Category: Technology

Tesla has been awfully cagey with its self-driving data this week. Reuters is now reporting that Tesla is trying to stop the city of Austin from handing over public records involving its robotaxi operations in the city, which are set to expand this month. This comes just a few days after the automaker asked a judge to prevent the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from releasing certain data related to crashes that involved its cars with self-driving features.

Reuters says that it requested two years’ worth of communications between Tesla and Austin officials in February, shortly after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that Austin would play home to the robotaxi experiment.

Dan Davis, an Austin public information officer, told Reuters in April that “third parties” were asking the city to withhold these records in the interest of protecting “privacy or property.” After the publication escalated the matter to the Texas Attorney General’s office, an attorney for Tesla wrote Ken Paxton opposing the release of what it called “confidential, proprietary, competitively sensitive commercial and/or trade secret information.”

Reuters also spoke with Neal Falgoust, an Austin Law Department official overseeing public records issues about the matter. Falgoust told reporters that the city of Austin doesn’t take any particular position on the confidentiality of the materials involved. When Reuters pressed further, asking if the people of Austin have a right to information about the driverless cars that would be traversing their streets, Falgoust did not respond.

Tesla said just last week that it had been testing driverless Model Ys in Austin for several days, which Elon Musk said was a month ahead of schedule. This would not be the first fleet of autonomous taxis on the streets of the Texas capital, with Waymo operating there since 2023 within a specific geofenced area. Waymo has also partnered with Uber in Austin since March.

By Texas law, the Attorney General’s office has 45 business days to decide whether the city of Austin is required to make these records public, which would be next week.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-is-reportedly-blocking-the-city-of-austin-from-releasing-robotaxi-records-155643815.html?src=rss 

The first thing you do after tearing open the Switch 2’s box is snap its Joy-Con 2 controllers to the sides of the console. But unlike the Switch 1, which used flimsy rails to connect its controllers, the Switch 2’s Joy-Con rely on magnets. That leads to a visceral “thunk” whenever you snap them on — it’s as if they leap out of your hands and right onto the Switch, ready for some Mario Kart World action. And every time it happens, I can’t help but smile.

Even before you turn on the Switch 2, it’s clear that Nintendo recognized one of the biggest issues of the original Switch: Those Joy-Con rails stunk. They didn’t hold the controllers in place well, and they wore down over time, which could lead to Joy-Cons slipping out mid-gameplay. In my case, one bad drop just two weeks into owning the original Switch made one of my Joy-Con gamepads loose for the system’s lifetime. The only fix was replacing the controller’s locking buckle, or buying a new an entirely new Joy-Con set for $80.

So, at the very least, it feels nice to have a new Switch console where the controllers feel sturdy. With the Joy-Con 2 attached, the Switch 2 feels almost as solid as the Switch Lite, which doesn’t have removable controllers. To put it another way, the Joy-Con 2’s “thunk” is like the satisfying sound of a luxury car door being slammed shut rather than the sound of a cheap economy car closing. The “thunk” means security. The “thunk” means quality.

We still don’t know if the Joy-Con 2 are completely free of the dreaded drifting problem that plagued the original controllers. One Reddit user claimed their launch system arrived with drifting controllers, and Redditor moshi_yo tore their controller apart and noticed that it uses the same joystick mechanism. But Nintendo producer Kouichi Kawamoto said in an interview that the company “redesigned everything from scratch.” They added, “Compared to the Joy-Con controllers for Switch, the control sticks are larger and more durable, with smoother movement.”

Less immediately noticeable than the Joy-Con 2 “thunk” is the Switch 2’s wider kickstand, which I quickly learned to appreciate. That’s something Nintendo brought over from the Switch OLED model, but it’s still useful this time around. As I was playing Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, the kickstand easily let me balance the system on my lap in tablet mode while using the Joy-Con 2 to mouse around on my leg. Is that an ideal setup? No. But it’s certainly functional in a pinch. 

