N e w s C e n t r a l

Report: Meta could release its first true AR headset as soon as 2027

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has released a <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-21/meta-hardware-plans-oakley-and-ar-like-glasses-apple-watch-and-airpods-rivals?sref=10lNAhZ9">report</a> about Meta's next steps in hardware, crediting sources familiar with the company's work. According to these insiders, Meta is developing at least three new smart glasses models and has set a roadmap toward releasing its first true augmented reality glasses. The company is reportedly also continuing efforts to implement AI tools in a wrist wearable and in earbuds. Meta already sells smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, a product line internally called Supernova. Gurman reports that this existing lineup will be introduced to new markets, although he didn't offer specifics about where. Meta's technologies also be applied to frames from other brands owned by its partner, Luxottica Group. This will allegedly lead to the launch of glasses codenamed Supernova 2 based on the Sphaera glasses from Oakley. This set would be intended for cyclists and other athletes, and its camera would be placed in the center of the frames. The third model is internally dubbed Hypernova. This product would be another step closer to a genuine AR experience, giving wearers the capability to run simple software apps, view notifications and display photos taken by the device. The more advanced feature set would reportedly come with a more advanced price tag; sources told Gurman this set is currently projected to cost $1,000. Insiders had already <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/meta-is-reportedly-adding-displays-to-its-ray-ban-smart-glasses-162634427.html">revealed</a> last month that Meta was working on bringing a display to its Ray-Ban glasses models.  Alongside these smart glasses, Meta has also been developing an AR product dubbed <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/metas-orion-prototype-offers-a-glimpse-into-our-ar-future-123038066.html"><ins>Orion</ins></a>. Gurman reports that the Orion set will not receive a commercial release. Instead, he said that Meta plans to launch a different iteration of the hardware as early as 2027. This product is codenamed Artemis, and sources told Gurman that these prototype glasses aren't as heavy as Orion and are more advanced than the predecessor. Another item of note in Gurman's report is that Meta is developing a wrist strap that could control its smart glasses. Most of the company's models have controls at the temple, but a wrist option would be similar to the one used for the Orion prototype. Finally, he confirms that Meta is still working on prototypes of camera-enabled earbuds that could be a rival to Apple's AirPods. The Information <a href="https://www.engadget.com/metas-next-hardware-project-might-be-ai-infused-headphones-with-cameras-204741102.html"><ins>reported</ins></a> on this project in May 2024, and it seems that the concept has faced some development challenges. If these "Camerabuds" do reach the market, it likely won't be for years. We've reached out to Meta for comment on this report and will update with any statement we receive.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/report-meta-could-release-its-first-true-ar-headset-as-soon-as-2027-222502610.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Meta is trying to lure TikTok creators with a new bonus program

The TikTok ban may have lasted only a few hours (at least for now), but Meta is still trying to capitalize on its rival’s tenuous future. Meta has rolled out a new “<a href="https://creators.facebook.com/breakthrough-bonus"><ins>breakthrough bonus program</ins></a>” that offers up to $5,000 to creators who are new to the company’s apps. According to Meta, the bonus program is open to US adults who “have an existing presence on a third party social app that you can link or already have linked during the application process.” Participants will also be required to create a professional account on Instagram and a page on Facebook. If accepted, creators will then be able to earn up to $5,000 over a 90-day period in exchange for sharing “at least 20 reels on Facebook and 10 reels on Instagram posted natively within each app within each 30-day bonus period” and sharing “on at least 10 separate days within each 30-day bonus period.” (Meta notes that creators individual payments will be calculated based on “an evaluation of your social presence.”) Creators will also be able to participate in its "<a href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-wants-to-make-it-easy-for-creators-to-earn-on-facebook-150037046.html">Facebook Content Monetization</a>" program that allows creators to earn money for text and photos posts in addition to video content.   Though Meta doesn’t name TikTok specifically, the timing of the rollout seems pretty clearly meant to target TikTok creators who aren’t active on Facebook and Instagram. It’s also notable that the terms of the bonus program require creators to post twice as many Reels on Facebook as Instagram, suggesting Meta is looking to boost original content on Facebook specifically. The breakthrough bonuses are just one of the ways Meta is attempting to lure TikTok creators to its platforms. The company is also offering some creators, including those in the “breakthrough” program, a free one-year trial subscription to Meta Verified, which provides <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-verified-is-a-paid-verification-service-for-facebook-and-instagram-161632996.html"><ins>a blue check</ins></a> and extra perks like impersonation protection. The company also recently extended the length of Reels on Instagram, from 90 seconds to <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-swoops-in-with-3-minute-reels-and-rectangular-profile-grids-as-the-tiktok-ban-gets-real-201316339.html"><ins>up to three minutes</ins></a>, and redesigned the Instagram grid. Meta is also reportedly striking bigger deals with specific, higher-profile creators. The Information recently reported that Meta has been offering some TikTok stars bonuses of up to <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/instagram-courts-tiktok-creators-with-big-cash-bonuses?rc=whf0fd"><ins>$50,000 a month</ins></a> in exchange for posting their content on Reels first. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of those arrangements, but said the company “recently expanded our investment” in content deals “to support more creators.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-trying-to-lure-tiktok-creators-with-a-new-bonus-program-220632949.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Instagram blocked searches for #democrats and other political hashtags

