A few hours from when you read this, Apple's online-only WWDC will be kicking off. The keynote should cover everything the company has planned for the next few years — or at least what it's willing to reveal at this point.
That means a glimpse at the newest takes on iOS, watchOS and macOS, and we're also expecting to see official news of the shift from Intel chips to ARM chips on Apple's PCs — a huge change for all involved.
The event does, however, come off the back of renewed calls from devs for a better deal from Apple's App Store. The company takes a 30-percent commission on paid apps and any in-app purchases. If a developer wants to offer a subscription, Apple will take a 30 percent commission in the first year and a 15 percent cut after that. It's a lot. The European Commission is taking a look at the situation, and bigger companies (alongside long-time critic Spotify) are starting to get vocal about that cut.
Let's be realistic, though. It's unlikely Apple will address this in its WWDC keynote, but it may shape how they cheerlead their app stats this year. The big event kicks off at 1PM ET / 10AM PDT / 6PM BST. I'll be liveblogging alongside Chris Velazco — and might try to get a disco nap ahead of all the news. Join us then.
— Mat
Samsung Blu-ray players are trapped in a startup loop
The company appears to be working on a solution.
Samsung
Samsung Blu-ray players (including multiple Home Cinema models like the HT-J4500) have apparently been stuck in boot loops, effectively rendering the devices useless. The issue is present in players worldwide, and factory resets don't appear to help.
It's not certain what's causing the loops, although there's speculation an automatic firmware update might be to blame. Support representatives have told users the company is investigating the problem, but for now, it's back to the streaming services. Continue reading.
'Fortnite' loses its police cars
Epic says it's trying to be sensitive to current events.
Epic removed all police cars from Fortnite in the shooter's latest update, and The Wall Street Journalunderstands it was in response to Black Lives Matter protests over police violence. The developer wasn't trying to make a "political statement," according to a WSJ source — rather, it was trying to be "sensitive about the issues" players are dealing with. Continue reading.
Review: Dell's XPS 15 is the ideal 15-inch laptop for creatives
We review the 2020 model.
Engadget
Dell's premium 15-inch notebook finally has a design refresh to match the excellent XPS 13. It's fast, sleek and has one of the best screens we've seen in a workhorse PC. The only downside is that it loses legacy ports. It does, however, still have an SD card reader. It's tough to find an ultraportable 15-inch this polished from top to bottom. If you're a photo or video editor or just someone who demands a bit more power than you get from smaller ultraportables, you'll find a lot to love with the XPS 15's glorious big screen. Continue reading.
TikTok users and K-pop fans say they wrecked Trump's Tulsa rally
Internet-savvy teens are a force to be reckoned with.
Getty
President Trump's Tulsa rally on June 20th had attendance far short of his campaign's expectations, but that might have been due in part to... teens. As The New York Times and Vulture have reported, TikTok users and K-pop fans say they registered massive amounts of free tickets in the run-up to the rally to artificially pump up attendance expectations and create an inevitable disappointment. Many were careful to delete social posts to prevent Trump's campaign from catching wind of the ploy, and at least some used internet phone numbers to feed the campaign junk data.
The K-pop crowd also recently flooded racist Twitter hashtags with fan footage of celebrities at the height of Black Lives Matter protests, effectively drowning out hateful messages. This, however, is on another level. If early evidence holds true, some of the social media world's youngest audience may have skewed Trump's campaign (or rendered its attendance guidance useless) without leaving home. Continue reading.
The weekend has arrived. I'll be using the time to catch up on a few PS5 and EA trailers I didn't catch the first time around, although you may have different plans in store. If you're running late on shopping for Father's Day or a recent graduate, then we have some relevant gift suggestions; otherwise, we'll see everyone back here on Monday for Apple's online-only WWDC 2020 keynote.
-- Richard
Denon rolls out the first 8K-ready receivers
They're also ready for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Engadget
While the debates rage on over whether or not anyone needs 8K, the new line of Denon receivers are ready for higher resolution video when and if you decide to make an upgrade. Perhaps more importantly, they also support HDMI 2.1, including features like auto low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), passthrough of 4K video at up to 120 frames per second and quick frame transport (QFT) that reduces input lag.
The 11.2-channel AVR-X6700H ($2,499) and 9.2-channel AVR-4700H ($1,699) are available now via Amazon and other retailers, while the 7.2-channel AVR-X2700H ($849) is scheduled to go on sale August 15th. Continue reading.
The Engadget Podcast: PS5 details and hesitation over facial recognition
Can anyone guess the price?
