Would you share your medical records with a personal trainer? How about a virtual one? Google, which this week announced it is giving Fitbit’s AI health coach the ability to read your medical records, is hoping the answer is yes, following rivals like Amazon, OpenAI, and Microsoft in betting that users are willing to trade […]
Adobe’s AI Image Generator Can Now Be Trained on Your Own Art
Adobe is launching customizable AI image generators that can mimic specific artistic styles and character designs. The Firefly Custom Models are available in public beta starting today, allowing creators and brands to train a model on their own assets to ensure generated images follow a consistent aesthetic for characters, illustrations, and photography. The tool aims […]
Review of the Nothing Phone 4A Pro: Experience the Flagship Feeling
CEO Carl Pei says Nothing won’t release a flagship phone this year. So instead we have the 4A Pro, a $499 phone that looks and feels higher-end than last year’s flagship Phone 3, helped in large part by a new metal design. Compare the Phone 4A Pro to its immediate rivals, the Pixel 10A and […]
Tubi and TikTok Partner to Produce Long-Form Series
Soon, some of TikTok’s biggest personalities are going to be launching new streaming series on Tubi. Today, Tubi and TikTok announced that they are working together to launch a new Creatorverse Incubator that will help content creators produce long form original series for the Fox-owned streaming service. Once selected for the program, a group of […]
The Function of the Back Buttons on a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
When the Nintendo Switch 2 debuted, it came with a variety of accessories, one of which is an updated Pro Controller. This device is nearly the same as the original Switch’s Pro Controller, but it features additional buttons, including two sizable paddles positioned within the gripping handles. By default, these buttons remain inactive, but you have the option to assign them functions if you desire.
These newly introduced buttons, marked “GL” and “GR” (don’t inquire about the meaning of the “G”), are engineered to integrate with the Switch 2’s button mapping capabilities, offering players more customizable and ergonomic gameplay options. Imagine you’re battling through a platforming time trial and need assistance reducing a few milliseconds from your best time. You could explore speed running techniques, or you might remap the jump action to either GL or GR, allowing you to keep your thumb on the right analog stick and navigate effortlessly through the virtual challenges.
The Switch 2 Pro controller marks the first official Nintendo accessory to feature back buttons. In contrast, if you wanted to utilize this functionality on the original Switch, it necessitated either acquiring a third-party Bluetooth device or employing a specific adapter to enable your Xbox or PS5 controller to function with Nintendo.
How to configure the back buttons on your Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
As games seldom share the same button configurations — sequels excepted — the optimal way to assign tasks to the GL and GR buttons is by utilizing the Switch 2’s Quick Settings menu. While engaged in gameplay, press and hold the Home button until the menu appears. Navigate down to the “GL/GR Buttons” tab and select the button you wish to adjust. Choose it, then push the button you want it to replicate. Repeat this process for the other back button if desired, then exit Quick Settings. The game should identify the GL and GR buttons as one of the bumper, trigger, or face buttons. If you wish to change the function later, simply access Quick Settings again, choose the back button, and either opt for a new function or press the respective GL or GR button to restore its function to neutral.
Given that the console can remember games and their specific GL and GR assignments (one of those features you may not have realized your Switch 2 possesses), you can remap buttons on a per-game basis. However, if you prefer a universal function reassignment applicable to all titles, you can set that up from the console’s home screen. Go to the “System Settings” menu, scroll down to select “Accessibility,” then highlight the controller you wish to modify. Tap on “Edit Controller Mapping,” and then choose “GL/GR Button Settings.” From this point, remap the buttons as you would through the Quick Settings, return to the previous menu, and select “Save.” Once you complete this, your customized GL and GR buttons will be available for use across all games, including those you have yet to try.
Uber Partners with Rivian for $1.25B Robotaxi Deal
Uber is kicking off the partnership with an initial $300 million investment, while Rivian will provide as many as 50,000 autonomous R2 SUVs.
Amazon Introduces Alexa+ to the UK
The company is currently letting users in the U.K. try out Alexa+ for free via an early access program.
Federal Investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Software Intensifies
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its probe after finding more instances of Tesla’s driving software struggling in low-visibility conditions.
Causes for Apple’s Restricted Implementation of Keyboard Glyphs in Latest MacBook Versions
The United States has historically been an exception regarding Apple’s keyboards, employing text labels for keys such as tab, return, and delete. Conversely, the company has employed glyphs for its keyboards in other countries. Recently, Apple has implemented a notable update by moving from text to glyphs in the latest US editions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, along with the new MacBook Neo.
### Changes to the MacBook Keyboard
Dan Moren pointed out this alteration in his review of the MacBook Air at *Six Colors*. He observed that numerous keys’ text labels have been substituted with glyphs, which are the same symbols that have been consistently used for keyboard shortcuts in drop-down menus. This change has caused confusion for many outside the US, as glyph usage has been customary in other regions for a long time.
### Notable Exceptions
While many keys have shifted from text to glyphs, some have maintained their text labels in a shortened form. The keys that have entirely transitioned to glyphs include:
– Tab
– Caps lock
– Return
– Shift
– Delete
Nonetheless, two keys continue to have their text labels, and the other modifier keys now feature both glyphs and text labels:
– Control ⌃
– Option ⌥
– Command ⌘
### The Possible Reasoning
John Gruber’s proposed rationale for this modification seems to hold merit. He suggests that documentation, including Apple’s own, frequently refers to these keys by name (e.g., Option-Shift-Command-K) rather than glyphs (⌥⇧⌘K). It has only been in recent years that Apple began to incorporate glyphs for Control (⌃) and Option (⌥), as those keys were previously denoted solely by name.
Furthermore, text labels might be essential for effectively conveying key functions to non-technical users. In the absence of these labels, it may be difficult for someone who is not familiar with the keyboard to grasp instructions such as “Command-R.” In contrast, more recognizable keys like Shift or Tab are less likely to create misunderstandings.
In conclusion, Apple’s shift to glyphs for key labels in the US brings its keyboards in line with global standards while still ensuring user comprehension and clarity in communication.
Apple’s Collaboration with the London Marathon Could Suggest New Features for Apple Watch
Apple has lately revealed its collaboration with the London Marathon, which is scheduled for next month. While IT consultancy TCS holds the main sponsorship, Apple is designated as the “official performance technology product partner.” This partnership seeks to improve the experience for runners by leveraging Apple’s technology.
Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of fitness technology, pointed out that Apple’s innovations assist runners by offering tools and insights that encourage them to stay motivated, monitor their progress, and gain a better understanding of their health and fitness. The Apple Watch has already proven to be vital for many runners in getting ready for marathons and long-distance events.
There are rumors regarding whether this collaboration signifies Apple’s plans to broaden its backing for organized running competitions. CNET’s Giselle Castro-Sloboda noted existing functionalities that benefit runners, including run tracking and the collection of advanced metrics. She expressed optimism for forthcoming updates that could introduce race-specific tools and tailored training plans based on personal data.
Moreover, there is the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence into these functionalities. For example, AI could assist the Apple Watch in assessing whether a runner is sustaining the correct pace for their training or recommend when an additional rest day may be advantageous.
The collaboration with the London Marathon highlights Apple’s dedication to enriching the fitness experience for runners of all skill levels, and it opens the door to more groundbreaking features in the future.
