Tag: Source: Bgr.com

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Emphasizes Unviable Initial Deal
    Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Emphasizes Unviable Initial Deal

    **Xbox Game Pass Price Increase: A Critical Moment for Players and the Market**

    When Xbox Game Pass debuted in 2017, it signified a major revolution in the gaming sector. Providing an extensive game library for a monthly subscription, it allowed players to enjoy a wide variety of titles without needing to buy each one separately. Gradually, the service grew, adding new tiers and expanding its catalog as Xbox acquired prominent developers such as Bethesda and Activision.

    However, despite its success, Game Pass has encountered backlash. Certain developers contend that it undermines their creations, with former PlayStation Worldwide Studios chairman Shawn Layden characterizing it as rendering developers “wage slaves.” There are also concerns regarding its effects on the larger gaming landscape. As Microsoft has announced another price increase, these criticisms have intensified.

    **What’s Going Awry?**

    Game Pass’s allure has consistently been its value—access to a multitude of games, including new releases, for a fair price. Yet, this equilibrium is now changing. On October 1, Microsoft unveiled a revised pricing model, swapping the old format for three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Essential is priced at $10 and features 50+ games, Premium at $15 offers 200+ games and access to new Xbox titles within a year, and Ultimate is set at $30, flaunting 400+ games and day-one access to new arrivals.

    **Advantages? What Advantages?**

    The new format has discontented numerous users. Previously, Game Pass granted day-one access to new Xbox games across all levels. Now, this advantage is limited to the highest tier. While additional perks like access to Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and EA Play are part of the offering, they do not entice all subscribers. Many users simply desire access to new Xbox games without incurring additional costs for features they do not require.

    Maintaining Game Pass is expensive for Microsoft, reportedly costing billions. The company has also raised console prices twice within six months, reflecting financial strains. Nevertheless, these alterations have not been well-received by the community.

    **Game Pass Truly Isn’t for Everyone**

    Consumers are reacting financially. Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s remark that Game Pass is “not for everybody” appears to be prophetic, as numerous subscribers are now opting to cancel their memberships in protest. Former Bethesda executive Pete Hines cautioned that without aligning the service’s requirements with those of content creators, the subscription model is likely unsustainable. Microsoft’s recent decisions indicate it is finding it challenging to achieve this equilibrium.

    The price increase emphasizes the difficulties of maintaining a subscription format in the gaming sector. As Arkane Studios’ founder Raphael Colantonio pointed out, the Game Pass model may be untenable, and the ongoing backlash implies that the industry is starting to feel its ramifications.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Amazon’s Delivery Drones Encounter Ongoing Operational Hurdles
    Amazon’s Delivery Drones Encounter Ongoing Operational Hurdles

    KPNX 12 News reported that the drone had grazed one of the cables utilized for moving equipment suspended from the crane.

    The drones were flying consecutively when they collided with the crane cable, each landing approximately 100 to 200 feet apart in adjacent parking lots. While local fire and police units reacted to the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also took action, stating it would probe the crashes with Amazon’s full assistance.

    Another hurdle for Amazon

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    Google is emulating Apple’s strategy

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/google-could-soon-launch-its-own-hypertension-feature-to-keep-up-with-apple-watch/google-is-emulating-apples-strategy-1759425176.jpg" data-slide-url="https://www.bgr.com/1985117/google-hypertension

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Amazon Declares $2.5 Billion Reimbursement to Prime Members Owing to Excess Charges
    Amazon Declares $2.5 Billion Reimbursement to Prime Members Owing to Excess Charges

    FTC and 17 states filed a lawsuit against Amazon for purported monopolistic behavior. They alleged that Amazon employed “punitive and coercive tactics” to illegally maintain monopolies.

    The FTC noted that several Amazon executives were cognizant of the challenges associated with unsubscribing from Prime and engaged in discussions about “unlawful enrollment and cancellation issues,” which led to the lawsuit. Amazon reached a settlement, and FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson indicated that billions of dollars will be returned “to Americans’ wallets,” including a $1 billion civil penalty and $1.5 billion in consumer redress. Amazon is in the process of refunding the $1.5 billion to approximately 35 million affected customers. Amazon is required to cease its illegal practices and implement significant modifications to its Prime enrollment and cancellation procedures, which must include a clear and visible option for users to refuse membership. Moreover, this option cannot simply state “No, I don’t want Free Shipping,” as a catch-all, seemingly mocking the user’s intent to cancel.

