Category: Technology

Earlier this year Splice launched a new mobile app called CoSo that used AI to build what it calls “Stacks” collections of samples that are supposed to work well together. Slowly but surely elements of that app have made their way to Splice proper under the banner of Create. But it was always just a complete roll of the dice. You picked a style and Splice spit out four loops. You can swap out individual samples if you don’t like them. But that’s about the extent of your ability to curate. 

The latest update to Create allows you to start a Stack from any loop in the Splice library. (Well, almost. Currently Create only works with loops of eight bars or less, which generally works out to under 25 seconds.) As you’re browsing around the site or the desktop apps you’ll see a new option when you hover over a sample giving you the option to create a Stack. This opens up a side bar with a fresh Stack featuring the sample you were just eyeing. 

Here you can swap out samples you don’t care for, add more layers or tweak the mix. You can also change the BPM if you want to hear what the loops would sound like slowed down. Perhaps more interesting though, is the ability to change the style informing the AI’s selections. This is great hearing what a sample might sound like in a less obvious context. Sure, that tasty Rhodes lick sounds great over mid tempo breakbeat, but how does it fair when placed against a 140bpm distorted kick drum and thick synth bass?

In general this new approach feels a lot more useful than the original CoSo and Create AI features. I tend to use Splice one of two ways. Either, specifically to find drum loops (I am not a drummer, don’t own a drum set and my drum programming skills need work), or to dig up something unexpected (percussive or melodic) as a jumping off point. And I’m usually looking for an undiscovered gem buried in the nether regions of the Splice library. 

The new ability to start a Stack based on (almost) any loop in the Splice library adds an additional layer of abstraction to this process. It’s another thread to pull at in my effort to turn up something unique or ear catching. The use of AI in the creation of works of art, whether that be images or music, is definitely a controversial topic at the moment. But it seems like Splice has figured out a rather innocuous way to use AI to aid in the creative process, without actually stepping on the toes of the creator. After all, what makes an artist is not necessarily their technical skill or willingness to spend valuable hours digging for diamond in the rough, but their taste. 

The new Create feature will be available even to free users, though it still hasn’t made its way to the mobile apps just yet. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/splice-create-uses-ai-to-find-samples-that-work-with-any-loop-that-catches-your-ear-160029462.html?src=rss 

Third-party iOS Reddit app Narwhal introduced a $4-per-month subscription plan that will take effect in the next week or two. The developer announced the plans Tuesday on Reddit (via The Verge). The pricing is designed to allow the developer to cover Reddit’s widely disparaged API fee hikes, which led to mass online protests earlier this year and the shutdown of the beloved client Apollo.

The app’s developer, who uses the handle u/det0ur on Reddit, wrote that the pricing was “definitely an experiment” as they try to keep their app afloat. “If I absolutely have to, I will transition to some other plans,” Narwhal’s creator wrote. “But I want to try this first.”

The developer had previously announced tiered pricing based on users’ API calls, but u/det0ur scrapped that after realizing how cumbersome that would be for users. “[Let’s] be real, the 2003-esque cell phone plan with monitored usage just isn’t great,” the developer wrote in a separate post from last week. “Who wants to even worry about what an API Call is? Let alone how much it will cost.”

However, API calls are an inescapable financial reality for third-party developers hoping to offer users an alternative to the official Reddit client. Reddit revealed its maligned API changes this spring, which led Apollo developer Christian Selig to say the updated pricing would cost him $20 million to keep the app going “as-is.” More than 6,000 subreddits went dark to protest the changes, but (unlike Unity’s recent walkback) Reddit dug in its heels and weathered the storm, leading to Apollo’s closure and the forced reopening of communities that continued to protest.