Instagram blocked searches related to a number of political hashtags, including #democrats, #democrat, #jan6th, #republicans and a number of other terms Tuesday. Users who searched for these hashtags were instead greeted with a notice that “we’ve hidden these results" because they "may contain sensitive content." It’s not clear exactly how many search terms were affected but users on Reddit reported that <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/WhitePeopleTwitter/comments/1i6fgzg/happening_now_instagram_is_now_blocking/">dozens of tags</a> were unsearchable. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone blamed an unspecified “issue” in <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.threads.net/@andymstone/post/DFFpZ0ZRbSY">a post</a> on Threads and said the company was working on a fix. The timing, just days after Mark Zuckerberg took a front-row seat at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, understandably prompted speculation that the “issue” was politically motivated. Zuckerberg recently moved to end Meta’s <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-ditching-third-party-fact-checkers-on-facebook-instagram-142330246.html">fact-checking programs</a>, roll back <a href="https://theintercept.com/2025/01/09/facebook-instagram-meta-hate-speech-content-moderation/">content moderation standards</a> that prohibited dehumanizing language and slurs targeting immigrants and LGBTQ people. The company also internally shuttered its <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/metas-right-wing-reinvention-also-includes-an-end-to-dei-programs-and-trans-messenger-themes-204031848.html">corporate diversity programs</a>. Stone, however, said the issue affected “a number of different hashtags on Instagram - not just those on the left.” Indeed, there seemed to be some inconsistency in what was blocked. #Democrat, #democrats and #republicans were reportedly affected, but #republican was viewable. Users reported that #constitution, #johnoliver and #queer were also unviewable. Meta now seems to have addressed most of the hashtags in question, though the company hasn’t explained what caused the “issue.” This, notably, isn't the first time Instagram has inexplicably blocked searches for hashtags. Meta blocked hashtags related to LGBTQ content and labeled it as "sensitive content" <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/instagram-blocked-lgbtq-hashtags-and-treated-them-as-sexually-suggestive-content-200808209.html">for months</a>. The company said earlier this year that was an error, noting that "we do not consider LGBTQ+ terms to be sensitive under our policies.” In 2020, Instagram briefly prevented users from sharing posts with the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. The company said it was a mistake and blamed its <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/instagram-action-block-black-lives-matter-220823742.html">spam detection</a> features.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-blocked-searches-for-democrats-and-other-political-hashtags-195612128.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