Engadget
Devindra and Cherlynn are joined by deputy managing editor Nathan Ingraham to discuss the PlayStation 5's eye-catching appearance, size and speculate how much it will cost. Nate also tells us why The Last Of Us II is a heartbreaking game worth the emotional investment. Then, our hosts take a look at the latest developments in major tech companies' facial recognition systems, as well as Twitter's new voice message format.
Sony's Aibo robot will now greet you at the front door
The $2,900 simulacrum keeps adding new features.
Sony
Thanks to a new software update, the android companion will now predict when you come home and sit patiently at the front door. Or that's the idea, anyway. According to Sony's website, you'll first need to assign a meeting place — the front entrance to your home — by saying a phrase like "this is where you should go." Aibo should then lower its head and 'sniff' the ground to indicate that it's storing the location. If the process is successful, a door icon should appear on the map located inside the companion app. Continue reading.
This week's best deals: 10.2-inch iPad, Apple Watch Series 5 and more
Several Roku players are on sale too.
Engadget
As we enter the weekend and Father's Day is approaching, there are still a bunch of sales you can snag for dad (or for yourself). Apple's base iPad returns to its lowest price ever of $250, and you can get $100 off the Apple Watch Series 5 ($300) and $50 off the iPad mini ($350). Numerous headphones and earbuds from Bose, Sony and Beats are discounted, while Amazon's regular Kindle is also on sale for $65.
Valentina Palladino has the full rundown for you here, and for more updates on Twitter, be sure to follow the @EngadgetDeals account. Continue reading.
NBA restart plan includes using Oura rings to catch COVID-19 symptoms
The league's 'bubble' will be full of wearable devices.
Oura
As the NBA moves toward restarting its season with players and other personnel isolated at Walt Disney World in Orlando, details of how it hopes to manage the people on site are leaking out.
The part specifically interesting to us — other than players-only lounges with NBA 2K to play and bracelets that beep if people are within six feet of each other for too long — is its proposed use of Oura's smart rings. Earlier this month, a study suggested that physiological data from the rings, combined with information obtained from wearers via in-app surveys, can "forecast and predict the onset of COVID-19 related symptoms" three days in advance, with 90 percent accuracy.
According to The Athletic, use of the rings will be optional, and there's no word on what other data will help track possible symptoms. ESPN reporter Zach Lowe says that if players wear the rings, team personnel will not have access unless it detects an "illness probability score" that triggers a medical review. Continue reading.
Now that the EA Play online event has come and gone, I can say I've actually seen Star Wars: Squadrons in action. While I'm still a little skeptical about whether most people can handle that kind of movement in virtual reality, everything EA showed in its teaser made jumping into an X-Wing this fall seem very appealing.
EA
Of course, the truly notable reveals were probably peeks at next-gen sports games, another co-op mission from the creator of A Way Out and, last but not least, word that Skate will return. Is it returning as a new game or a remake? We don't know, but it's back. And Lost in Random is… different from anything we've seen this side of A Nightmare Before Christmas.
— Richard
Thrustmaster unveils official Airbus gear ahead of 'Flight Simulator' release
The new TCA line includes replica Airbus controls.
Thrustmaster
Microsoft's remade Flight Simulator is almost here, so it's time to get that PC cockpit ready. Thrustmaster is willing to oblige. It's unveiled "licensed by Airbus" gear that's perfect for proper plane geeks. The new brand, TCA or Thrustmaster Civil Aviation, includes a modular sidestick, dual thrust lever throttle with add-on modules, an Officer bundle pack and a new metal desk clamp. That said, no pedals.
The flagship product is the TCA Sidestick Airbus Edition, a PC joystick and ergonomic replica of the Airbus sidestick. The modular design includes 12 remappable buttons. The built-in throttle axis includes a thrust reverser function, a unique feature of real aircraft and users can rotate the handle to control the rudder. The sidestick will cost $69.99 and be available beginning June 25th. Continue reading.
What to expect from Apple's online-only WWDC 2020
New hardware? Loaded iOS updates? A new future for Macs?
Engadget
It all happens next Monday, and for Apple, regardless of its online-only status, this year's WWDC keynote could be a big one. Alongside major updates to iOS on your iPhone (new ways to organize your apps? Widgets on your home screen, finally?), rumors suggest the company is ready to announce its shift to ARM chips. This would be Apple's first major architecture switch since early 2006 when it officially moved away from its long-running PowerPC chips to Intel's popular multi-core CPUs. We've got everything else we're expecting to see, right here.
It all begins with a live-streamed keynote starting at 10 AM PT/ 1 PM ET on Monday, June 22nd. We'll be reporting everything of note — so join us then! Continue reading.
EA gives a quick peek at next-gen 'FIFA 21' and 'Madden 21'
More life-like movement and richer weather detail, to start.
