While Brad Pitt’s girlfriend has ‘become very close’ with the actor’s friends, she has yet to meet his kids that he shares with Angelina Jolie, according to a new report.
While Brad Pitt’s girlfriend has ‘become very close’ with the actor’s friends, she has yet to meet his kids that he shares with Angelina Jolie, according to a new report.
There’s a new professional dancer in the ballroom, and Rylee Arnold has already made a dazzling first impression on ‘DWTS’ season 32.
There’s a new professional dancer in the ballroom, and Rylee Arnold has already made a dazzling first impression on ‘DWTS’ season 32.
When the Surface Laptop Go debuted three years ago, it seemed like Microsoft pushed itself to make the cheapest possible notebook without sacrificing that Surface flair. The result was a $549 computer with specs so anemic I’d never recommend it to anyone. But, if you spent a bit more, you could upgrade it to a compelling (and compact) PC for students and less demanding users. Now, with the Surface Laptop Go 3, Microsoft has given up on trying to deliver a super cheap PC. But the result is a computer that’s far more appealing.
Starting at $799, the Surface Laptop Go 3 has been upgraded with Intel’s 12th-gen Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Bump it up to $999, though, and you get 16GB of RAM — a first for the Laptop Go line. While the last two models could make for decent secondary machines, perhaps paired together with a powerful desktop, the Laptop Go 3 could conceivably be your primary PC thanks to that additional memory.
Sure, I’m sad to see Microsoft give up on the dream of a near-$500 Surface. But the original model was equipped with just 4GB of RAM and 128GB of sluggish eMMC storage – and nobody deserves to be subjected to such a torturously slow experience. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is more akin to Apple’s long-lost 12-inch MacBook, a wonderfully small machine that was just powerful enough to get some work done.
The Laptop Go 3 doesn’t look or feel as expensive as that all-metal Apple machine, but it’s almost there. It features an aluminum top lid and keyboard deck, along with a smooth plastic bottom. The Laptop Go 3 also weighs a mere 2.5 pounds — a half-pound heavier than the 12-inch MacBook. But that’s a bit lighter than Apple’s slimmest notebook today, the 2.7-pound M2 MacBook Air. The Laptop Go line has always felt more akin to an over-sized tablet than a typical ultraportable, and that remains true this year. Few other notebooks slip as nimbly into my messenger bag.
So how did Microsoft make such a compact PC? Mostly, by building around a small 12.4-inch screen, which remains both a blessing and curse for the Laptop Go 3. On the bright side, Microsoft managed to scale down its Pixelsense technology to deliver a display that’s both rich with color and bright enough for outdoor use. But unfortunately, the company is still relying on a strange sub-1080p resolution (1,536 x 1,024) to keep costs down.
That means if you lean in close, you can easily see pixelated text and images. Though, you may not notice that loss in sharpness in normal use. It just annoys me that even the Surface Go 4, Microsoft’s slower and cheaper tablet, has a 1080p screen. The Laptop Go 3 also retains the 3:2 aspect ratio of its predecessors, which makes it taller than a typical widescreen monitor and better-suited for web browsers and productivity apps.
Despite my issues with its screen, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is still an impressive PC for the price. We reviewed the $999 model with 16GB of RAM, and it felt noticeably snappier when it came to launching applications, switching windows and doing basic work than the previous two models. I’m typically juggling dozens of browser tabs, Evernote (yes, I know I need to move on), Slack, Spotify and image editing apps, and the Laptop Go 3 had no trouble keeping up with me.
Laptop
PCMark 10
Geekbench 5 (single core/multi-core)
3DMark Wildlife Extreme
Surface Laptop Go 3
4,785
1,430/6,094
2,810
Surface Laptop Go 2
4,213
1,349/3,764
2,799
Surface Laptop Go
2,122
1,135/3,486
N/A
I’d also attribute its speed bump to Intel’s 12th-gen Core i5 CPU, which features 10 cores (2 performance, 8 efficient), a healthy step up from last gen’s quad-core 11th-gen chip. While the Laptop Go 3 only scored slightly higher in the PCMark 10 benchmark, it faired much better in the Geekbench 5 multicore test. And based on my own testing, I can’t deny that the real-world performance felt more lively. While it’s not a machine I’d recommend to anyone doing tons of intensive image editing, the Laptop Go 3 still handled a few batch editing tasks (like resizing and watermarking) without showing any signs of slowdown.
