Elden Ring Nightreign is finally adding a two-player co-op mode on July 30. Prior to this, FromSoftware's spinoff could only be played solo or with three players. The so-called Duo Expeditions come as part of patch 1.02.

This is something fans have been asking for, as not everybody has two friends available at once to tackle a tough-as-nails 3D adventure. FromSoftware has released a trailer to accompany this news, so you can see the two-player co-op in action.

Beyond Duo Expeditions, the forthcoming patch will include "quality-of-life UI improvements" and options for filtering Relics. We don't know what the UI upgrades will look like, but July 30 is right around the corner.

This news comes just two months after the company tweaked the game to make the single-player experience a bit easier. It had been notoriously difficult, even for fans of FromSoftware. That update introduced an automatic revival mechanic and increased rune rewards for solo expeditions.

There's no doubt about it. Elden Ring Nightreign is a bona-fide hit. The company also recently shared that the game has reached five million players. The wider Elden Ring universe is slowly but surely becoming a cultural juggernaut. There's a movie in the works, to be directed by Alex Garland. That's the guy who made Annihilation, Ex Machina, Civil War and the underrated TV show Devs.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/elden-ring-nightreign-is-adding-two-player-co-op-next-week-182708700.html?src=rss

©

© FromSoftware

The Brave web browser and the ad-blocker AdGuard have both announced that they are blocking Microsoft Recall by default. For the uninitiated, Recall is an AI-powered tool that accompanies Windows 11 and it records everything on a PC's screen. It's pretty obvious why a privacy-minded web browser like Brave and an ad-blocker would make this move.

AdGuard said the decision was made due to a "privacy concern," going on to say that "the very idea of background screen captures is unsettling." A blog post on the matter suggested that the tool could "snap a screenshot of a private chat window, an online form where you’re entering your credit card or simply something personal you didn’t want saved."

Brave also cited privacy concerns, suggesting that a user's "entire browsing history" could be captured by the tool. "We think it’s vital that your browsing activity on Brave does not accidentally end up in a persistent database, which is especially ripe for abuse in highly-privacy-sensitive cases," the company wrote in a blog post.

The chat app Signal made a similar move back in May, urging "AI teams building systems like Recall" to think "through these implications more carefully in the future." Brave says it was "partly inspired" by Signal.

AdGuard and Brave both offer toggles to bring Recall back into the mix. Microsoft's controversial tool lets people jump to whatever was previously on a screen. This includes web pages, images, documents, emails, chat threads or whatever else. It actually sounds like a pretty nifty productivity tool, despite the privacy concerns. It's available with some Copilot+ PCs.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/brave-and-adguard-now-block-microsoft-recall-by-default-152601475.html?src=rss

©

© Microsoft

We knew it was coming and now it's here. EA has officially dropped a trailer for the long-rumored Battlefield 6. The footage is heavy on story, but light on gameplay.

As for that story, there's a global war raging with a private military contractor, prompting an explosion-laden presidential address. The trailer certainly suggests that the newest entry in the franchise will have plenty of cinematic set-pieces.

EA has confirmed that Battlefield 6 will have both multiplayer and a single player campaign. We'll have to wait a bit to see actual footage of the multiplayer component in action. The company has a livestream planned for July 31 at 2:30PM ET. Today's trailer doesn't seem to feature any gameplay at all, but it does feature a Bob Dylan tune. 

Battlefield 6 is being developed by several different dev teams, operating under the banner Battlefield Studios. Original developer DICE is involved, as are the folks behind Burnout and Need for Speed. EA Motive, the team behind the Dead Space remake, is on hand, as is a new group known as Ripple Effect. Reports have persisted that the game has faced issues during development that caused it to go over budget.

This follows Battlefield 2042, which was released back in 2021. The game struggled a bit in the sales department, with the company saying it "did not meet expectations."

We don't know when Battlefield 6 will come out, though there have been rumors about an October launch. EA has also remained tight-lipped about what platforms it'll be available for. Maybe we'll get that information on July 31.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/theres-finally-a-trailer-for-battlefield-6-but-no-multiplayer-details-just-yet-170144110.html?src=rss

©

© EA

1Password is running a notable back-to-school sale in the middle of July, but the deals more than make up for the chronological discrepancy. Many subscription plans are half off until September 12. This includes the Individual and Families plans.