EA's Origin app for PC gaming will shut down in April

EA's Origin PC client has officially reached the end of the line. The gaming company had previously announced its plans to <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ea-desktop-app-origin-165926324.html"><ins>rebrand</ins></a> the Origin app for desktop players back in 2020 and began <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/ea-pc-app-origin-replacement-client-macos-184456809.html"><ins>rolling out</ins></a> the new EA app in 2022. However, Origin will be completely shuttered on April 17, 2025, as Microsoft ends support for 32-bit software. Anyone still using Origin will need to swap over to the EA app before that date. For those PC players who have not migrated over to the EA app, the company has an <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://help.ea.com/en/help/ea/ea-app/update-operating-system-for-ea-app/"><ins>FAQ</ins></a> explaining the latest system requirements. The EA app runs on 64-bit architecture, and requires a machine using Windows 10 or Windows 11. (Although Microsoft would really <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/computing/microsoft-confirms-the-windows-11-tpm-security-requirement-isnt-going-anywhere-211002424.html"><ins>prefer</ins></a> that everybody upgrade to Windows 11 as it <a class="no-affiliate-link" href="https://www.engadget.com/windows-10-will-receive-its-final-security-update-in-october-2028-084902439.html"><ins>sunsets</ins></a> the previous OS.) If you're simply downloading the EA app on a current machine, players won't need to re-download their games. And if you have cloud saves enabled, all of your data should transfer without any additional steps. However, it's always a good idea to have physical backups with this type of transition, especially since not all games support cloud saves, and those titles will need to have saved game data manually transferred. Mods also may not automatically make the switch, and EA recommends players check with mod creators about transferring to the EA app.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/eas-origin-app-for-pc-gaming-will-shut-down-in-april-191807523.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Polyend stuffed a fully programmable drum machine in a stompbox

This year’s NAMM trade show has opened up its doors, so that means there will be a wealth of new musical doodads to lust over. Case in point? Polyend <a href="https://polyend.com/step/">just dropped a hybrid device</a> that combines the functionality of a standard guitar pedal with a drum machine. The Polyend Step is a “fully-featured, programmable drum machine in stompbox format.” This should be an absolute boon for those who want some accompaniment while playing guitar, or any other instrument. That alone makes it the perfect practice tool, however it looks like it could also be a great resource for anyone doing the whole “one person band” thing. <div id="f4b8cd3483b74a188280c94c79335045"> </div> Drum stompboxes are nothing new, but the Step kicks things up several notches. It comes with over 200 drum kits to peruse, along with 350 preset rhythm patterns. These patterns consist of 16 steps, but can be combined to build full songs. To that end, the pedal can store more than 1,000 songs. Drum patterns can also be made from scratch via the built-in step sequencer, giving users four tracks to work with. Each track has a wide array of adjustable parameters, including swing, speed, step probability, velocity control and more. There are over 50 effects to choose from, and each song can handle 16. These effects include a number of delays and reverbs, and can be activated on the fly via footswitches. The connectivity here is on point. The Step includes MIDI I/O for syncing, guitar jacks, stereo input and output and a microSD card reader. It’s available right now for $500. Polyend is primarily known for its sequencing devices, like the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/polyend-tracker-groovebox-sampler-review-170118746-170118557.html">Polyend Tracker</a> and the <a href="https://www.engadget.com/the-polyend-tracker-mini-is-a-powerful-and-portable-studio-in-a-box-001656705.html">Tracker Mini</a>. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/polyend-stuffed-a-fully-programmable-drum-machine-in-a-stompbox-190008034.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

The UK’s digital driver’s licence is coming later this year

The UK <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/digital-driving-licence-coming-this-year"><ins>will release a digital driver’s license</ins></a> later this year, along with a digital wallet issued by the government. This will allow folks to “easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person.” Obviously, it will also prove a person’s right to drive. This will be one of the first digital documents available via the GOV.UK digital wallet, which is also launching later this year. The wallet will also be home to documents like Veterans Cards, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and “every other credential issued by the government.” However, many of these digital versions won’t be available until the end of 2027. The technology harnesses the security features of modern smartphones, for enhanced privacy. The documents won’t open without a facial recognition check. The government says this will make digital documents more secure, “even if a device is lost.” We’ll have to see how that plays out. There will also be a way for users to hide certain info when displaying the digital license. <a href="https://www.topgear.com/car-news/tech/uk-drivers-get-ready-digital-driving-licences"><ins>Top Gear</ins><ins> has reported that</ins></a>, for instance, the tech will allow folks to hide home addresses when paying for stuff. The best part? This is an opt-in technology. Traditional physical documents will still be available, just in case it skeeves you out to have official IDs hanging out on your phone. UK citizens can already apply for a license online using a stored digital photo and pay road fees. <div id="83b51c9c5f284ab79540ee47c57753aa"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s quick and easy to set up your Driver and vehicles account! Simply add your vehicles and you’ll have access to all your details at your fingertips ✨ Start here 👉 <a href="https://t.co/DXTn3olbi0">https://t.co/DXTn3olbi0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DVLADigital?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DVLADigital</a> <a href="https://t.co/xcG0vapJF8">pic.twitter.com/xcG0vapJF8</a>— DVLA (@DVLAgovuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/DVLAgovuk/status/1880223994625851562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote> </div> Digital driver’s licenses are nothing new. Many countries use them already, including Australia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. Even some US states, like <a href="https://www.engadget.com/ohio-becomes-the-fifth-us-state-to-recognize-ids-in-apple-wallet-211807995.html"><ins>Ohio</ins></a> and <a href="https://www.engadget.com/apps/new-mexico-state-ids-can-now-be-added-to-digital-wallets-211549853.html"><ins>New Mexico</ins></a>, have made use of the tech.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/the-uks-digital-drivers-licence-is-coming-later-this-year-165008815.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