While the Switch 2 overall feels like a major refinement of the original, with its larger screen, dramatically faster hardware and more usable eShop, new issues have cropped up for Nintendo. The console’s reliance on expensive microSD Express cards will make it tough for players to deal with increasingly large games, and similarly developers seem to be balking at actually putting games on physical carts. Instead, many titles are taking advantage of Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards, which unlock digital versions of titles and can be resold like a physical used game. Unlike full-fledged carts, though, those Game-Key Cards won’t work down the line when Nintendo eventually moves on from the Switch 2 and shuts down its eShop.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-switch-2s-best-feature-is-its-satisfying-joy-con-2-thunk-150031872.html?src=rss 

Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the much-awaited follow-up to 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is now available for pre-order. You can get the digital version for the old Switch for $60 or for the new Switch 2 for $70 from Nintendo’s website. In case you have no plans to get the Switch 2 anytime soon and you do get the game for the first Switch console, you can purchase an upgrade pack for $10 to get access to better graphics and higher frame rate for Nintendo’s new system later on. Pre-ordering lets you pre-load the game so you can play it as soon as it becomes available on October 16. 

The action role-playing game is not just a follow-up to Arceus, but also a sequel to Pokémon X and Y. It’s set in Lumiose City, introduced in X and Y over a decade ago, and features three available starters: Chikorita and Totodile from Gold and Silver, as well as Tepig from Black and White. Its gameplay is a mix of the real-time capture mechanics on Arceus and the old-school turn-based gameplay of traditional Pokémon titles. The game is also bringing back X and Y’s Mega Evolution mechanic, which can temporarily transform a Pokémon into a much stronger monster, boosting its power and sometimes even changing its type. 

The physical version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now also available for pre-order from retailers like Walmart (Switch, Switch 2) and Best Buy (Switch, Switch 2.). It’s not clear if pre-ordering the game will get you any bonuses, but the Walmart listing URLs hint at an “exclusive gift with purchase.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/you-can-now-pre-order-pokemon-legends-z-a-for-the-switch-and-switch-2-140004626.html?src=rss 

Maybe you’ve just picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 and want to try GameChat features with your friends in Mario Kart World, but can’t quite swing $55 for the official camera right now after plopping down $500 for the console and game bundle. The solution might be in your pocket.

The Switch 2 supports third-party USB-C webcams. However, you might be able to use your phone instead. YouTube channel Will It Work? has demonstrated how to use an iPhone as a camera for the console.

Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as opening the iPhone’s Camera app, plugging a USB-C cable into both devices and setting up the phone (perhaps on a MagSafe charger) so it points at your mug. I tried that, and nope, no dice. Instead, if you plug the cable into a USB-C to HDMI adapter, and that into an HDMI capture cable and hook the daisy chain into your Switch 2, your new console should recognize your phone as a camera. This process may work for Android devices too.

Since doing this will pipe whatever’s on your phone’s screen into your Switch 2, you might want to use an app that hides all of the on-screen camera controls and only shows what the selfie lens or rear-facing array picks up. There are a few free options in the App Store that can do the trick. You can check that this all works by opening up the Settings on your Switch 2 and going to Controllers & Accessories > Test USB Camera.

Links in the YouTube video that demonstrates this workaround point to Amazon listings where you can pick up the two cables for $31, but you may be able to find cheaper versions. Of course, that’s moot if you already have both cables. A regular capture card and HDMI to USB-C cable might work too. Naturally, if you have a USB-C webcam handy, that’s an easier way to go about all this.

There is one downside to note before you use your iPhone as a Switch 2 camera, as Will It Work? points out. There may be some lag, which could affect lip sync. But if you can live with that, this might be an option for you.

There’s another accessory you might already have on hand that could save you from buying an official Nintendo or third-party one. The Switch 2 fits into the Steam Deck’s case. You might want to add some padding, as the Switch 2 is a smaller device than the Steam Deck and might shift around in the case otherwise, but it’s still perhaps worth considering.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/you-can-use-an-iphone-as-a-nintendo-switch-2-camera-142622005.html?src=rss 

Reverse image searching is a quick and easy way to trace the origin of an image, identify objects or landmarks, find higher-resolution alternatives or check if a photo has been altered or used elsewhere online. Google’s image search tools work on desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to upload a photo, paste a picture’s URL or use visual search features from the Google app to learn more about an image. Here’s how to perform a reverse image search using Google on a desktop browser, an iPhone or an Android phone.

How to reverse image search on a desktop browser

Google Images on a desktop browser provides the most direct way to perform a reverse image search. You can drag and drop, upload an image file or paste an image’s URL to find visually similar results.

Using Google Images on Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari:

Open a browser and go to images.google.com.

