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WhatsApp just announced a new feature called “Chat Lock” that should allow users to keep certain conversations more private. The tool lets you lock any conversation, which places it in a specialized folder that’s only accessible via biometrics, like a fingerprint or face scan, or by entering a current password. This also automatically hides any references to locked chats in the notifications feed.

Locking a chat seems easy enough. Just tap the name of the one-on-one or group chat and select the lock option. When you want to read the chat, enter your password or complete a biometric scan. WhatsApp says this is a great feature for those who share phones with family members and want to avoid a snafu when “someone else is holding your phone at the exact moment an extra special chat arrives.” The tools also let you lock WhatsApp completely behind biometric authentication if that’s your bag.

The folks behind the popular messaging app say they’re busy prepping more features for Chat Lock, like the ability to create a custom password for each chat and a tool to lock chats across multiple devices. Parent company Meta has been extraordinarily busy trying to keep WhatsApp safe and reliable, as it recently beefed up the verification system to hinder would-be scammers and added more options to deal with disappearing messages. The Chat Lock tools are rolling out now to WhatsApp users.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/whatsapps-new-privacy-feature-locks-sensitive-chats-and-hides-them-from-notifications-181005512.html?src=rss 

Hasselblad is reportedly joining Canon and Nikon in phasing out DSLRs. Third-party vendor Capture Integration broke the news, saying on its blog that it received notice that the entire Hasselblad H system lineup is officially discontinued. The move leaves Pentax and Ricoh as the biggest remaining names in the rapidly diminishing DSLR space. Hasselblad hasn’t yet confirmed the news.

“While we have been feeling this sting for over the last 18 months with lack of product, today we received official notice that the full product line of the Hasselblad H system has been officially discontinued,” Capture Innovation wrote. “All [H system] products are now officially out of stock and Hasselblad will no longer take orders for anything in the H line.” The article continued, “The H system is still very strong and working in so many studios today. However, it’s time to look at replacements. We can’t even order new battery grips today.” The vendor notes that future repairs will likely take longer and grow in difficulty.

Many professional photographers have migrated to mirrorless cameras (including Hasselblad’s terrific X2D), leaving DSLR purists without many options. Mirrorless models have grown in popularity since their quality began improving around a decade ago. In addition to being smaller, lighter and quieter than DSLRs, camera manufacturers’ signaled intentions could also influence the field as pro photographers see the writing on the wall and try to stay ahead of the curve. Hasselblad’s last H series launch was the H6D system in 2016.

Canon announced in 2021 that the EOS-1DX Mark III would be its final flagship DSLR, although it would keep producing current models for the time being. A report from last July said Nikon would follow a similar approach. (Nikon denied the report without rebutting that it would indeed launch new DSLR models; one can speculate the company was being strategically cagey to avoid diminishing sales of its remaining models.) Either way, it’s nearly certain we won’t see another new DSLR model from three of the biggest names in high-end photography.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hasselblad-is-reportedly-the-latest-camera-maker-to-bail-on-dslrs-183551994.html?src=rss 

Never mind free streaming services — one startup is giving the hardware away, too. Telly is now taking US reservations for free 55-inch 4K TVs that continuously display ads on part of a secondary screen. So long as you’re willing to accept those ads (or tune them out) and share data, you won’t have to pay a thing.

As Telly explains, the smaller display also shows news, sports scores and other useful data. You won’t have to interrupt a show just to stay in the know. The set has its own camera, microphone array, sensors and voice assistant, enabling video calls and motion-captured fitness apps. There’s a built-in five-driver sound bar as well. You’re not stuck using the company’s platform, as you’ll still find three HDMI ports to plug in other media devices.

The reservations cover the first 500,000 TVs, which are expected to ship in the summer. Telly hasn’t outlined full specs as we write this, but the set is estimated to be worth $1,000 at retail.

The strategy isn’t surprising given Telly’s leadership. Company chief Ilya Pozin co-founded Pluto TV, Paramount’s free-to-watch service. He sees the free TV as making viewers an “equal part” of the ad system — you’re benefiting as much as the corporations, Pozin claims. 