EA
During EA Play, we got a brief look at what to expect from EA Sports titles on next-gen consoles. Both FIFA 21 and Madden NFL 21 will take advantage of haptic feedback on the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller as well as lightning-fast load times on that console and Xbox Series X.
EA suggests you should expect more life-like player movements, rich weather detail and the "most authentic character behaviors ever seen in sports video games." Before then, EA also announced that FIFA 21 will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on October 9th — ahead of all those new consoles. If you buy FIFA 21 on PS4 or Xbox One, you can claim a free upgrade for the equivalent next-generation console later. Continue reading.
'Cyberpunk 2077' is delayed yet again until November 19th
But more details are coming next week.
CD Projekt Red
While the new date might be frustrating if you're eager to play it, you won't have to wait too much longer to find out more about what's in store. A livestream will provide a deeper look into the game on June 25th — that's next week. CD Projekt Red also noted it's given some journalists access to Cyberpunk 2077. You'll be able to check out their previews right after the stream ends. Continue reading.
This morning, Ford announced driving assist tech that can better compete with GM's Super Cruise and Tesla's Autopilot, but there's some bad news — Active Drive Assist won't arrive until late 2021.
Ford
The electric Mustang Mach-E crossover is its first vehicle where customers can order Co-Pilot360 2.0 features and a "prep package" of hardware that will be ready for an over-the-air software update to add hands-free driving tech later.
— Richard
'DeepFaceDrawing' AI turns simple sketches into detailed photo portraits
It's a talent.
DeepFaceDrawing
Researchers have found a way to turn simple line drawings into photo-realistic facial images. Developed by a team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, DeepFaceDrawing uses artificial intelligence to help "users with little training in drawing to produce high-quality images from rough or even incomplete freehand sketches."
It doesn't require the same level of detail in source sketches that previous AI iterations needed, and it works largely through probability — instead of requiring detailed eyelid or lip shapes, for example, the software refers to a database of faces and facial components and considers how each facial element works with others.
The technology is due to go on show at this year's (virtual) SIGGRAPH conference in July. According to the project's website, code for the software is "coming soon," which suggests we could see its application in the wild in the coming months. Continue reading.
A new 'Pokémon Snap' game is coming to Nintendo Switch
Praise the Pokémon gods.
Nintendo
Pokémon Snap 2 is a thing. Well, for now it's called New Pokémon Snap, teased with a surprise trailer broadcast during a Pokémon livestream. The Pokémon Company is returning to the beloved photography formula of the N64 classic, and the teaser showed a new island brimming with Pokémon from multiple generations, including the new Sword and Shield games. There's no word on a release date, but Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company, confirmed the game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch. Continue reading.
ASUS's latest ZenBooks are thin and light but don't skip on ports
They include USB-A sockets and a microSD slot.
ASUS
ASUS has unveiled a trio of new laptops it says are the "world's thinnest" — the ZenBook 13 ZenBook 14 and ZenBook Flip 13. The devices, which have been popping up at retailers over the past week, are meant to be ultra portable without sacrificing I/O capabilities.
The ZenBook 13 and 14 are both 13.9 mm thin, but also offer full-size USB Type-A ports, a Thunderbolt 3-compatible USB-C port and a microSD card reader — many of which don't make the transition in the thin-and-light laptop world.
They're still powerful, though. Perhaps the most notable feature is the ZenBook 14's AMD Ryzen 7 4700U 8-core mobile processor. The ASUS Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop, which we scored 90 in our review, also includes this chip. It's a lot of power. Continue reading.
Facebook removes hundreds more accounts over hate speech
The company says it's continuing to 'map out the full network.'
After removing around 200 accounts associated with hate groups, including the Proud Boys and American Guard, last week, Facebook has confirmed it's taken down a further 500 Facebook accounts and more than 300 Instagram accounts.
In a statement to Reuters, a Facebook spokesperson said, "We initially removed a set of accounts for both organizations on May 30 when we saw that both organizations started posting content tied to the ongoing protests. We were continuing the work to map out the full network."
The move comes not long after Facebook took measures to crack down on white nationalist groups and heavily armed proponents of civil war. Continue reading.
'Fortnite' Chapter 2 Season 3 features Aquaman and rideable sharks
There's even Jaws-like music.
Epic Games
The new Fortnite season is finally here, and it's very… wet. Continuing the story from the "Doomsday" event earlier this week, Chapter 2 Season 3 drops you on a partially flooded island and wants you to try new things, like battling computer-controlled marauders, hitching a ride on a shark and exploring new areas covered by rising water levels.
There are new ways to get around the island, including by car and even shark. If you get yourself a battle pass, the new banner skin is the (super relevant) DC character: Aquaman. Continue reading.
