 ND filters that give creators more options in bright lighting conditions. The kit includes ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters, letting you reduce shutter speeds to create natural motion blur for activities like mountain biking and motorcycle footage. Plus, Insta360 is offering an X5 custom replacement lens kit with pre-made patterns, AI artwork or your own images, to swap out with the standard lenses.  Motorcycle creators are getting some extra love, too. Enhancements include immersive stabilization that preserves some natural shake to enhance the feeling of speed, along with Sena headset integration that allows start/stop recording and voice commands for hands-free operation. It also introduced a GPS preview remote with a built-in mic that combines camera control, live preview, GPS data recording and a noise canceling mic. Finally, the Plate Blur feature automatically obscures your license plate in footage, saving you the trouble of doing that manually.  Other updates include new diving accessories and software updates with a new Invisible Dive Case Pro and buoyancy control accessory, along with an updated AquaVision 3.0 algorithm that analyzes underwater footage and provides a selection of color adjustments to best match the shot. You can also connect the X5 to a Suunto dive computer so you can bake your diving data right into the footage.  Finally, Insta360 introduced updates to its Studio editing software like improved export speeds, background exports and improvements to the AI Stitching algorithm. And now, you can preview video files in their folder on your computer without the need to open them in Studio, saving time. The software updates, along with all the new accessories, are now available on <a href="http://www.insta360.com">Insta360's website</a>.  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/insta360s-x5-cam-update-brings-nd-filters-a-giant-battery-and-improved-exposure-150007247.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Google spends £3 billion on securing energy for its data centers and AI expansion

Google has closed a $3 billion deal to <a href="https://bam.brookfield.com/press-releases/brookfield-and-google-sign-hydro-framework-agreement-deliver-3000-mw-homegrown"><ins>secure 3,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power</ins></a>, as it looks to meet the data demands of its growing AI and cloud computing platforms by harnessing low-cost clean energy. Brookfield Asset Management's renewables division says that its deal with Google is the largest deal of its kind for hydroelectricity. The first phase of this deal will provide Google with 670MW of carbon-free electricity from Brookfield’s Holtwood and Safe Harbor plants in Pennsylvania. The Hydro Framework Agreement (HFA) allows Google to upgrade or develop the existing facilities as it sees fit in an ongoing commitment to adding more power to the grid. At the outset, Google’s efforts will largely be focused on the PJM, the largest grid in the US with 65 million customers, which is <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/major-us-power-operator-says-ai-and-data-center-demands-are-pushing-prices-up-130030473.html"><ins>currently struggling</ins></a> to keep up with the data demands of big tech’s seemingly insatiably power-hungry AI projects. In time, the new partners will have the option of expanding into other regions in the country. Google said in a statement that it was dedicated to "responsibly growing the digital infrastructure that powers daily life for people, communities and businesses." Google’s latest energy deal comes in the same week that AI rival Meta said it <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ai/meta-announces-huge-new-data-centers-but-they-could-gobble-up-millions-of-gallons-of-water-per-day-174000478.html"><ins>will spend</ins></a> hundreds of billions of dollars on a number of gigwatt-sized data centers, as part of its quest to create better-than-human-level "superintelligence" in all of its AI domains. The new campuses will be among the largest on earth, with the first to arrive being the Ohio-based Prometheus at some point next year. A typical data center consumes around 500,000 gallons of water each day, but the emerging AI-focused complexes being built by tech giants could reportedly push this figure into the millions, as recently reported by <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/technology/amazon-ai-data-centers.html"><ins>The New York Times</ins></a>. When the volume of water needed to power these facilities eclipses what is readily available, local communities often bear the brunt through rising prices and potential water shortages in the future.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-spends-%C2%A33-billion-on-securing-energy-for-its-data-centers-and-ai-expansion-145145966.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

One of our favorite Ninja air fryers is 36 percent off right now

Prime Day might have ended last week, but that doesn't mean the sales are over. Amazon still has discounts on some of our favorite items, including our <a href="https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/best-air-fryers-133047180.html">pick for best dual-zone air fryer</a>.  Right now, you can get the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&itemId=amazon_B0B15Q3HCQ&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=6816bd37-f99b-47cb-ae5b-a6ecc8f5c658&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&linkText=Ninja+DZ401+Foodi+Air+Fryer&custData=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&signature=AQAAAS_IvnKavmBYLK77QMw8LDrZtWBuH0ETRNAr1kZ7nIhQ&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNinja-DZ550-Independent-Thermometer-Dehydrate%2Fdp%2FB0B15Q3HCQ">Ninja DZ401 Foodi Air Fryer</a> for $160, down from $250. The 36 percent discount actually brings the device to the same as its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-day-deals-on-air-fryers-include-90-off-one-of-our-favorite-ninja-machines-131214787.html">Prime Day sale price</a>. It's a 10-quart model with a smart cook thermometer. It has six modes, including air fry, reheat and dehydrate. Plus, it warms up so quickly that you barely notice the preheat.  The Ninja DZ401 Foodi Air Fryer's biggest achievement: allowing you to cook two different foods in two different settings at the same time. It's not meant for small kitchens, but if you have a lot of counter space and a big family, then it's a great option. 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/one-of-our-favorite-ninja-air-fryers-is-36-percent-off-right-now-142051997.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Rivian adds Google Maps features to its navigation app