That chip upgrade doesn’t make the Surface Laptop Go 3 much of a gaming machine — I hit around 40 fps while playing Halo Infinite in 720p with low settings — but I was still impressed by how it handled Xbox cloud streaming. During its crowded launch event, I was able to wirelessly stream Need for Speed Unbound smoothly, without any weird connectivity hiccups. And I had an even better experience playing a few hours of Lies of P at home over my Wi-Fi 6 router – consider that a solid stress test of the Laptop Go 3’s networking hardware.
Thankfully, Microsoft didn’t touch the best part of the Laptop Go line: Its excellent keyboard. Its keys are still wonderfully responsive and deep, making them well-suited to my furious typing sessions. And while its trackpad isn’t as large as other notebooks, it’s perfectly fine for web browsing and productivity work. Battery life remains solid as well: It lasted 9 hours and 10 minutes in PCMark 1. That’s well below Microsoft’s estimate of 15 hours, but it’s similar to other recent ultraportables, like the ASUS ZenBook S 13.
Microsoft could make the Laptop Go 3 more useful by adding more connectivity: It still only has one USB Type A connection, a USB-C port, a headphone jack and a Surface charge port. A few more USB connections would make it far more versatile (but at least it has more than the 12-inch MacBook, which only had one USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack). At the very least, it would be nice to have a microSD card slot for storing media.
The Surface Laptop Go 3’s USB Type and USB-C ports, alongside the headphone jack.
With a $799 starting price, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is firmly int mid-range laptop territory. The $999 model with 16GB of RAM could even be considered a premium product, especially since you can still snag the M1 MacBook Air for the same price. In terms of raw power, Apple’s machine is clearly the winner, but it’s also a bit heavier at 2.8 pounds. When it comes to compact Windows competition, the Surface Pro 9 also starts at $999 with 8GB of RAM. That machine offers a larger 13-inch PixelSense screen and weighs just 1.9 pounds.
Given that there aren’t many 12-inch Windows PCs around, the Surface Laptop Go 3 certainly stands out. And now, thanks to a faster processor and the option of 16GB of RAM, it’s more than just a basic notebook. Almost by accident, Microsoft has crafted one of the most compelling and compact mid-range laptops around. Anyone looking for a new ultraportable won’t be disappointed — just don’t squint too hard at that screen.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/surface-laptop-go-3-review-microsoft-basic-pc-grows-up-130008297.html?src=rss
It’s Google’s turn to step up to the plate and swing for the fences with a fall hardware event. The company is holding a Pixel showcase in New York City, and you’re invited — at least to tune into a livestream of the Made by Google event. The fun starts at 1PM ET on October 4. You can watch the stream below. We’ll also have full coverage of all the Pixel news you need to know right here on Engadget, including in our liveblog.
There’s no big secret about the focus of the event. For weeks, Google has been teasing the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2 in images and videos, and there have been leaks galore.
Google says the new Pixel phones have “the most advanced Pixel cameras yet and Google AI to help you do more, even faster.” Rumors suggest there will be other spec bumps, including a display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz (faster than the Pixel 7’s 90Hz screen) and a Tensor G3 chipset that powers everything. Meanwhile, there may well be a price increase in store for the base Pixel 8 — rumors suggest it’ll cost $699, $100 more than the Pixel 7.
As for the Pixel Watch 2, that’s expected to feature IP68 water- and dust-resistance. It’s believed that Google is making extended battery life a focus with the help of a processor that’s more efficient than the one used in the original model. There could be a slightly larger battery too. Meanwhile, there are indications that Google may toss a Pixel Watch 2 in as a freebie for those who pre-order a Pixel 8 Pro.