Click the camera icon in the search bar. This will take you to Google Lens.

Choose one of the following options:

Paste image link: Use this if the image is already online. Paste the URL and click Search.

Upload a file: Click Upload a file, select the image from your computer, and click Open.

Google Lens will display search results with visually similar images and web pages where the image appears. It replaces the old “Search by image” function and includes context-based information such as product suggestions, places and can even translate or transcribe text where relevant.

Right-click search (Chrome only):

In Google’s Chrome browser, you can also perform a reverse image search without visiting Google Images. This feature is built into Chrome for faster lookups.

Right-click on any image you see on a website.

Select Search with Google Lens.

A sidebar will open showing visually similar pictures and relevant search results using Google Lens.

How to reverse image search on an iPhone

On iOS, Google offers multiple ways to reverse image search through the Chrome and Google apps. It also supports uploading images directly from your photo library.

Using the Google app:

Download and open the Google app from the App Store.

Tap the camera icon in the search bar to open Google Lens.

Give the app permission to access your camera and photo library if prompted.

Choose an image from your camera roll or take a new photo.

Google Lens will analyze the image and show relevant results, such as related images, pages or products.

This method is ideal for scanning photos, receipts, objects or screenshots.

Using Chrome on iPhone:

You can also reverse search images found on websites using Google’s mobile browser.

In Chrome:

Touch and hold any image on a website.

Tap Search image with Google in the menu that appears.

Chrome will open a new tab or side panel with Google Lens results.

If the “Search image with Google” option isn’t visible, make sure Chrome is updated to the latest version.

How to reverse image search on Android

The process is nearly identical on Android. Whether you use Chrome or the Google app, Android devices are well integrated with Google Lens functionality.

Using the Google app:

Open the Google app (pre-installed on most Android phones).

Tap the camera icon in the search bar to open Google Lens.

Allow permission to access your photos or take a new photo.

Choose the image you want to search.

Google will display results with similar images and related information.

Google Lens can also be launched from the camera app on certain Android devices, including Pixel and Samsung phones, depending on your default settings.

Using Google Photos:

If the image is already saved on your phone, Google Photos offers another method. This is a quick option for scanning photos you’ve saved or screenshots you’ve taken.

Open the Google Photos app.

Tap on the image you want to reverse search.

Tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen.

Results will appear directly within the app, showing visual matches and possible sources.

Using Chrome on Android:

Open Chrome and go to any website with the image you want to search.

Tap and hold the image.

Select Search image with Google.

Chrome will launch Google Lens in a new tab and display relevant search results.

This feature works natively in the Chrome browser without needing to switch apps or upload files manually. Some newer Android phones like Galaxy and Pixel flagships also offer a Circle to Search tool that allow you to draw around things on your screen and quickly launch an image search, so you should check to see if your phone supports it. 

Tips for better reverse image search results

Crop your image: If you’re looking for a specific object in a larger photo, cropping it to focus on that item can improve accuracy.

Use high-resolution images: Low-quality or blurry images may return less accurate matches.

Combine keywords with Lens: After searching, you can add a keyword in the search bar to narrow down the results.

Try different angles: Searching the same subject from another image or angle may improve results.

Google Lens is designed to recognize faces, landmarks, logos, plants, animals, clothing, furniture and text. For product identification or location searches, the app often returns contextually rich information and shopping links.

Alternative reverse image search tools

While Google’s reverse image search is widely used, there are alternative platforms worth considering, especially if you want different search results or additional features.

TinEye (tineye.com) – Offers a dedicated reverse image search with browser plugins and sorting filters.

Bing Visual Search – Microsoft’s reverse image tool provides results similar to Google Lens with built-in search options.

These tools work well when Google doesn’t deliver the results you’re looking for or when you’re trying to locate the earliest appearance of an image online.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/how-to-trace-a-pictures-origin-with-reverse-image-search-130053431.html?src=rss 

Black Myth: Wukong is finally coming to the Xbox Series X|S, one year after it was released for the PlayStation 5 and for Windows PCs. Its developer Game Science will roll out the Xbox version of the game on August 20, but you’ll be able to pre-order the game starting on June 17 at 12PM Eastern time. If you place your pre-order before July 10 12PM Eastern, you’ll be able to get the typically $60 title with a 20 percent discount at $48.