That brings the price of the Individual plan down to $18 for a year and the Families plan down to $30 for a year. The plans are nearly identical, but the Families plan accommodates five additional people. These discounts are only available to new customers and the prices expire after the year, so set a reminder to cancel or reassess.

This provider actually topped our list of the best password managers, and for good reason. We appreciated the intuitive interface and the fact that it's available on most platforms, so you'll never be left out in the cold. These include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, macOS, iOS, Windows, Android and more.

Subscriptions include industry standard encryption and a "secret key" that only you know on top of a master password. There's also two-factor authentication and the platform issues alerts when credentials have potentially been compromised.

The only downside here is the one that accompanies many password managers. There is no free version. Obviously, this won't be an issue for the year, but it could once the plan runs out.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/1password-subscriptions-are-half-off-for-the-back-to-school-season-150817208.html?src=rss

©

© 1Password

The newest version of the Qi2 wireless standard is coming to iPhones and some Android handsets. It has also received a snappy, new branding of Qi2 25W, denoting the wireless charging speed, which is miles better than the previous name of Qi2.2.

The big hook here is right in the name. Qi2 25W provides up to 25 watts of power delivery to compatible products, which is a 66 percent increase over the pre-existing Qi2 platform. Paul Struhsaker, Executive Director of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) says that "Qi2 25W’s remarkably fast and efficient wireless charging will encourage increased penetration of wireless charging usage and accelerate the adoption of the new standard."

Newer iPhones already use the Qi2 standard, so the company's forthcoming adoption of Qi2 25W isn't that big of surprise, though it is a welcome bit of news. Most Android phones, however, have never been Qi2-certified, so this is a potentially game-changing event for the platform. Some Android phones could technically integrate Qi2 charging, but it typically required a dedicated magnetic case of some kind.

Smartphones are just the latest category to adopt Qi2 25W. Several products, including power banks and chargers, were certified earlier this month. Qi2 25W, back when it was called Qi2.2, was first announced in April. The WPC says there are "several hundred" devices in the queue waiting to be tested and receive official certification. We still don't know which Android phones are in that queue.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/qi2-25w-wireless-charging-is-coming-to-iphones-and-major-android-smartphones-183013979.html?src=rss

©

© Wireless Power Consortium

T-Mobile's satellite-to-mobile service is now officially available to all customers. T-Satellite with Starlink connects smartphones in areas "far beyond the reach of traditional networks" by linking up with over 650 low-Earth orbit satellites.

T-Mobile has been testing the service for six months. The company says that nearly two million people have already used it to do stuff like texting from remote trails and off-the-grid job sites. It also says that the service proved to be extremely useful during extreme weather events and natural disasters. For instance, over 410,000 people contacted loved ones during the LA fires and nearly 94,000 users did the same in the aftermath of the recent Texas floods.

T-Mobile

T-Satellite supports texting on both Android and iOS devices and users can access a number of apps that have been optimized for satellite data transfers. These include Google, AllTrails, AccuWeather, WhatsApp, X and several others. T-Mobile Experience Beyond subscribers can use the service for free, but it costs $10 per month for everyone else. Non-subscribers will be able to contact 911 for free later in the year.

Interestingly, this service is not just for T-Mobile customers. AT&T and Verizon users can also access the platform by ponying up for that monthly subscription.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/t-mobiles-starlink-satellite-service-is-now-available-after-months-of-testing-154211152.html?src=rss

©

© T-Mobile

Lucid EV owners will soon have full access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is something that's been in the works since 2023. This goes live on July 31, allowing folks to juice up at more than 12,000 Supercharger stations throughout North America. Some of the company's vehicles can already use these charging stations, with the Gravity SUV gaining access earlier this year.

That leaves the Air line of luxury EV sedans. These vehicles will be able to roll up to a Tesla Supercharger for a top-off at the end of the month, but there are some major caveats. First of all, Lucid Air EVs will require an official adapter that costs $220, as they don't ship with a built-in NACS ports. This adapter won't work with V1 or V2 charging stations, which whittles down the convenience factor a bit.