Google may have some other things to discuss during the event. Given how things have been going this year, it would be a shock if the company didn’t spend a significant chunk of time talking about AI updates. In any case, we won’t have to wait long to find out what’s up Google’s sleeve.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-2023-how-to-watch-130033919.html?src=rss
Over a week after separating from Joshua Jackson, Jodie Turner-Smith wore her wedding ring to the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week.
Over a week after separating from Joshua Jackson, Jodie Turner-Smith wore her wedding ring to the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week.
Months after Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson encouraged Taylor Swift to go on a date with Travis Kelce, the tight end is now saying he owes them for the relationship assist.
Months after Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson encouraged Taylor Swift to go on a date with Travis Kelce, the tight end is now saying he owes them for the relationship assist.
Amazon’s Prime Day event this month will take place on October 10 and 11, but the e-commerce giant has already kicked things off with a few early deals. Some of its devices are now on sale on the website, including its smart thermostat, which you can get for $56. That’s not quite an all-time low for the basic smart home device, but that’s still 30 percent off its regular price and the lowest it’s been for the whole year. Amazon positions its smart thermostat as sort of a gateway into more high-tech thermostats when transitioning from their traditional counterparts.
The Amazon smart thermostat isn’t quite as full-featured as some other options in the market. While it doesn’t have a speaker or a microphone, if you install the Alexa app or use an Alexa-enabled device (such as an Echo) you’ll be able to control it with voice commands. You can get Alexa to change the temperature for you, for instance, or to help you with the installation process. You can also set its temperature anywhere you are through the Alexa app. Take note that the device needs a C-wire or a power adapter kit. It’s sold separately, but you can get the device bundled with a C-wire adapter for $71.
In addition to its smart thermostat, Amazon is also selling its smart air quality monitor and a smart plug at discounted prices. Its air quality monitor can detect and track particulate matter (PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, humidity and temperature. If you connect it to Alexa, you’ll get notifications when it detects poor air quality. And if you have Alexa-connected air purifiers, dehumidifiers and fans, you can enable routines that would switch them on if the air quality changes. Meanwhile, the smart plug adds Alexa voice control to any outlet, so you can schedule appliances to turn off and on automatically.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-smart-thermostat-falls-to-its-lowest-price-of-the-year-in-early-october-prime-day-deal-120506738.html?src=rss
Ford first unveiled its F-150 Lightning lineup only a couple of years ago, in 2021, but its fifth model is already underway. The manufacturer has announced that the F-150 Lightning Flash will join the existing Pro, XLT, Lariat and Platinum trims as a mid-tier option.
The F-150 Lightning Flash is a “tech-forward” expansion of the XLT’s offerings, adding in-demand tech capabilities and version 1.2 of Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving (which allows drivers to change lanes with a simple tap). The Flash also offers customers the option to activate Ford BlueCruise at any point or to trial it with 90 days free after purchase. The new model’s interior includes a 15.5-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, a wireless charging pad and a B&O Sound System with eight speakers and a subwoofer.
Like the XLT, it has a targeted EPA-estimated extended range of 320 miles per charge. The entire F-150 lineup can use the BlueOval Charge Network, which includes more than 84,000 chargers across North America, and will have access to 12,000 Tesla chargers starting in 2024.
Online orders for the F-150 Lightning Flash will also start in early 2024, with the EV retailing for just under $70,000. The manufacturer lowered F-150 prices by up to $10,000 in July thanks to increased plant capacity (an estimated 150,000 units per year) and better battery raw material costs. However, they still come at a much higher cost than originally advertised, with the F-150 Lightning Pro retailing for about 50 percent of its initial sticker price at the beginning of summer.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/fords-new-f-150-lightning-flash-has-a-320-mile-range-and-hands-free-highway-driving-123633483.html?src=rss
Meta may charge Instagram users in Europe a $14 per month subscription fee unless they opt in to targeted ads, according to The Wall Street Journal. In addition, it may impose a combined monthly fee of $17 for ad-free access to Facebook and Instagram on desktop.