Users switching to Narwhal sound pleased with the pricing and the app. “The customization options are great; I have been able to ‘rebuild’ Apollo as closely as possible,” wrote u/Neryuslu. “You’re the first developer ever to get a monthly sub from me. I have refused this model so far, but in this case it’s obviously different. Still sucks to indirectly pay Reddit like this. Fuck you, u/spez,” they wrote, referring to the handle of Reddit CEO Steve Huffman.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/reddit-client-narwhal-tries-4-monthly-pricing-to-navigate-api-changes-163042022.html?src=rss 

The huge October Prime Day sale isn’t done yet. There are deals aplenty to check out before the sale ends Wednesday night/Thursday morning, including a discount on August’s fourth-gen smart lock.

The black version of the device has dropped to $158 for Prime members, which is $72 off the regular price. The silver version is available for $160. This is not quite the lowest price we’ve seen for this model — it has dropped to $139 in the past — but this is still a solid discount.

This is one of our favorite smart locks. We gave it a score of 80 in our review. It’s easy to install and the smart lock won’t take up too much space, so it shouldn’t look too clunky on your door — it’s slimmer than prior iterations. You won’t need a separate bridge device to use the Wi-Fi feature either, as it can directly connect to your network. On that note, August’s fourth-gen smart lock is only compatible with 2.4GHz networks, so you may need to adjust your router settings to account for that.

The smart lock should work with most existing deadbolts, so you’ll be able to use the same physical keys if need be. That’s handy for when your Wi-Fi is on the fritz. Otherwise, you’ll be able to lock and unlock your door remotely, including with the likes of Alexa and Google Assistant. You’ll also have the ability to provide guests (such as kind friends who are checking on pets and plants while you’re away) with timed-entry keys, which will allow them to enter without having to wait for you to unlock the door manually.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/augusts-fourth-gen-smart-lock-is-31-percent-off-for-october-prime-day-144636330.html?src=rss 

You could be entitled to a small chunk of a $16 million class action settlement against anime streaming service Crunchyroll. The Sony-owned company settled a data privacy lawsuit this week that will result in about $30 settlements for individuals impacted, according to firm behind the class action. 

The complaint, filed in September 2022, claims that Sony shared individual Crunchyroll viewing information with third-party sites without user’s permission. That means Google or Facebook might have seen your anime watch history without your knowledge. It’s a violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act, which makes it illegal to video streaming services to disclose personally identifiable information without the individual’s consent. Crunchyroll denies wrongdoing. 

Anyone in the US who used Crunchyroll services between September 8, 2020 and September 20, 2023 could be eligible for the settlement. Claim forms can be submitted online, and must be turned in by December 12 to receive payment. Or, if you don’t agree with the settlement, you can object by November 27 and attend the hearing on December 19. If you do nothing, you forfeit your right to any settlement amount. 

The settlement coincided with Crunchyroll news that it would be launching a 24-hour news channel.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/crunchyroll-will-pay-you-30-for-violating-your-data-privacy-rights-153050358.html?src=rss 

NASA is ready to share its findings of a sample taken from the 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid Bennu with the masses during a livestream at 11 AM ET today, October 11, on its YouTube channel. The reveal comes less than three weeks after the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft parachuted a capsule of Bennu’s fragments into a Utah-based Department of Defense training site. NASA then transferred the sample to its Johnson Space Center in Houston for a complete analysis.

OSIRIS-REx set off on its $1.2 billion mission in September 2016, reaching the 1,650-foot wide asteroid two years later. In 2020, the spacecraft burrowed into Bennu much deeper than expected, collecting the largest asteroid surface sample to date. The goal was to bring at least 2.1 ounces back, and initial estimates put the collection at around 8.8 ounces. NASA should reveal the exact specifications and the quality of the substance during its livestream, as well as other interesting tidbits uncovered.

As for OSIRIS-REx, it already has a new name and mission. The now-dubbed OSIRIS-APEX is on its way to asteroid Apophis to examine the impact of a close encounter with Earth in 2029. NASA expects the asteroid to come within 20,000 miles of the Earth’s surface — 90 percent closer than the moon.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/watch-nasa-reveal-its-bennu-asteroid-samples-at-11am-et-143009980.html?src=rss 

It’s an exciting time for astronomy enthusiasts as October is expected to bring a dazzling solar event. On October 14, there will be an annular solar eclipse viewable from some parts of the US, Mexico, Central and South America. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the moon fully covers the sun, an annular eclipse occurs when the moon sits at the part of its orbit farthest from Earth. Because of the distance, the moon looks too small to completely block the sun, which creates a bright ring of sunlight around a dark lunar silhouette. This is often referred to as the “ring of fire.”

