MSI Claw 8 AI+ review: This cat got its bite back

The first time you make anything, it probably won’t come out perfect, so it wasn’t a huge surprise when MSI’s debut gaming handheld struggled out of the gate. And that’s before you consider the unorthodox choice to go with an Intel chip instead of one from AMD like practically all of its rivals. However, MSI didn’t give up, and now it’s back with not one but two versions of its second-gen handheld, headlined by the Claw 8 AI+. Not only is it bigger than before, it has twice as many Thunderbolt 4 ports, a way bigger battery and some of the best performance we’ve seen from any device in this category. But more importantly, as the follow-up to a device plagued by lackluster software and unfinished drivers, it feels like the Claw got its bite back.

Design and display: The desert cat

With its 8-inch screen, the Claw 8 AI+ is bigger than its predecessor and a number of its rivals like the ROG Ally X, though it’s still smaller than Lenovo’s chunky 8.8-inch Legion Go. MSI also zagged by giving it a two-toned black and sandstone chassis. Ergonomics are generally fine, but if I’m nitpicking, I would prefer slightly larger grips for increased comfort. But aside from that, the handheld features a relatively straightforward mix of premium components strewn across a familiar blueprint.

It has Hall Effect sensors for its joysticks and triggers along with some embedded RGB lighting, the latter of which has become sort of an unspoken requirement among portable gaming PCs these days. You also get two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support both data and charging — which are especially handy if you ever plan on using this thing for productivity — and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. I appreciate that unlike Lenovo’s handhelds, MSI included a built-in fingerprint reader that makes unlocking Windows-based devices like the Claw a lot more convenient. That said, you don’t get a touchpad, though MSI’s software does let you control your cursor with the joysticks, so it’s not a complete pain in the butt anytime you have to switch between games and apps. And finally, around back, there’s a single pair of paddles.

As for the display, while it’s an IPS panel instead of the super-rich OLEDs on some handhelds, the Claw’s screen offers above-average brightness (up to 500 nits), a solid 120Hz refresh rate (with VRR) and the perfect resolution for a system this size (1,920 x 1,200). So all told, there’s very little to gripe about when it comes to its visuals. Plus, thanks to some surprisingly punchy front-facing speakers, it has solid audio too.

Performance and software: A low-key beast

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that after lackluster results from MSI’s first attempt, the Claw 8 AI+ pumped out strong performance that was easily able to keep up with and sometimes surpass what I’ve seen from its competitors. Some of that is assuredly due to more polished software and recent driver updates from Intel, but still, between its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, the Claw produced framerates that were often 10 to 15 percent higher than what we got from the Ally X.

For example, when set to its 30-watt preset, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on medium settings the Claw hit 75 fps versus 65 fps for the ROG Ally X at the same TDP (thermal design power). Meanwhile, in Returnal at 800p on medium, the Claw also bested the Legion Go by reaching 56 fps compared to just 46 fps for the Lenovo. Now it’s important to note that MSI’s midrange power for the preset on the Claw (which is what I used to get those figures in Returnal) is 17 watts instead of 15 watts like on most of its rivals, which may be MSI’s attempt to skew benchmarks in its favor. But even after you account for that, the Claw still comes out ahead.

Another nice thing about the Claw is that if you don’t want to fiddle around with settings all the time, there’s what MSI is calling its AI Engine mode, which will automatically adjust things to optimize performance or battery life depending on what you want. It’s a nice option for quickly changing how much horsepower you need, though as always, you’re going to need to tweak things manually for the best results.

The rest of the MSI Center app feels somewhat spartan. There are sections for launching games, performing software updates, changing the RGB lighting and more. You can even install game stores like Steam directly inside the program. But aside from that, the app isn’t very fancy or all that pretty to look at. All the important stuff is there though, which is what really counts since Windows 11 as a whole still feels way clunkier to use than more bespoke platforms like Valve’s SteamOS.

Battery life: Surprisingly good

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

The Claw 8 AI+ features an 80Whr cell, which is one of the largest battery packs in this category and allows for prodigious longevity. In Elden Ring on medium settings, the handheld lasted just over three hours on a single charge. That ain’t too shabby, especially after my recent testing with the Lenovo Legion Go, which only lasted for two and a half hours at best, and that was when playing a much less demanding game in Metal Slug Tactics.