January’s Xbox Game Pass additions include Sniper Elite: Resistance and Tchia

It’s January and for many of us in the northern hemisphere, that means staying inside to escape the cold. To help you while away the hours, Xbox is <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/01/21/xbox-game-pass-january-2025-wave-2/?ocid=XGP_soc_omc_xbo_tw_Photo_lrn_1.21.1"><ins>adding</ins></a> <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-original-diablo-hits-pc-game-pass-on-january-14-161519350.html"><ins>another</ins></a> dozen-plus titles to Game Pass over the next couple of weeks. Let’s jam through them in chronological order of introduction to the service, starting with Lonely Mountain: Snow Riders (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S via Game Pass Ultimate and PC). This multiplayer skiing game is a day one addition to Game Pass. A whole heap of games are coming to the service on Wednesday. Flock (console via Game Pass Standard) is another multiplayer game but this one’s a co-op adventure that sees you collecting adorable critters with your buds. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-epic-games-stores-latest-freebies-are-the-callisto-protocol-and-the-revived-moba-gigantic-192403774.html"><ins>Gigantic: Rampage Edition</ins></a> (cloud, console and PC via Game Pass Ultimate PC and Standard) is a MOBA that I enjoyed my time with. It’s a revival of a game that was <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2018-02-01-gigantic-moba-close-motiga-july-31.html"><ins>previously shut down</ins></a> but this time there are no microtransactions. One of last year’s more intriguing games, <a href="https://www.engadget.com/kunitsu-gami-path-of-the-goddess-review-demonic-delights-150004066.html"><ins>Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess</ins></a>, also joins the Game Pass Standard lineup on console on Wednesday, along with pixel art platformer Magical Delicacy. In addition, Game Pass Standard members will be able to check out the absolutely wonderful open-world adventure Tchia on Xbox Series X/S. That was <a href="https://www.engadget.com/engadgets-games-of-the-year-2023-150053925.html"><ins>my second-favorite game of 2023</ins></a>. Eagle-eyed detectives out there may enjoy the acclaimed The Case of the Golden Idol, which will be on Game Pass Standard on console as of January 22. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/its-a-golden-age-of-puzzle-games-even-for-people-who-suck-at-puzzle-games-130024186.html"><ins>It wasn’t for me</ins></a>, but it might be for you! Tomorrow’s final Game Pass addition is for the Ultimate and Standard tiers. The intergalactic sandbox <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2016-07-10-starbound-launches-july-22.html">Starbound</a> will be available on cloud and console (it was already on PC Game Pass). <div id="c2e9941038134b8587a01855c94de549"><div style="width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"></div></div> January 28 sees the introduction of another couple of day one games. There’s been some buzz about action RPG Eternal Strands and you can find out what that’s all about on cloud, console and PC via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap will debut on the same variants of Game Pass, but not Xbox One, just Series X/S. On January 29, puzzle platformer Shady Part Of Me will hit cloud, PC and console across all three Game Pass variants. The following day, Sniper Elite: Resistance will join the Ultimate and PC flavors of Game Pass as a day one newcomer. There’s yet another day one introduction to Game Pass this month in the form of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/citizen-sleeper-2-asks-how-we-stay-human-in-a-hopeless-future-180050858.html"><ins>Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector</ins></a> (cloud, PC and Xbox Series X/S on Ultimate and PC Game Pass). This is a highly anticipated follow-up to a well-reviewed RPG from 2022. If you haven’t played the original yet and you’re a multi-platform gamer, good news! Citizen Sleeper <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/god-of-war-ragnarok-headlines-the-playstation-plus-game-catalog-additions-for-january-191024729.html"><ins>hits the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog</ins></a> for Extra and Premium subscribers today. Moving into February, Xbox has announced another Game Pass addition for that month. February 4 brings Far Cry New Dawn to cloud, console and PC by way of all three Game Pass offerings. Last but not least, Xbox has revealed which titles are leaving Game Pass on January 31 across cloud, console and PC. They are Anuchard, Broforce Forever, Darkest Dungeon, Death’s Door, Maquette and Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem. On top of all of that, Xbox is <a href="https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/the-next-xbox-developer-direct-showcase-is-set-for-january-23-150528471.html"><ins>hosting a Developer Direct showcase</ins></a> this Thursday with fresh looks at Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and a mystery game. You never know, perhaps one of those will suddenly hit Game Pass as a surprise day one release this week too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/januarys-xbox-game-pass-additions-include-sniper-elite-resistance-and-tchia-160856192.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Negative

