Kalakshar US

In-ear monitors (IEMs) are normally aimed at musicians and audio engineers who want to block the outside world, but Razer is betting it can expand that audience. It’s introducing its first in-ear monitor, the Moray, with gamers and “marathon streamers” in mind. The company claims its wired, THX-certified dual-driver earpieces deliver clear treble and deep bass, with passive noise reduction up to -36dB.

Comfort is just as much of a focus, however — the ergonomic design and braided cables are meant to stay snugly in place for hours. You can play or broadcast all day while keeping distractions to a minimum, Razer argues. Accordingly, there are three different ear tip varieties (each with three different sizes) to optimize the fit.

The Moray is available now through Razer and resellers for $130. At that price, it’s clearly not meant to compete with higher-end IEMs from the likes of Audio Technica, Sennheiser or Shure. Many of those have three or more drivers per ear, and some include special wireless kits, detachable cables or other luxuries. You wouldn’t want to use this for concerts or album production. There’s no built-in microphone, either, so you’ll need your own dedicated mic for streaming.

However, that’s not necessarily the point. An IEM by its nature doesn’t weigh down on your head (or cover your ears) like conventional headphones, and it should fit more reliably than your typical earbuds. This might do the trick if you’re determined to minimize breaks and other interruptions.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/razers-first-in-ear-monitor-is-built-for-gamers-and-streamers-164836617.html?src=rss 

Back in 2021, Japanese investment giant SoftBank led a little-known social media app called IRL to unicorn status and an overall valuation of $1.17 billion by investing over $170 million. Well, it turned out that the app completely made up its user numbers, admitting that 95 percent of its purported 20 million user base was fake, as originally reported by The Information.

At the time, SoftBank called the app “an innovative event-based social network” that enables “people to do more together.” However, the firm didn’t know that there were no actual people doing more together. There were no people at all, just a gaping maw of bots and automated accounts.

The app marketed itself as an event-organizing alternative to Facebook, aimed toward younger generations that think Mark Zuckerburg’s social network is for squares and old people. Despite the name, IRL quickly pivoted to online events after the pandemic made meeting up in real life nearly impossible.

Problems began mounting almost immediately after nabbing those millions from SoftBank. Last year, the company laid off 25 percent of its team, with founder Abraham Shafi encouraging employees to “adapt” and “be disciplined,” adding that “most people don’t want to be Olympians. In the same way, not everyone will want to walk the path we are walking.”

After that, employees began getting suspicious of Shafi’s claim of 20 million monthly active users. That’s when the SEC stepped in, issuing a probe as to whether or not IRL misled investors. In April of this year, the company’s board of directors suspended Shafi and appointed a new acting CEO.

Thanks to the inflated numbers and half-baked concept, IRL is shutting down and taking its 19 million bots with it. The company says it’s returning capital to shareholders, but nobody knows how much money is left in the coffers. Shafi once said that the company had “more than enough cash to last well into 2024” but he also touted 20 million active users so, you know, grain of salt and all of that.

This has been a tough week for SoftBank. The firm also invested nearly $400 million in a company that manufactures robot pizza makers. The company shuttered and is liquidating its assets, again leaving a giant question mark as to how much SoftBank would recoup from its original investment. That adds up to a potential loss of $500 million in a single week. Don’t worry about SoftBank, however, as the firm owns dozens of technology companies and recently sold Boston Dynamics for a cool billion. It’s still pretty embarrassing though.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/softbank-gave-170m-to-a-social-app-whose-users-mostly-didnt-exist-162947228.html?src=rss 

Roku just made its first live sports deal, and it may be welcome news if you’re a motorsports fan. The company has struck a deal to stream 11 Formula E races for free through The Roku Channel, beginning with the next season. You’ll also find on-demand videos like race previews, replays and the “Unplugged” documentary. The channel is available through Roku hardware, the web and dedicated mobile apps.

This isn’t strictly an exclusive. Paramount+ will simulcast five Formula E races alongside CBS. The offering will be available starting in January 2024. Formula E media chief Aarti Dabas sees both the Roku and Paramount+ deals as ways to “dramatically increase” exposure to the race series, particularly in the US.