Wrap-up

After the original bombed, a lot of companies would have simply called it quits. Sure, a lot of the first system’s issues may have been caused by Intel’s chip and unpolished drivers more than anything MSI did (or didn’t do). But with the Claw 8 AI+, MSI came back and totally redeemed itself. Not only is it a very competent gaming handheld, this cat offers a solid design, great performance and above-average battery life.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

However, even though it pushes out slightly fewer frames, the $800 ROG Ally X remains a better value (especially if you can find it on sale) and its smaller screen makes it a more portable pick for people planning to game on the go. When it comes to larger competitors, Lenovo’s Legion Go offers similar horsepower for even less money with starting prices of $700 (or less, now that it regularly receives discounts). But if you’re looking for top-notch performance from a portable PC with an assortment of premium components, the Claw 8 AI+ makes an interesting case as an upgrade pick among gaming handhelds.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/msi-claw-8-ai-review-this-cat-got-its-bite-back-184526430.html?src=rss 

Prime Video is beginning an AI dubbing pilot program for select movies and series

In an effort to make movies and TV shows more accessible on Prime Video, Amazon announced that it’s testing an AI dubbing system that will translate select content on the company’s streaming service into other languages.

Amazon says that “AI-aided dubbing” will be available in English and Latin American Spanish on 12 licensed movies and series available through Prime Video, including “El Cid: La Leyenda, Mi Mamá Lora and Long Lost.” That the company describes it as “AI-aided dubbing” rather than just AI dubbing appears to be key here. Amazon says it’s taking a hybrid approach where “localization professionals collaborate with AI.” A safe guess would be that Amazon’s AI system takes a first pass at generating dubs and then professionals edit them for accuracy and fit.

Creating captions, subtitles and dubs is a fairly big business, especially now that streaming has increased the number of films and series that are made every year and licensed to be viewed around the world. It makes sense that streamlining the process of making content more accessible would be of interest to Amazon. The possible problem is, at least for film and television, dubbing is done by professional actors. AI-generated voices have gotten more lifelike over the years, but it remains to be seen whether the average person will be okay with a large portion of their media diet being delivered by something human-adjacent rather than the real deal.

Of course, maybe we’ll be trained to accept it because it will be all over social media first. Amazon isn’t alone in leveraging AI to squeeze more out of the videos on its platform. YouTube released a tool in 2024 that lets creators automatically dub their videos in other languages when they upload them, and more recently, Meta announced plans to automatically dub and lip-sync Reels on Instagram into other languages. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/prime-video-is-beginning-an-ai-dubbing-pilot-program-for-select-movies-and-series-190252188.html?src=rss 

Sylvester Turner’s Health: About the Late Former Houston Mayor’s Death

The late U.S. representative died at the age of 70 after suffering from a ‘medical emergency,’ multiple outlets reported in March 2025.

The late U.S. representative died at the age of 70 after suffering from a ‘medical emergency,’ multiple outlets reported in March 2025. 

Sony opens an official PS5 rental service in the UK

We’re over four years into the current generation of consoles (which is probably past the halfway point) and while Sony is still selling tons of PlayStation 5 units, the price of the system means it remains out of reach for many. To help address that, Sony has teamed up with a leasing company called Raylo to offer a PS5 rental service in the UK via the country’s PlayStation Direct website.

Leases for the PS5 Digital Edition, the version with a disc drive and the PS5 Pro are available on 12-, 24- or 36-month agreements or a rolling monthly contract. The longer a term you lock in, the lower the monthly price will be. For instance, a 36-month agreement for a PS5 Digital Edition costs £11 (around $14) per month. A rolling contract for the PS5 Pro, however, will run you a whopping £35.59 (nearly $46) per month. There are also leasing options available for the PlayStation Portal and the PS VR2 headset, which just got a price cut.

As The Standard points out, there’s a lifetime warranty on each device. Raylo won’t force customers to pay extra if they return one at the end of a lease with minor dents, scratches or discoloration (though there will be penalties for “significant damage”). You can cancel at any point, but you’ll need to pay a fee if you change your mind before 18 months have passed, though there is a 14-day grace period. 

While there are some benefits to leasing, particularly for those who want to play a PS5 but can’t afford the initial cost of buying one upfront, there are drawbacks. Depending on the lease term and length of the plan, renting a PS5 can cost more than buying one. There are options to buy a device at the end of a lease, or to continue renting or upgrade (a three-year contract would take you up around the time the PS6 is rumored to arrive in 2028). Otherwise, you won’t own the thing you’ve been paying for over the last several months.