    This settlement represents two significant FTC actions

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Tinker: The Initial AI Offering from Thinking Machines Lab, Not a Rival to ChatGPT
    Tinker: The Initial AI Offering from Thinking Machines Lab, Not a Rival to ChatGPT

    Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab (TML) AI startup has been active since the former high-ranking OpenAI executive departed from the organization that developed the ChatGPT chatbot and ignited the ongoing AI revolution. A year later, Murati’s AI company is set to launch its inaugural, eagerly awaited AI product.

    Named Tinker, this AI tool requires users to sign up for a waitlist starting Wednesday, and it doesn’t serve as the ChatGPT competitor that some might have anticipated from the startup. After all, numerous companies creating cutting-edge AI models are releasing commercial products aimed at mainstream consumers, particularly chatbots. However, Tinker is not that type of offering. It’s designed for a targeted group: AI aficionados, enterprises, researchers, and hackers looking to customize existing open-source AI models to suit their unique preferences.

    Murati, who formerly held the position of CTO at OpenAI, stepped in as interim CEO during Sam Altman’s removal in the fall of 2023. She departed OpenAI last year to establish a secretive startup that ultimately became known as Thinking Machines Lab. Murati is not the only prominent AI researcher involved in this venture. She co-founded the company alongside other OpenAI alumni, bringing on additional expertise from the ChatGPT creator. TML’s significant prowess in AI could be the reason the company successfully secured $2 billion at a $12 billion valuation this past summer, even before launching a commercial product. Now, Thinking Machines Lab has introduced Tinker, which is presently accessible to authorized users for creating their bespoke AI models.

    What capabilities does Tinker offer?

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Focuses on Advancing Smart Glasses Instead of More Affordable Vision Pro Version
    Apple Focuses on Advancing Smart Glasses Instead of More Affordable Vision Pro Version

    an M5 version of the Vision Pro headset is expected soon, with speculation suggesting that a more affordable, lighter model is also under development. While the upgraded Vision Pro model may be revealed shortly, Bloomberg indicates that Apple has recently shifted its focus towards a pair of smart glasses — including a version that features a display. Reportedly, Apple informed employees last week that it is reallocating staff engaged in the development of the more economical and lighter Vision Pro model to the smart glasses initiative. However, the new Vision Pro version has not been scrapped.

    This shift comes in light of recent changes in the industry, such as the lukewarm reception of the costly Vision Pro headset and the increasing popularity of AI smart glasses from competing brands. Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have surged in popularity over the past few years, with the company recently launching updated models. The $799 Meta Ray-Ban Display version now incorporates a built-in display, making it one of the top smart glasses available. Samsung is also reported to be developing AI smart glasses that are anticipated to launch in late 2026. Although Apple is lagging behind in AI capabilities even on iPhones, the company is reportedly making rapid progress in these areas as well.

    What features will the Apple smart glasses provide?

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on AirPods Pro 3 Disassembly Uncovers Ongoing Problem in Apple’s Newest Wireless Earbuds
    AirPods Pro 3 Disassembly Uncovers Ongoing Problem in Apple’s Newest Wireless Earbuds

     AirPods Pro 3 introduced with fresh features and numerous enhancements during the iPhone 17 launch event. The modified AirPods Pro 3 design boasts a new case and foam-infused tips, enhancing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This new AirPods Pro version is resistant to dust and water and incorporates heart rate sensors within the earbuds. The Live Translation function and extended battery life of the earbuds round out the critical aspects to know about the AirPods Pro 3. With an unchanged price of $249 in the U.S., the AirPods Pro 3 rank among the top choices for headphones available.

    Nonetheless, Apple has not yet addressed the most significant drawback of AirPods — repairability. The wireless earbuds and their case are non-repairable, meaning the internal batteries cannot be replaced when they deteriorate over time. iFixit has conducted a teardown of the AirPods Pro 3, illustrating the challenges of opening an earbud to change the battery. The revamped case proves just as difficult to disassemble, even for seasoned professionals at iFixit.

    The iFixit AirPods Pro 3 teardown: An inevitable outcome

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Alternative Applications for Old USB Drives Aside from Storage
    Alternative Applications for Old USB Drives Aside from Storage

    USB drives are often seen simply as portable storage. For years, they were the primary choice for transferring files, images, and music between computers. However, with the rise of cloud storage and the ease of file sharing, many older flash drives now lie dormant in drawers. The reality is that these devices can be transformed for a variety of innovative, useful, and unexpected purposes beyond mere storage.