There's another problem for Air owners. The adapter is limited to a 50kW peak charge rate, which provides around 200 miles of range per hour of charging. The Air can typically achieve a 300kW peak charge rate. Not only is this hobbled charge rate bad for Lucid Air devotees, it's also annoying for people that own other EVs. Remember, the Air will have to sit at the charger for an entire hour, which will increase traffic at the station.

Luckily, there are other charging stations available that make use of that 300kW peak rate. Air owners can use stations by Electrify America, EVgo and ChargePoint for a quick jolt. It's good to know that the Tesla Superchargers will be there in a pinch, which could come in handy during a road trip.

The company also recently unveiled the 2026 lineup of Air EVs. There's the Lucid Air Pure, which is a relatively streamlined option. Prices for this one start at $70,900. The Lucid Air Touring boasts an estimated range of 431 miles per charge, which is a decent metric. It starts at $79,900. Finally, the Lucid Air Grand Touring is the baddest of the bunch, with an estimated range of 512 miles per charge. Prices start at $114,900, but the seats offer a massage feature.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/lucid-owners-will-get-full-access-to-teslas-supercharger-network-on-july-31-184020050.html?src=rss

©

© Lucid

We knew that Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit, was prepping a Pokémon show, but now we have some juicy details and actual footage. Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu, as the name suggests, follows the sword-wielding Sirfetch'd and the baby pre-evolution of Pikachu.

It looks extremely charming, as one would expect from Aardman. The trailer is on the shorter side, but shows the dynamic duo getting involved in some cutesy shenanigans as an oblivious Wooloo relaxes in a field. It makes sense that the footage would highlight a sheep-inspired Pokémon, given that this studio also made Shaun the Sheep.

The show takes place in the Galar region, which is the UK-inspired land first introduced in Pokémon Sword & Shield. Aardman is a British studio, so this is a nice match. The program looks to focus entirely on pocket monsters, and not humans. This contrasts with the Netflix hit Pokémon Concierge, which follows a human protagonist.

Now for some bad news. Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu isn't coming until 2027 and there's no streaming platform attached just yet. The trailer dropped during today's Pokémon Presents livestream which also gave us footage of the second batch of Pokémon Concierge episodes and a full hour of Pikachu DJing for some reason.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/aardmans-pokemon-show-is-a-delightful-looking-romp-that-follows-sirfetchd-and-pichu-165907651.html?src=rss

©

© Game Freak/Aardman

Now that AAA video games cost a full $70, console bundles are the way to go to save a few coins. Nintendo is dropping another Switch 2 bundle just in time for the holiday season, and it's a real treat for Pokémon fanatics. The Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Bundle drops on October 16 and costs $500.

As the name suggests, this bundle includes a shiny new Switch 2 console and a digital copy of the enhanced version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The game itself will also be available on that same date.

Notice I said "enhanced version." That's because Pokémon Legends: Z-A is technically a Switch 1 game, like its predecessor Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The Switch 2 Edition will feature some nice upgrades for the new console, with the company promising "improved performance, enhanced resolution and smoother frame rates." This is all welcome news, as Arceus struggled to run properly on the now-ancient Switch 1, and who knows how the new one will perform.

For the uninitiated, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action role-playing game that differs a bit from the traditional Pokémon formula. The gameplay is a mix of real-time capture mechanics and old-school turn-based battles. It also looks to be set entirely in Lumiose City, making it something of a sequel to Pokémon X and Y.

This news comes from a brand-new Pokémon Presents livestream in which Game Freak unveiled footage from a new TV show by the makers of Wallace and Gromit and released a trailer for a new season of the Netflix hit Pokémon Concierge.

There was also a whole bunch of footage of Pikachu DJing for some reason. Is that electric rodent out here trying to steal thunder from K.K. Slider?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/theres-a-switch-2-bundle-with-pokemon-legends-z-a-dropping-on-october-16-152613321.html?src=rss

©

© Nintendo

Remedy has announced plans to fix FBC: Firebreak and restore the good will of consumers after a rough launch earlier this year. Many of the issues surrounding the launch were regarding the onboarding process, which the company acknowledges by saying that "many players come into the game and leave within the first hour."