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review: Excellent sound comes at a high price

There are a lot of factors to consider when shopping for wireless earbuds. Some people want the best active noise cancellation (ANC) performance while others are more interested in features that enable all-day wearing. Some folks desire a seamless interaction with their phone and some are searching for the absolute best sound quality. If you fall into that last category, the <a class="rapid-with-clickid" href="https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&contentUuid=7cb1f7c2-1b27-4837-97b6-f2167950108f&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=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&signature=AQAAATarh5dkvVwhyFuQ8VDYOMkBMU0Sip7FSoknRBljSFJ6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBowers-Wilkins-Anthracite-Bluetooth-Cancelling%2Fdp%2FB0DCPZC735">Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399)</a> is worth considering. The company has consistently produced some of the best audio performance you’ll find in over-ear headphones. But its wireless earbuds weren’t quite on the same level. They delivered great clarity and ample consideration of subtle details in songs. Still, though, there was work to be done to construct a fuller, more immersive soundstage. <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bowers--wilkins-announces-its-latest-pi6-and-pi8-true-wireless-earbuds-161812832.html">With the Pi8</a>, the company has overhauled its sound platform, adding new, larger drivers for even more nuance and enhanced low-end tone. Unfortunately, though, there are still some areas where Bowers & Wilkins needs to improve in order to truly rival the best. <h2 id="jump-link-whats-good-about-the-pi8">What’s good about the Pi8?</h2> Bowers & Wilkins introduced an all-new design on the Pi8, offering a completely different shape than <a href="https://www.engadget.com/bowers-and-wilkins-pi7-s2-review-excellent-sound-only-goes-so-far-200024887.html">the Pi7 S2</a>. This model has a more uniform, oval shell, which I think lends a refined look compared to its predecessor. The company also chose to use interesting details, like a microphone grill that spans the width of the earbuds, to hide components that have historically been prominently displayed. Yes, that outer area still accepts taps and long presses for calls and audio playback, and those actions garner quick responses. The biggest update to the Pi8 is sound quality. Larger 12mm carbon cone drivers power the audio, which is a change from the 9.2mm dynamic drivers inside the Pi7 S2. Bowers & Wilkins also opted for 32-bit digital signal processing (DSP), up from 24-bit on the previous model. These earbuds also support aptX Lossless, while the earlier version used aptX Adaptive. The company says all of these changes, particularly the new drivers, reduce distortion and offer better high-frequency detail. I found these claims to hold true. The Pi8 has enhanced detail compared to the Pi7 S2, which is a feat because those earbuds already offered excellent clarity. Instruments like guitars stand out on albums like mewithoutYou’s emo/post-hardcore Catch for Us the Foxes. On that record, the two guitars have a dialog or interplay going on during most of the songs, and you can clearly hear both playing their parts. The guitars also seem to float above the booming kick drum and grooving, droning bass lines. Aaron Weiss’ mostly spoken-word vocals also cut through the mix with all the emotion and metaphor he loads them with. <figure> <img alt="Bowers & Wilkins' Pi8 earbuds have a refined design compared to their predecessor." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-01/2e44f0b0-d809-11ef-b5a0-56ec55f8836f" style="height: 1440px; width: 2560px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Billy Steele for Engadget </div> </figure> Bass performance has also improved on the Pi8. It’s never overpowering, but you get chunky kick drum sounds for rock and metal that drive the songs rather than drowning everything else out. No Cure’s thrashing metal album I Hope I Die Here is an excellent example of this. Drums are there to guide the thick guitar riffs through the heavy breakouts and groovier verses, but everything remains nuanced and distinct. Despite the vocals being entirely screamed, you can easily pick out every word instead of them fading into the mix. Bowers & Wilkins extended the battery life on the Pi8 to 6.5 hours with ANC on. That’s 90 minutes longer than the Pi7 S2. That figure also inches closer to the likes of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/sony-wf-1000xm5-earbuds-review-striving-for-perfection-160023581.html">Sony’s WF-1000XM5</a> which stands at eight hours of noise-canceling listening. Bowers & Wilkins has once again included wireless transmission in the charging case, allowing you to use the Pi8 at times when a Bluetooth streaming source isn’t an option — like in-flight entertainment. This tool isn’t novel to the company’s products as others, like JBL, have baked it in as well. However, wireless transmission still isn’t so common that I’d say it’s readily available elsewhere. <h2 id="jump-link-whats-not-so-good-about-the-pi8">What’s not so good about the Pi8?