On the other hand, Xbox has offered monthly payment plans for the Xbox Series X/S from the outset with Game Pass Ultimate included. And yes, you do get to keep that console at the end of the financing period.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/sony-opens-an-official-ps5-rental-service-in-the-uk-174653347.html?src=rss 

YouTube will tighten its policies on illegal gambling content

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision letting US states legalize gambling, related content has been hard to miss, whether it’s odds tickers flashed during sports broadcasts, superstar athletes and celebrities hawking betting sites during commercial breaks or YouTube videos promising that you won’t lose if you only use this gambling service. Although the first two won’t change anytime soon, the latter could become scarcer, thanks to some upcoming changes Google announced on Tuesday.

YouTube said it will prohibit content (URLs, embedded links, logos or spoken references) that directs viewers to unapproved gambling sites or apps. The company defines authorized services as those that meet local legal requirements (a large number, post-2018) and are certified by Google Ads or reviewed by YouTube.

But even if a site or app meets those requirements, its content could still be removed if it promises guaranteed returns. Of course, if any truly did offer that, it would cease to be gambling and simply be a service handing out free money. (I believe the technical term is “horseshit.”)

Meanwhile, even if content does meet YouTube’s requirements, it could still be age-gated for users under 18. However, one gargantuan exception the company carved out of that part is online sports betting. Another omission is the depiction of in-person gambling, which would rule out a healthy swath of Hollywood TV and movies and even some music videos or news reports.

The changes will take effect on March 19. “We’ve strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications,” YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle told CNN. “We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos.”

Twitch made a similar move in 2022, banning streams featuring specific types of gambling content. When the Amazon-owned platform expanded its prohibition the following year, it said views for betting-related streams were down by 75 percent.

YouTube’s changes aren’t likely to stem the highly visible onslaught of gambling content in modern culture, which includes betting on esports (something younger users are more likely to engage in). Gambling companies and gaming trade organizations insist that legal gambling content pushes those who would be betting illegally into more regulated areas — a fair point in at least some cases.

On the other hand, Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), told CNN last year that his organization believes the risk of harmful gambling has risen by about 30 percent since SCOTUS and 38 states (plus Washington, DC) decided to open the floodgates. “I’m in the District of Columbia right now,” Whyte said. “The mayor recently cut every single penny of public funding to prevent and treat gambling problems. So right where the [American Gaming Association] and the [NCPG] is located — the nation’s capital — they abolished all public funds for problem gambling.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/youtube-will-tighten-its-policies-on-illegal-gambling-content-180703194.html?src=rss 

There’s an appropriately-ridiculous trailer for John Mulaney’s live Netflix talk show

We knew John Mulaney was getting his own live Netflix talk show after the success of last year’s Everybody’s in LA, but now we have more details. Mulaney dropped a trailer for the show and reconfirmed a March 12 air date.

The trailer absolutely captures the anarchic spirit of last year’s specials, which is fitting for a guy who has said he “never wanted to host a talk show.” The whole thing is basically a drone shot of Mulaney in a darkened parking lot, as he complains about filming the promo. Finally, he declares that “Everybody‘s Live is on Wednesdays live,” then puts on a pair of sunglasses. He’s also calling Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney “the first ever celebrity sit-down talk show.”

There’s probably one question on the minds of anyone who watched Everybody’s in LA. Will co-host Richard Kind be returning? He sure will, along with everyone’s favorite delivery robot Saymo.

Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney will run for 12 weeks, airing on Wednesdays. It’s already been picked up for a second season, which will presumably air later in 2025 or early next year. As for Netflix, it’s been steadily building out its livestreaming infrastructure. It aired that Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight last year, along with Mulaney’s previous show. It has also aired live coverage of golf matches, awards ceremonies and will stream its own Tudum event.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/theres-an-appropriately-ridiculous-trailer-for-john-mulaneys-live-netflix-talk-show-182510750.html?src=rss 

AI Mode adds a dedicated search chatbot to Google

Google is shaking up Search. Again. Nearly a year after the company rolled out AI Overviews to everyone in the US, it’s preparing to add a dedicated AI tab to its search engine. AI Mode is powered by a Gemini 2.0 model Google has trained to find and organize information out on the web. Its findings are then presented in an interface designed to make it easier to ask follow-up questions. In short, it’s a proper response to ChatGPT Search.