Remedy is trying to make that opening hour more welcoming to new players, so they don't "feel ineffective and confused as to what to do." It has already placed an introductory video in the game with a narrative to explain the world and how it relates to the developer's hit game Control, as FBC: Firebreak is set in the same universe. Remedy promises more of this type of "narrative onboarding" will come to the game later this year.

It's building a playable tutorial level, as the developer acknowledges it needs "to do a better job" teaching new players the core mechanics and features. It's also taking a page out of Nintendo's playbook and introducing more "pop up" tips that will appear at "relevant times" throughout the first couple of hours.

The forthcoming updates aren't just about onboarding. Remedy will be adding three new heavy guns to the arsenal and introducing a modding system for weapons. The company will share more about this system "before September." It's also introducing "big changes to the way" players access missions and beefing up the missions themselves.

The developer says it's refining several elements to increase the fun factor, going on to say that it will be "weeding out our least fun experience" and "focusing on our best experiences." There will even be new game modes and missions down the line.

Much of this is coming in the game's first major update, with a planned winter launch. For the uninitiated, FBC: Firebreak is a multiplayer FPS that places an emphasis on cooperative action. It's available on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, so it could technically be "free" to check out any progress the dev has made since launch.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/remedy-lays-out-its-plan-to-fix-fbc-firebreak-which-includes-improved-onboarding-182301518.html?src=rss

©

© Remedy

There's finally a full trailer for Tron: Ares, the third installment in the decades-long sci-fi franchise. This comes after a teaser dropped a few months back and over two years after the film was first announced.

The new footage is pretty cool, and gets into the meat of this threequel. It's a riff on AI and big tech, as corporate entities look to weaponize the digital creations of The Grid and bring them to the real world. This does not go well, as evidenced by shots of iconic franchise Recognizer ships careening down city streets.

It also features Jeff Bridges, returning as computer programmer Kevin Flynn. Bridges is the only actor who will have appeared in all three Tron films. The star of this new one, however, is the scandal-plagued Jared Leto, who plays a soldier from The Grid who has traveled to the real world on some kind of mission. Hasan Minhaj, Gillian Anderson, Greta Lee and Evan Peters are also in the movie.

Tron: Ares is directed by Joachim Rønning, who is something of a Disney hired gun. He made Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, among other films for the company.

I really have no idea what to make of this movie, even if the footage looks pretty nifty. I love the original and like the sequel well enough. One thing I'm happy about is the continued dedication to atmosphere-soaked soundtracks. The first film featured an iconic score by Wendy Carlos and the folks behind Tron: Legacy hired Daft Punk to make the music. The new movie includes a soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails. The band released the first single today, likely to coincide with the trailer, and it definitely nails the vibe.

We don't have that long to wait for this one. Tron: Ares opens in theaters on October 10.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-official-tron-ares-trailer-riffs-on-big-tech-and-features-a-returning-jeff-bridges-181232528.html?src=rss

©

© Disney

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, along with a group of current and former company directors and officers, just agreed to settle to end a trial that sought $8 billion in damages, according to a report by Reuters. Zuckerberg and the others will actually be paying out to Meta shareholders as a recompense for damages allegedly caused by allowing repeated violations of Facebook users' privacy.

The parties have not disclosed the details of the settlement, but one would assume the payout was less than the $8 billion the plaintiffs originally asked for. Judge Kathaleen McCormick adjourned the trial just as it was set to enter its second day and well before any of the major players were forced to take the stand.

Billionaire venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, who is a defendant in the trial and a Meta director, was scheduled to testify today. Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg were set to take the stand next week. Former board member Peter Thiel was also expected to testify.

Shareholders sued Zuckerberg, Andreessen, Sandberg and others to hold them liable for the billions of dollars in fines and legal costs the company has been forced to pay out in recent years as part of alleged privacy violations. For instance, the FTC fined Facebook $5 billion in 2019 after finding it failed to comply with a 2012 agreement to protect user data.

Company shareholders wanted the 11 defendants to use their personal wealth to reimburse the company. Plaintiffs alleged in the suit that the defendants failed to oversee FTC compliance and that they knowingly ran Facebook as an illegal data harvesting operation. The defendants denied the allegations, calling them "extreme claims", before settling.