The action role-playing game is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, adapting its universe, as well as its characters and their backstories. You’ll take control of a monkey protagonist based on the novel’s main character, Sun Wukong, who uses a staff as a weapon. The staff shrinks and extends in combat and has several possible techniques that provide you a variety of moves to choose from. It’s considered as China’s first true AAA game and broke Steam’s concurrent players record for a single-player title just a few hours after it became available. 

In addition to announcing that the Xbox version of the game is coming out in August, Game Science has also launched a promotion for all platforms. Starting on June 17 at 12PM until July 2 at 12PM Eastern time, the standard and Deluxe PS5 editions of the game will be 20 percent off at $48 and $56, respectively. The PC version will be priced the same, though the sale will begin on June 19, 1PM and end on July 10, 1PM Eastern time on Steam, WeGame and the Epic Games Store.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/black-myth-wukong-is-getting-an-xbox-port-on-august-20-133100514.html?src=rss 

OpenAI has appealed a court ruling from last month that forces it to retain ChatGPT data indefinitely as part of a copyright violation case brought by The New York Times in 2023. CEO Sam Altman said in a tweet on X that the judge’s decision “compromises our users’ privacy” and “sets a bad precedent.” 

In May, federal judge Ona T. Wang ordered OpenAI to preserve and segregate all ChatGPT output log data that would otherwise be deleted due to a user request. She said that the ruling was justified because the volume of deleted conversations is “significant.” The directive notes that the judge asked OpenAI if there was a way to anonymize the data to address users’ privacy concerns. 

The New York Times sought the order so that it can accurately track how often OpenAI violates its IP, including instances when users requested deletion of chats. A federal judge allowed the original case to proceed, agreeing with the NYT‘s argument that OpenAI and Microsoft‘s tech had induced users to plagiarize its materials. 

In a FAQ on its site, OpenAI painted the order as a privacy issue without addressing the millions of alleged copyright violations. “This fundamentally conflicts with the privacy commitments we have made to our users,” the company wrote. “It abandons long-standing privacy norms and weakens privacy protections.” OpenAI noted that the order “does not impact ChatGPT Enterprise or ChatGPT Edu customers.”

The NYT and other AI copyright cases are still ongoing, as courts have not yet decided whether OpenAI, Google and other companies infringed copyrights on a massive scale by scraping material from the internet. The tech companies have argued that training is protected by “fair use” copyright law and that the lawsuits threaten the AI industry. Creators of that content, in turn, argue that AI harms their own livelihoods by stealing and reproducing works with little to no compensation. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-appeals-court-order-forcing-it-to-preserve-all-chatgpt-data-120032364.html?src=rss 

A court has denied Apple‘s appeal for an emergency stay on a ruling over purchases made outside the App Store in the US, TechCrunch reported. That means Apple will no longer be able to be able to collect fees when users click on links within an app that takes them to an external site for a purchase. “After reviewing the relevant factors, we are not persuaded that a stay is appropriate,” the judges stated in a filing. 

Earlier this year, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple violated her 2021 ruling on Epic’s lawsuit against Apple. The judge originally ordered Apple to allow developers to direct users to other payment systems that would let them bypass the App Store’s usual 30 percent commission fee. However, Apple still took up to a 27 percent cut for external purchases while showing users a “scare screen” warning that paying they’d lost the company’s protection if paying outside the app store.

As part of the ruling, Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to stop collecting fees for external payments in the US immediately. She also prohibited Apple from creating rules that would prevent developers from presenting customers with buttons and links for external payments. Apple complied with the order but immediately filed an appeal for an emergency hold on the ruling so it could resume collecting fees on external app purchases — and that appeal has now been denied. 

“The long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended,” Epic CEO Tim Sweeny wrote on X in response to the ruling. “May next week’s WWDC be the Apple-led celebration of freedom that developers and users have long deserved.” Apple has yet to comment on the matter.

Other companies with a large presence on iOS like Amazon and Spotify have already moved quickly to establish external payment methods for their apps. Epic itself resubmitted Fortnite to the App Store but was denied, calling Apple’s actions “blatant retaliation.” However on May 20th, Fortnite finally returned to the App Store in the US. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/apples-appeal-for-an-emergency-hold-on-app-fees-denied-by-court-123017700.html?src=rss