To view the eclipse safely in person, you’ll need protective eyewear compliant with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. You can also buy or create pinhole projectors. The eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean and move southeast, passing over parts of the US, Mexico and Central/South America before moving over the Atlantic Ocean.

The exact start will vary, depending on your location. According to Scientific American, Eugene, Oregon will be the major city to see annularity. Folks in Eugene can expect to see the first contact at 8:06 AM PDT, the annularity for four minutes starting at 9:16 AM and then the last contact at 10:39 AM.

The entire US will be able to witness a partial eclipse but only those in the narrow shadow path will see the epic ring of fire. However, if you’d rather view the eclipse from inside or you’re living somewhere outside of the mentioned places, you can watch online. There are several resources, including Fred Espenak’s interactive map, NASA’s website, and the Totality 3.0 app by the American Astronomical Society. NASA also has a live stream set to kick off at around 10:30 AM on YouTube.

While this may not be as cool to watch as a total solar eclipse, it’s still worth checking out. If you’re able to, you should definitely try to catch a glimpse but remember: safety first.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-the-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-on-october-14-130001895.html?src=rss 

Uber Eats is making it easier to fulfill your cravings, even if they’re impossible to get from a single store or restaurant. The food delivery service has introduced a multi-store ordering feature, which lets you purchase food from two different merchants at the same time without having to pay additional delivery fees. It could be the answer for when your taste buds are looking for Vietnamese pho and ice cream, or if you and your housemate couldn’t decide on whether to get tacos or pizza. 

Previously, Uber Eats could only ask if you want to bundle your order with items from convenience stores like 7-11 during the checkout process. The company said that after testing out that feature, it received feedback from consumers asking for the capability to build one order from two different merchants instead. To bundle two orders, start by adding items from one store’s menu to your cart and then tapping “bundle another store” at the bottom of the screen. You can then add items from the second store’s selection before you check out. 

An Uber Eats spokesperson told us that the service will recommend nearby merchants whose orders can be conveniently bundled with the first place you choose, most likely so you can still get your food while it’s still fresh and hot. It also won’t limit the stores it recommends based on what kind of place they are, so you can add items from a second restaurant, a convenience store or even a merchant that sells liquor. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/uber-eats-now-lets-you-bundle-orders-from-two-places-130005836.html?src=rss 

Search for Bluetooth speaker deals today, and you’ll find page after page on Amazon’s site thanks to Prime Big Deal Days. Unfortunately, not every speaker on sale is a winner. Luckily, we’re seeing deals on some of the smart and Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested and think are worth your money (especially when they’re on sale). There are mini speakers that make great gifts, bigger portable speakers that are great for heading outside, and smart speakers that can control your smart home devices or answer your questions. Here are the best Prime Day speaker deals we could find.

Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon’s best-selling Echo speaker is the Echo Dot, which is down to $23 for October Prime. That’s a 54 percent discount over its usual $50 price tag and matches last Prime day and its lowest price ever. We think it’s the best smart speaker under $50 (and now you can get two for less than $50). The sound is loud and surprisingly clear, and it’s a convenient way to get Alexa’s help, which may soon get even better (or at least more conversational).

Echo Studio

If you want quality sound combined with Alexa’s smart assistance, you may want the nearly eight-inch Echo Studio. The list price is $200 but it’s back down to the same $155 low price it saw in July $200. We gave it an 88 in our review, impressed with the hi-res sound coming from three two-inch midrange speakers, a one-inch tweeter and a 5.25-inch downward-facing woofer.

Tribit StormBox Micro 2

The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a small speaker that puts out decent volume and right now it’s down to $48, which is within a dollar of its lowest price ever. There’s a strap in the back that works well on belts, backpacks — or even bike handlebars, so it’s easy to take with you. And on-the-go is where this speaker performs best, as it’s more about portable volume than pure fidelity.