This all goes back to the infamous Cambridge Analytica bombshell, in which the political consulting firm accessed data from millions of Facebook users as part of Donald Trump's successful 2016 presidential campaign. That led to the FTC fine, which was the largest ever issued at the time. Cambridge Analytica has since shuttered.

Several people had already taken the stand before both parties reached a settlement. An expert witness for the plaintiffs testified about "gaps and weaknesses" in Facebook's privacy policies.

This is just one pending case against the company. There's a big antitrust case that once again pits the FTC against Meta, alleging that the company participated in anticompetitive practices by purchasing one-time rivals Instagram and Whatsapp. The trial has ended but no decision has been reached.

Zuckerberg has been implicated in a case that alleges Meta knowingly used pirated materials to train its Llama AI. The company is also paying $25 million to settle a lawsuit with Donald Trump over his 2021 Facebook suspension, after Trump threatened Zuckerberg with retribution during the 2024 election. The current president was temporarily suspended from the platform after inciting a riot at the capitol that left several people dead.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/mark-zuckerberg-and-other-meta-bigwigs-just-agreed-to-a-settlement-in-8-billion-suit-154513933.html?src=rss

©

© ASSOCIATED PRESS

Whether you’re playing games, exploring virtual worlds or working out in mixed reality, the right gear can make all the difference. The best VR accessories enhance comfort, improve tracking and keep your headset powered up and protected between sessions. From upgraded straps and charging docks to lens protectors and controller grips, these add-ons help you get more out of your setup — whether you're using a Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2 or PC-based headset. If you’re serious about VR, these accessories are worth checking out.

Table of contents

• Best VR accessories: Controllers

• Best VR accessories: Headsets

• Best VR accessories: Fitness

• Best VR accessories: Cables, chargers and batteries

• VR accessories FAQs

Best VR accessories: Controllers

Best VR accessories: Headsets

Best VR accessories: Fitness

Best VR accessories: Cables, chargers and batteries

VR accessories FAQs

What equipment do you need for VR?

What you need depends on the VR headset you buy. Some devices, like the Meta Quest 3, are entirely standalone, which means you don't need anything but the headset itself to use it. Other VR headsets need to be connected to a system from which it can draw power and run software. Some systems, like the HP Reverb G2, must connect to a PC, while others like the PS VR2 can connect to gaming consoles like the PS5. Most VR headsets come with the basic controllers you'll need to control actions and movement in virtual worlds.

What's the difference between PC VR, Smartphone VR and Gaming Console VR?

The main difference between those three VR systems is the main machine that allows the VR headset to run. PC VR headsets require a PC, like a gaming laptop or desktop, to run, while smartphone and gaming console VR systems require smartphones and gaming consoles, respectively, to work.

Do all VR headsets need a phone?

No, not all VR headsets need a phone to work. Many VR headsets have build in displays that sit in front of your eyes and basically act as your window into the virtual world.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/best-vr-accessories-150021126.html?src=rss

©

© Will Lipman Photography for Engadget

There's another big update for Cyberpunk 2077 coming our way. Update 2.3 brings some notable new features to PC and consoles. CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is adding official in-game support for VRR on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This should help with screen tearing when the frame rate drops and is of particular use when running the game in performance mode.

There's also an official AutoDrive feature, which is something that has long-existed in the modding community. This is available in all cars and motorcycles and lets players drive from place to place automatically. Just set the destination marker and let the game do the rest. This isn't teleportation. The vehicle still drives, it does just so automatically.

With AutoDrive enabled, players can turn on a "cinematic camera" to make the journey a bit more visually stimulating. There's even a new "wandering" mode for aimless joyrides, for those who just want to experience the splendor of Night City and its environs.

Speaking of driving, the update also brings four additional vehicles to the game, and they all look to be attached to new side jobs. More content is always appreciated.

PC players are getting support for AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2.0 and HDR 10 Plus. AMD's FSR 4 is also being added, but it requires a specialized driver that isn't available yet. CDPR says it's coming at a "later date."