This isn’t on par with Formula 1 or other major sports deals. However, it significantly expands the range of content available through Roku’s ad-supported service. The Roku Channel initially launched with a focus older movies and shows, but has since added premium subscriptions, originals and live TV. Now, it has a chance to attract sports fans.

There’s plenty of pressure to grow. Numerous other streaming services have their own sports exclusives. Amazon Prime Video streams a limited number of NFL games, while Apple has Friday Night Baseball and MLS Season Pass. Paramount+ already has multiple soccer exclusives. Moreover, ad-supported channels are reaching more platforms — Amazon recently launched its own free TV for Fire devices. Formula E could sustain interest in Roku’s hardware and services, especially for viewers who crave live content.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/roku-will-stream-live-formula-e-races-for-free-145612443.html?src=rss 

Apple has revealed the games that are coming to Apple Arcade in July and the company has a stacked lineup in store for subscribers. A trifecta of classic indies are on the way to the service very soon in the form of Stardew Valley, Slay the Spire and Ridiculous Fishing.

The latter is particularly intriguing, as Apple says it’s “a full and expanded remaster” of the original game, which was an Apple Design Award winner. Ridiculous Fishing EX, to give the new version its full name, is now in 3D. You’ll use unusual fishing gear such as chainsaws and toasters to try and land fish in an open sea. This remastered version includes a competitive mode with frequently updated challenges and leaderboards, along with a new game plus mode.

Apple notes that the original Ridiculous Fishing team built this from the ground up, which is a little surprising considering the studio behind it, Vlambeer, shut down three years ago. However, the gang temporarily got back together to revive the game. Studio co-founder Rami Ismail noted on Twitter that it was an “absolute joy to get a new chance at the game that launched my career with the original crew.” Goodbye Volcano High developer KO_OP also helped with the project. Ridiculous Fishing EX will hit Apple Arcade on July 14th.

First up in July, though, is Slay The Spire. The deck-building game sees you using cards that you collect to take down enemies and bosses in turn-based combat as you try to ascend a spire. The well-reviewed game will be available on Apple Arcade on July 7th, the same day that the family-friendly Lego Duplo World+ joins the service.

On July 21st, one of the very best games of the last decade will be available to Apple Arcade subscribers at no extra cost. This version of the massively successful farming and life sim Stardew Valley includes everything from recent updates, such as town upgrades, dating events, fishing ponds and pets. One week later, subscribers will be able to check out Hello Kitty Island Adventure, a social simulation game that includes co-op multiplayer modes.

Elsewhere, Apple says several titles on the service are getting updates in July. Those include Mini Motorways, Mini Metro+, Cut the Rope Remastered, What the Car? and Jetpack Joyride 2.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/stardew-valley-slay-the-spire-and-ridiculous-fishing-are-coming-to-apple-arcade-in-july-153459825.html?src=rss 

Brave souls who pick up Google’s Pixel Fold and eventually discover an issue with the hardware will be able to try and fix the problem themselves. Google will offer official tools, parts and self-repair guides for the foldable through iFixit.

Since last year, those willing to try and fix issues with other Pixel devices at home have been able to get the parts and knowledge they need from iFixit. Google told 9to5 Google the program will include the new foldable.

You’ll still be able to mail in a Pixel Fold for repair or take it to a shop when the foldable is out of warranty (or if you damage it accidentally). If you feel up to the task of repairing it yourself, though, you’ll be able to buy several parts from iFixit. Those include charging ports, batteries, adhesives and, yes, the 7.6-inch inner folding display. You can obtain step-by-step guides from iFixit too.

Foldables are notoriously fragile and finicky, even compared to more typical smartphones. That’s perhaps why, as 9to5 Google notes, no other major manufacturer has an official foldable self-repair program. While Samsung also offers parts and manuals for other devices through iFixit, you’ll need to let a technician handle a Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip repair — unless you really know what you’re doing and are comfortable using components sourced from elsewhere.

We’ve yet to see a Pixel Fold teardown from iFixit to get a sense of just how tough it might be to repair the device yourself. While we had positive impressions of the Pixel Fold in our review, it’s too early to tell how well Google’s first foldable will hold up over time. In any case, at least you’ll have an extra repair option if things go pear-shaped.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/brave-pixel-fold-owners-can-try-to-repair-hardware-issues-with-ifixits-help-143528112.html?src=rss