    Absolutely, your USB drive may boast significant capacity, but certain applications only need a handful of megabytes, which means even the tiniest and most outdated drives can be useful. They can offer added security, enhance performance, or even fuel creative endeavors, giving them fresh usefulness instead of gathering dust. The options are wider than many anticipate, and numerous ones are straightforward enough for anyone to attempt. Here are nine clever ways to utilize old USB drives that extend far beyond storage.

    Implement a USB drive as a tangible login

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://allyoucantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/alternative-applications-for-old-usb-drives-aside-from-storage-1.jpg" data-slide-url="https://www.bgr.com/

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Factors Behind the Affordable Price of Google’s Most Neglected Android Device in Contrast to the iPhone 17
    Factors Behind the Affordable Price of Google’s Most Neglected Android Device in Contrast to the iPhone 17

    some of Google’s superior AI capabilities. The Pixel 9a comes at a notably lower price, as it features reduced memory, inferior cameras, and less premium materials—unlike the flagship model, which boasts a glass back rather than a plastic one.

    With the unveiling of the iPhone 17 series, you might be deliberating between options. Should you choose the entry-level iPhone 17 or the economical Pixel 9a? Presently, the Pixel 9a is priced at $499 compared to the iPhone 17’s $799, attributed to its slower chipset and lesser camera quality. If your main consideration is budget, then the Pixel 9a is the way to go, even though the iPhone 17 presents exceptional value. No doubt about it. On the flip side, if you prioritize performance, the iPhone 17 takes the edge. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9a’s performance suffices for the majority of users. It provides all the essentials at a very appealing price. Even better, unlike many budget Android devices, the Pixel 9a is supported by Google, offering seven years of security updates.

    The Tensor G4 is not the fastest but performs adequately

    Whether it be smartphones, laptops, or desktops, Apple’s processors are exceptional. When comparing Apple’s silicon to Google’s, the contest is imbalanced. The A19 and A19 Pro chips, present in the iPhone 17 family, outperform Google’s Tensor G4 chip in both single-core and multi-core performance. Additionally, Apple’s chip features superior integrated graphics, which is advantageous for gaming.

    If you’re engaged in demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, an iPhone 17 might be the better choice. However, for the average user, the Google Pixel 9a exceeds expectations.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on An Inside Glimpse into Apple Music’s New Studio in Culver City
    An Inside Glimpse into Apple Music’s New Studio in Culver City

    In June, to commemorate the inaugural decade of Apple Music, Apple introduced a new studio facility in Culver City, California. Aiming to further assist artists with cutting-edge technology and tools to foster creativity, the Apple Music Culver City studio swiftly emerged as one of the most vital centers for the streamer’s radio programming and more.

    During the Beats Powerbeats Fit event, BGR had the opportunity to be among the first media outlets to explore the new Apple Music Culver City studio, which features two state-of-the-art radio studios equipped with immersive Spatial Audio playback, a 4,000-square-foot soundstage, a dedicated Spatial Audio mixing room, photo and social media workspaces, editing rooms, artist support green rooms, and private isolation booths.

    Moreover, we were privileged to visit the A-List Corridor and Archive Corridor, showcasing visuals and artwork representing Apple Music’s most significant milestones. Here’s everything essential about the new studio.

    Apple Music’s latest studio in Los Angeles is a three-story structure covering over 15,000 square feet. During our tour, we witnessed some live Apple Music radio shows and had a brief conversation with Zane Lowe just before his live segment.

    The environment resonates with music and creativity, and Apple claims it is constantly inviting new artists and backing new initiatives. Although the studio has been operational for only a few months, Apple is already producing shows and hosting live broadcasts in Culver City. One of the standout features of the building is the Spatial Audio mixing room, which illustrates the full potential of the Dolby Atmos technology and the way listening to music should be truly immersive.

    We also had the opportunity to attend one of the Apple Music Awards in person, and Apple was actively promoting the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny, which signifies the artist’s first performance in the country since expressing concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

    Apple asserts that there is much more on the horizon for Apple Music, as it aims to keep enhancing support for artists and its audience with high-quality offerings and exclusive features. In line with this, we also engaged in a conversation with Apple Music head Oliver Schusser regarding the platform, its evolution, and the potential for further advancement in the coming months and years.

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