Last month, rumors surfaced that Meta would start forcing subscriptions on users who opted out of targeted ads, but the potential fees were unknown. Users willing to pay would see no advertising on Facebook and Instagram, while those who want to stick to the free version would have to consent to be targeted by ads based on their personal data. The company has reportedly discussed the plans with regulators in Brussels and Ireland.
The move comes in response to a court ruling in July finding that Facebook must gain the consent of users to access their personal data. That court said that site operators have to prove that users willingly gave permission, possibly by allowing them to reject ad tracking. That’s exactly what Apple did with iOS 14, and with very few users opting in, Meta predicted a significant hit to its revenue. In its ruling, the EU court also said companies should explore subscription models for users.
If accurate, the numbers revealed by the WSJ are just a bit less than Netflix charges in the EU for it’s regular monthly plan. With only power social media users or companies likely willing to pay that, Meta could effectively force regular users to accept targeted ads or stop using its social media sites altogether.
Earlier this year, the EU hit Facebook with a record €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) fine for transferring EU user data to the US, in violation of the bloc’s key digital privacy rules. And the rules are about to tighten more, as Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations come into force starting in March 2024.
At the same time, Meta makes nearly a quarter of its revenue in Europe, with the bloc accounting for $7.2 billion of its $32 billion total in the second quarter this year. And the company has yet to launch its Twitter rival, Threads, in Europe due to uncertainty over the DMA and whether it can connect the app to Instagram as it does elsewhere. With all that, Meta’s plans for all its apps in the EU should become more concrete over the coming months before the new rules arrive in force.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/metas-ad-free-instagram-and-facebook-plan-could-cost-eu-users-nearly-17-per-month-105638298.html?src=rss
Apple has acknowledged its new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro can get uncomfortably hot. The company said background activity, an iOS 17 bug and third-party apps were the cause, with some apps, like Instagram, already updated not to make the newest iPhones sweat.
Everyone loves to have opinions on why the newest iPhones aren’t working like they should, with some people blaming the new titanium body. Apple told MacRumors that the design actually provides better heat dissipation than previous stainless steel models. Similarly, the company says the issue isn’t connected to its new A1 Pro chop, nor high-power chargers and the new USB-C connector.
My iPhone 15 Pro ran pretty hot the first few days, pulling down all my apps, games and music library, but it’s evened out more recently. Others are still waiting on a fix.
— Mat Smith
Humane is a startup founded by ex-Apple executives. It’s working on a device called the Ai Pin, which uses projectors, cameras and AI tech as a sort of wearable AI assistant. The company unveiled the Ai Pin at a Paris fashion show (Humane x Coperni), attached to Naomi Campbell, who is the first person outside of the company to wear the device in public. The company describes the device as a “screenless, standalone device and software platform built from the ground up for AI.” Other information is less clear, like how the device connects to the internet, as it doesn’t pair with a smartphone. We’ll learn more when it’s fully unveiled on November 9.
An ad reportedly used a deepfake of Tom Hanks to promote dental plans without the actor’s permission. Hanks shared a warning on Instagram on Sunday about the AI-generated video, which he wrote he had “nothing to do with.” Hanks has been outspoken about the challenges AI poses for the industry, and the use of actors’ digital likenesses is one of the major points of concern voiced by striking SAG-AFTRA workers. The use of AI to capitalize on celebrities’ legacies has already become an ethical issue. Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain sparked widespread debate after it was revealed the documentary contained AI-generated voiceovers of Bourdain.
Leave the World Behind is a dual-release Netflix film that hits theaters on November 22 and the streaming service on December 8. It stars Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali and Kevin Bacon, which is a whole lot of star power. The movie continues Netflix’s recent dual-release strategy as seen with Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Marriage Story, The Irishman and other high-profile features. It also ensures these movies are eligible for award season.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apple-addresses-iphone-15-overheating-issues-111539143.html?src=rss