</h2> The biggest downside to the Pi8 is the price: $399. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 were $300 at launch, although they’re usually available for around $200, and they’ve been at the top of our <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-wireless-earbuds-120058222.html">best earbuds</a> list since then. Bowers & Wilkins gear has always commanded a premium over Sony and others, and that’s exactly what’s happening here. While the Pi8 does have more nuanced and detailed sound than the M5s, Sony and others offer advanced features that make your life easier. For example, Sony’s flagship model can automatically pause audio when it detects that you’re speaking. It can also automatically adjust sound settings based on your location to help streamline your day. These types of tools could go a long way to expanding the range of the Pi8. The basics are all well covered on Bowers & Wilkins’ latest set, but there’s nothing additional here feature-wise, which makes its cost become a significant disadvantage. <figure> <img alt="Bowers & Wilkins' Pi8 lack the advanced features that would make them a serious contender for the best earbuds." src="https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-01/52eaf590-d809-11ef-a7fe-7fd8c176de7c" style="height: 1440px; width: 2560px;" /> <figcaption></figcaption> <div class="photo-credit"> Billy Steele for Engadget </div> </figure> This extends to the limited customization on the Pi8. There is a 5-band EQ in the company’s app for fine-tuning the sound profile, and you can change what a long press does. However, you can only select between ANC/ambient sound (left) and voice assistant (right) or volume controls (up on the right, down on the left). Having to forgo the ability to cycle between noise cancellation and transparency mode in order to get on-board volume adjustments is a significant sacrifice. Both of those actions are frequently used, and it would be nice to not reach for my phone to do them both. Active noise cancellation is another area the Pi8 lags behind its rivals. I’d describe it more as noise reduction, since the technology here struggles with constant distractions like fans and white noise machines. Like a lot of earbuds, this model also has issues with human voices, but those are less of a concern at around 50 percent volume. ANC performance was just okay on the Pi7 S2 as well, so it’s still an area the company could improve to further close the gap to the likes of <a href="https://www.engadget.com/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-review-spatial-audio-makes-all-the-difference-140057701.html">Bose</a>. <h2 id="jump-link-the-final-verdict-on-the-pi8">The final verdict on the Pi8</h2> Bowers & Wilkins continues to impress me with the sound quality it produces. The company’s Px7 S2e headphones are my pick for <a href="https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/best-headphones-wireless-bluetooth-120543205.html">best overall sound quality</a> and I’ll likely bestow the same honor for earbuds to the Pi8. Simply put, few companies are creating sound profiles with the amount of detail, nuance and depth that Bowers & Wilkins consistently delivers. Audio performance is definitely the main reason to consider buying these earbuds. But there are other very important things that ANC earbuds need to do. You should be able to count on them to block a lot of noise, and the Pi8 isn’t great at that. I think advanced features like speech detection, adaptive noise control and other automated tools are important as we head into 2025 as well. Add the ability to customize controls and settings to a high degree to that list too. Those are missing on the Pi8, and I can appreciate that some people probably won’t care. But in my opinion, $400 earbuds should be all-inclusive and nearly flawless. The Pi8 shows this company is well on its way, but also that it still has work to do.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bowers--wilkins-pi8-review-excellent-sound-comes-at-a-high-price-160032718.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Meta lets users add WhatsApp to their main Accounts Center