“The goal and vision for [AI Mode] is to empower people to search for anything effortlessly,” says Robby Stein, vice president of product for Google Search. According to Stein, AI Mode came out of feedback Google received related to AI Overviews. Since rolling out that feature to more than 1 billion users, he says people have told Google they want more AI-generated summaries from Search; in fact, some people are apparently adding “AI” to the end of their searches to prompt Google to respond with an AI Overview.

AI Mode gives those people exactly that. When you go to use the feature, Gemini employs a “query fan-out” technique to conduct multiple concurrent searches across a variety of topics and data sources. It will also make use of Google’s proprietary information systems, including the company’s Knowledge Graph, to supplement information it finds online.

In the version of AI Mode Google is making available to Google One AI Premium subscribers today, not every interface element the company has planned for the feature is in place just yet, but the idea is that the tool will create a rich visual experience. For instance, if you ask AI Mode to compare different sleep trackers, in the future you might see Gemini generate a comparison chart. Notably, Google displays sources more prominently in AI Mode than it does currently with AI Overviews. As you can see from the screenshots the company shared, links to websites feature prominent images. Additionally, in cases where AI Mode isn’t confident it can produce an authoritative answer, the tool will default to displaying a regular list of search results.

Google

In testing, Stein says Google has seen people use AI Mode differently than they do a traditional search engine. On average, testers wrote queries that were about twice as long and asked follow-up questions about a quarter of the time. “We’re seeing people bring more complicated questions to this surface and also go back and forth to clarify, learn and go deeper.”

If you have a sense of déjà vu reading about AI Mode, it’s because it offers some of the same utility you’ll find through Google’s Deep Research tool. Like that feature, AI Mode will create a plan before it attempts to tackle your query, but you won’t need to wait half-an-hour or even a few minutes for a response. “I think our intent for this version is to offer an experience people can use everyday, in the movement, and be able to get a response while they wait, relatively quickly,” says Stein.

If you’re a Google One AI Premium subscriber, you can begin testing AI Mode starting today on desktop and mobile. For everyone else, Google has a few enhancements to AI Overviews to tide you over.

When it announced Gemini 2.0 at the end of last year, the company said enhancing AI Overviews with the new model was a priority. If you live in the US, the next time you use Search to find the answer to a math or coding question, the platform will turn to Gemini 2.0 to generate the accompanying AI Overview. It will also use the system for multi-modal inputs. Stein says users can expect faster and better responses as a result, and in the future the company will enable the model for a broader variety of queries.

Separately, Google is making AI Overviews available to more people. In nearly every market where it’s available, teens can now start using the feature, and you no longer need to sign in to your Google account to see the summaries.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ai-mode-adds-a-dedicated-search-chatbot-to-google-170016310.html?src=rss 

Apple is now fighting the UK over its demand for backdoor access to iCloud accounts

Apple has issued a legal challenge against the British government over a demand to create a backdoor for encrypted iCloud accounts, as reported by Financial Times. The company has filed a complaint in the hopes to reverse the order. The iPhone maker made its appeal to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), which is an independent judicial body.

This comes after a leak revealed the order from the UK government, which tasked Apple with building the aforementioned backdoor for iCloud encrypted backups. This was an attempt by the government to try to force the company to make data available to law enforcement. Apple didn’t acquiesce. Instead, the iPhone maker announced that it would end national access to the strongly encrypted version of iCloud storage, also known as Advanced Data Protection.

The 2016 Investigatory Powers Act is what allows UK authorities to demand access to encrypted accounts in this way, but it’s believed that this is the first time it has faced a legal challenge. The IPT has accepted Apple’s case and will consider whether the UK’s demands were lawful.

The case could be heard as soon as this month. It remains unclear if the hearing will be open to the public, as the UK government is likely to argue that the case should be restricted on the grounds of national security.

Apple hasn’t commented on its legal action against the UK government, merely pointing to a statement it made last month. This statement read, in part, that “we have never built a back door or master key to any of our products or services and we never will.”

UK security minister Dan Jarvis has defended the demand for access to encrypted accounts on a case-by-case basis, saying that “the Investigatory Powers Act contains robust safeguards and independent oversight to protect privacy and ensure that data is obtained only on an exceptional basis, and only when it is necessary and proportionate to do so.”

The original request would have allowed UK law enforcement access to an encrypted iCloud account after obtaining a warrant that was approved by a judge. It’s worth noting that not even Apple has access to this data.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-is-now-fighting-the-uk-over-its-demand-for-backdoor-access-to-icloud-accounts-171234908.html?src=rss 

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