Whether or not customers follow suit isn’t clear. The ad-supported model might not thrill privacy-minded viewers who’d rather not share info. There’s also just one size and configuration, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you want a larger or higher-quality screen. This is for viewers who’d rather not pay for a cut-rate TV (which may still have home screen ads) just to outfit their living room.

Telly’s launch is part of a broader rush to offer free TV experiences. Amazon, Roku, Tubi and others all have ad-supported streaming channels, while Google TV is integrating many of those providers into its platform. The difference, of course, is the business model. Companies like Amazon and Roku see ad-supported TV as a way to spur hardware sales, while Telly is depending solely on those ads to turn a profit.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/telly-will-give-you-a-free-tv-if-youll-watch-non-stop-ads-164319359.html?src=rss 

TCL just announced a bunch of new TVs in two different product lines. As originally teased during this year’s CES, the S Class models are easy on the old bank account. Despite the budget-friendly price, S Class TVs boast plenty of modern features, like a metal bezel-less design.

S Class models break down into three sub-categories. The S2 is the barest of the bunch, with a 720p resolution and display sizes perfect for easy transport, going all the way down to 32 inches. The 1080p S3 ranges from 32 inches to 43 inches and throws in HDR, a voice remote and Bluetooth audio.

The S4, however, is where things get interesting. These TVs offer 4K resolutions, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and frame insertion for smoother motion. Best of all? The S4 starts at $280 for the 43-inch model and sizes go all the way up to 85 inches.

TCL’s Q Class begins with the Q6. The QLED display offers a 66 percent brighter picture than any of the S Class models and it also features something called “Game Accelerator 120” which is a tool that pushes the refresh rate to 120Hz when playing games, at the expense of half the vertical resolution of a 4K image. The Q6 line ranges from 55 inches ($500) to 85 inches ($1,600).

The Q7 includes a native 120Hz panel that balloons to 240Hz by accessing its own Game Accelerator mode, though with the same cut in vertical resolution. These TVs support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision IQ and ship with a backlit remote. TCL’s Q7 line starts at 55 inches ($750) with sizes going up to 85 inches ($2,200).

Finally, there’s the flagship QM8 line. These TVs are all about picture quality, with Mini LED backlighting, 2,000 nits of peak brightness, thousands of local dimming zones and a proprietary engine to improve contrast. These models also boast a built-in subwoofer, much like the Hisense U8H, Wi-Fi 6 for improved streaming and a height-adjustable stand for proper soundbar positioning. The QM8 starts at 65 inches ($1,700) and goes all the way up to 98 inches (an eye-watering $10,000).

Most of these televisions are already available at both online and physical retail locations, except for that massive 98-inch QM8. That one comes out later this year, so start saving now. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tcls-new-2023-tvs-deliver-high-frame-rate-gaming-at-lower-prices-165458947.html?src=rss 

Avatar: The Way of Water will be available to stream on both Disney+ and Max (the new name for HBO Max) on June 7th. It’s a bit unusual to see a major, recent movie land on two platforms at the same time, but there was a deal in place between 20th Century Studios, which Disney has owned since 2019, and HBO for streaming rights to certain theatrical releases.

The sequel to 2009’s Avatar hit theaters in December and it went on to become the third highest-grossing movie of all time (as long as you don’t factor inflation in). Director James Cameron made intriguing use of high frame rates in The Way of Water, with action-filled scenes typically playing at 48 frames per second to make them look smoother. More tranquil scenes appeared to run at 24 fps. The frames were doubled in those parts of the movie to make it seem as though they played at the frame rate we’re used to seeing in theaters.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that there will be an option to stream the film at higher frame rates at home anytime soon. Still, those who’ve been waiting for Avatar: The Way of Water to pop up on Disney+ or Max only have a few weeks longer to wait.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/avatar-the-way-of-water-is-coming-to-disney-and-max-on-june-7th-170658724.html?src=rss