Bose SoundLink Flex

Bose’s SoundLink Flex is down to $119 for Prime Day, which is $10 less than it went for last Prime day and matches its all-time low on Amazon, though it’s gone as low at $110 elsewhere. This is one of the portable speakers we recommend in the sub-$200 range. It puts out a good amount of bass for its size and is IP67 rated so it can handle the elements or a splash from your iced tea.

Anker Soundcore Motion X600

One of Anker’s newest speakers, the Soundcore Motion X600 is on sale for $150 instead of the $200 list price. That matches the low it’s hit a couple times before. We haven’t tested this one yet, but have been impressed with Anker’s Soundcore speakers in the past. It packs 50 watts of sound with five drivers in a just-over-five-pound package. It has an IPX7 waterproof build and an estimated 12-hour play time on a charge.

Anker Soundcore Motion +

Another entry in our speaker guide is Anker’s Soundcore Motion +, which gives out good sound for its price point. The $100 MSRP is discounted to $70, which is a 30 percent discount and an all-time low. It has a bright and bassy output and offers EQ customization in the app. Plus it’s water-resistant.

Amazon Echo (4th gen)

Amazon’s mainstay Echo smart speaker is surprisingly loud for its size and pumps out decent audio. It’s our favorite smart speaker under $100 and usually goes for $99.99, but now it’s hit a new low of $55 for Prime Day, which is 45 percent discount and the same as it sold for during July’s Prime Day — though about $5 more than it sold for during last year’s Black Friday.

Anker Soundcore 2

We haven’t tested the diminutive Soundcore 2 for our buying guides yet, but other Anker Soundcore speakers have made their way into a number of our gifting and buying guides. Plus it’s got over 100K positive ratings. Usually $40, October Prime makes it just $28 after a 30 percent discount. The IPX7 rating means it can handle an accidental dunk and the battery should give you 24 hours of play time, according to Anker. You can even pair up two for stereo sound.

JBL Flip 6

A number of JBL speakers are on sale for Prime Day, including the JBL Flip 6, which is listed at $130, and often goes for around $100. October’s Prime sale brings it back down to its lowest price at $90. This is one of our favorite bluetooth speakers under $200 because it’s drop-resistant, waterproof and lasts for 12 hours on a charge. It’ll even connect with other JBL Party-Boost speakers for stereo sound, and can play while standing upright or on its side.

JBL Charge 5

JBL’s Charge 5 is a little bigger than the Flip 6 and offers a good upgrade in sound quality. It’s currently seeing a $60 discount that makes it just $120. It has a separate tweeter and dual bass radiators for bigger sound and the water-resistance combined with a long 20-hour battery life make it great for tunes on the go. It can even recharge your phone via USB-C.

JBL Boombox 2

JBL’s Boombox 2 is the previous generation of one of the recommended speakers in our guide. While the Boombox 3 isn’t on sale for Prime day part deux, this one also packs big, loud sound that you can take just about anywhere. The list price is $400, but October Prime is knocking it down to $250, which matches a Prime member-only deal it hit a few weeks ago and makes this a new low price for the public at large. It has a waterproof design, can recharge your phone, and at 13 pounds, it’s big but still portable.

JBL Go 2

The tiny JBL Go 3 also made its way into our October Prime day roundup for deals under $50. While we didn’t test it for our Bluetooth speaker guide, we’ve used and recommended plenty of JBL speakers. The Go 3 is 50 percent off, or $25 right now. You can also get the Clip 4 portable speaker for $45 instead of $80. Both are waterproof and have either a loop or clip for hanging.

Sony SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS

The four-inch tall SRS-XB13 is back to $35 for October Prime, just like it was for July’s sale. This is an older model, which Sony replaced with the SRS-XB100, which is on sale for $48. Both are rated for water and dust resistance and you can pair two for stereo sound.

Your October Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best Fall Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-prime-day-speaker-deals-we-could-find-for-october-2023-110006653.html?src=rss