Rivian, the American EV manufacturer, is integrating Google Maps into its navigation app. The update should provide Rivian owners with more detailed information about their route, disruptions and places they're passing.  These new features include updated traffic data and reroutes if another option turns out to be quicker along your journey. Drivers will also have access to real-time road disruption reports from the Google Maps community. Plus, places of interest should now be available right on the map. Rivian already used Google Maps' information for searching places, but now everything from hours to ratings should show up on the display. The newly available technology also extends to Google Maps' satellite images. Rivian's navigation app already included features such as range on arrival, charging information and charging stops along your route. The update comes with a new design that Rivian claims has better "glanceability" and "access to information."  The company has faced some setbacks and concerns. In February 2024, Rivian <a href="https://www.engadget.com/rivian-is-laying-off-10-percent-of-its-salaried-employees-010440428.html">laid off 10 percent</a> of its salaried workforce due to a $1.5 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. Then, in October, reports emerged that the EV maker's only factory received 16 initially serious violations in 21 months from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-10-22/rivian-s-100k-electric-cars-made-in-plant-racking-up-safety-violations?sref=10lNAhZ9&embedded-checkout=true">According to Bloomberg</a>, injuries included an amputated finger, a broken skull, and having symptoms like vomiting and dizziness after having to paint without protections. Rivian has disputed these claims.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/rivian-adds-google-maps-features-to-its-navigation-app-140033783.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Reddit begins age verification checks for UK users

Redditors in the UK will now have to <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/RedditSafety/comments/1lzt65t/verifying_the_age_but_not_the_identity_of_uk/">verify their ages</a> before they can view mature content. Just like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-is-adding-age-verification-features-for-users-in-the-uk-195753332.html">Bluesky</a>, which announced a few days ago that it was rolling out age verification features, Reddit had to enforce the new rule to comply with the UK Online Safety Act. The UK's new requirements are meant to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate posts. Reddit will use a third-party company called Persona to verify a user's age. Users will either have to upload a photo of their government ID or take a selfie, with the latter option presumably enough for people who absolutely don't look like a minor anymore. In its announcement, Reddit said that that it will not have access to those photos and will only be saving their verification status, along with their birthdates. That way, users won't have to re-enter their birthdays every time they try to access restricted content. The announcement also said that Persona will only be keeping users' photos for seven days and will not be able to see their Reddit information, such as their posts and the subreddits they visit.  If a user is under 18, Reddit will hide restricted content from them and will limit ads in sensitive categories, like gambling. They will no longer be able to view sexually explicit content, anything that encourages suicide and disordered eating, as well as anything that incites hatred against other people based on their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability and gender. Reddit will also restrict anything that encourages violence and any post that depicts "real or realistic serious violence against a person, an animal, or a fictional creature" for minors. They won't be able to see posts encouraging challenges that are highly likely to result in serious injury, along with posts encouraging people to ingest harmful substances. Content that shames people's body types and other physical features will be restricted, as well.  Users outside the UK will not be affected by the new rule, but Reddit said that it may need to verify the ages of people in other regions if they adopt similar laws. Reddit also said that it "would like to be able to confirm whether [users] are a human being or not" in the age of AI and will have more to announce about that later. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/reddit-begins-age-verification-checks-for-uk-users-134516723.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Grok's AI chatbot now includes companions for you to 'romance'

Grok, xAi's chatbot most famous for going on an antisemitic spree last week, has now added the ability to perform as a synthetic companion for your enjoyment. Elon Musk announced the new feature, available to paid subscribers, which will take the form of animated characters Ani and Rudy.  Both are distinctly not safe for work, with the former operating as a digital waifu for you to, uh, romance. Rudy, on the other hand, is a red panda with a smart mouth who likes to get rude with the people he's speaking to.  <div id="0a7a543da1e4486e8b60b88cd0196e29"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SuperGrok now has two new companions for you, say hello to Ani and Rudy! <a href="https://t.co/SRrV6T0MGT">pic.twitter.com/SRrV6T0MGT</a>— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) <a href="https://twitter.com/cb_doge/status/1944733448272297995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a></blockquote> </div> The companions have their own X accounts, because of course they do. <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/AniAnichat">Ani's</a> bio states, "Smooth, a little unpredictable—I might dance, tease, or just watch you figure me out. Let’s keep it chill… or not." Meanwhile, <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://x.com/rudyoneth">Rudy's</a> just says, "The Only Pet in Grok Companion."  There also appears to be more AI companions on their way, including one called Chad. The male anime character is listed as "coming soon," alongside another unnamed woman. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/groks-ai-chatbot-now-includes-companions-for-you-to-romance-133017601.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

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