Accounts Center is a single space allowing users to manage their Facebook, Instagram and (even) Meta Quest log-ins. Today, Meta has announced that WhatsApp is joining the list of supported apps, enabling you to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/facebook-instagram-accounts-center-162605587.html"><ins>reshare statuses and posts across all of your platforms</ins></a>. In addition, you can use <a href="https://www.engadget.com/meta-accounts-center-test-193247061.html"><ins>single sign-on</ins></a> to log back into your WhatsApp account. Meta has announced the change today, but it will take time before WhatsApp support is added to everyone’s Accounts Center, so patience may be required. In addition, Meta has pledged to add more features that can be shared across multiple platforms, like AI stickers, avatars and its <a href="https://www.engadget.com/metas-ai-image-generator-is-available-as-a-standalone-website-185953058.html"><ins>AI-crafted selfie creations.</ins></a> Those worried about whether this may affect WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption may rest easy, as Meta has said none of these changes will impact your messages’ privacy and security. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-lets-users-add-whatsapp-to-their-main-accounts-center-150023247.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

Masterbuilt adds another smart charcoal grill to its Gravity Series lineup

Masterbuilt has offered backyard grill masters smart options that <a href="https://www.engadget.com/masterbuilt-gravity-series-800-grill-smoker-wifi-griddle-140047644.html">burn charcoal</a> instead of pellets <a href="https://www.engadget.com/masterbuilt-gravity-series-560-review-smart-charcoal-grill-160050858.html">since 2020</a>. Last year, the company <a href="https://www.engadget.com/masterbuilt-autoignite-545-gravity-series-xt-141512415.html">debuted two models</a> ahead of CES, and in early 2025, it's adding one more. The new <a href="https://www.masterbuilt.com/products/gravity-series-1150-digital-charcoal-grill-smoker">Gravity Series 1150</a> is a larger sibling to the Gravity Series 600 in Masterbuilt's lineup. With 1,150 square inches of cooking space, this bigger model has nearly double the food capacity and a longer burn time of up to 15 hours. To achieve this, the hopper on the 1150 can hold up to 12 pounds of lump charcoal or up to 18 pounds of briquettes.  The grill gets its name from the gravity-fed hopper that allows charcoal to naturally fall and ignite during use. A digital fan automatically maintains temperature that can be adjusted with on-board controls or with the Masterbuilt app. Like last year's Gravity Series XT, the company relocated the control panel on the 1150 from the shelf on the left side to the front of the hopper on the right. However, the controller itself looks like what's on the 600 instead of the upgraded version that's on the pricier XT. Besides the increased capacity, the 1150 offers another key upgrade from the 600. Instead of a cart-style stand, you get an enclosed cabinet for additional storage. You can expect a temperature range of 225-700 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can do low-and-slow smoking, high-heat searing and everything in between. All of the crucial grill stats can be monitored from your phone via the aforementioned app from anywhere. Lastly, Masterbuilt offers add-ons to expand the grill's capabilities, including a pizza oven, rotisserie and griddle insert.  The Gravity Series 1150 is available now from Home Depot for $999.  This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/masterbuilt-adds-another-smart-charcoal-grill-to-its-gravity-series-lineup-144924232.html?src=rss

Source: www.engadget.com

Reception: Positive

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