The update drops on July 17, which is the same day the Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition comes to Mac computers. It looks like the Mac version will include these new features. Update 2.3 is coming to the Switch 2, but not just yet. Cyberpunk 2077 was a launch title for the recently-released console.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/cyberpunk-2077s-latest-update-brings-vrr-to-consoles-and-introduces-an-autodrive-mode-181933646.html?src=rss

©

© CD Projekt Red

Steam has added a new rule to its guidelines that has resulted in certain games getting banned, according to a report by Automaton. The new clause states that "content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam's payment processors and related card networks and banks, or internet network providers" is not allowed and could result in removal from the platform.

In other words, if credit card companies get mad about something, they could actually have the power to ban a game. The clause goes on to say that this will affect "certain kinds of adult-only content."

This has likely already resulted in many games being pulled off the platform. The vast majority of these titles have obvious sexual themes and many have the word "incest" in the title. SteamDB doesn't give a reason for these removals, but the timing does match up.

This move might sound unusual on its face, but payment processors have consistently fought against being used to purchase adult content. These battles are typically instigated on the notion that adults-only platforms don't have enough safeguards in place against illegal content.

Mastercard and Visa blocked the use of their cards on Pornhub in 2020. Mastercard went a step further in 2021, adding language to its "Speciality Merchant Registration" requirements that announced "banks that connect merchants to our network will need to certify that the seller of adult content has effective controls in place to monitor, block and, where necessary, take down all illegal content."

I doubt you'll find too many people upset that games with titles like Sex Adventures - Incest Family were removed from the platform, but it could set a potentially troubling precedent. Some Steam users are upset with this rule change on the grounds that it creates the "quiet normalization of financial censorship."

In other words, if gigantic financial institutions get to decide what is appropriate and what is not, who is to say it won't eventually impact regular games? One Steam user notes that "queer content gets flagged as 'explicit' even when it's PG," which is a sentiment echoed by others. One user says this move "looks innocuous at first glance but it's a trojan horse."

On the flipside, Steam has been home to some truly foul content over the years. We've reached out to Valve to ask for a comment on this news and will update this post when we hear back.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/steam-now-bans-games-that-violate-the-rules-and-standards-of-payment-processors-and-banks-164222173.html?src=rss

©

© Valve

It's time to break out that 1980s playlist. The last season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things finally has a trailer. It's been nearly a decade since the show premiered and it looks like it's going out with a bang. This trailer is absolutely packed with action, showing many fan favorite characters in mortal peril of one kind or another.

Season four ended with one heck of a cliffhanger so, of course, things pick up from there. The footage depicts all kinds of supernatural chaos impacting the small Indiana town. It's been three whole years since the last season, so here's a refresher from Netflix about the upcoming batch of episodes. It's filled with spoilers from previous seasons, so read at your own risk.

"The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time."

Season five of Stranger Things is split into three parts, which is something Netflix loves to do lately. Volume One, which will have four episodes, comes out on November 26, followed a month later by three episodes for Volume Two on December 25 and the final episode on December 31. We don't know how long each episode will be, but some season four installments reached 90 minutes.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-final-season-of-stranger-things-now-has-an-action-packed-trailer-151355646.html?src=rss

©

© Netflix

© Netflix

Uber and China-based Baidu are teaming up to deploy more autonomous vehicles throughout the world. The companies plan on bringing thousands of Baidu's Apollo Go vehicles to various regions that will be accessible via the Uber platform, including mainland China and other "global markets outside of the US."

The first joint deployments are expected in Asia and the Middle East later this year. Once launched, Uber riders could be presented with the option to have the trip fulfilled by an Apollo Go vehicle. 

The companies say this collaboration should increase the supply of affordable rideshare options in new areas by "bringing Baidu's advanced autonomous vehicles onto Uber's extensive network." This follows reporting from May in which Baidu announced it was bringing its autonomous vehicles to Europe.

Baidu already operates a fleet of over 1,000 fully driverless vehicles in 15 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The company first launched the platform in several Chinese cities back in 2022, including Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Don't hold your breath waiting for a US rollout. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal suggests America isn't currently in the cards, as Chinese companies tend to face increased scrutiny over on this side of the pond.

However, there are plenty of budding autonomous vehicle companies chasing the US market. The Alphabet-owned Waymo has been steadily launching in new cities and most of these efforts include a partnership with Uber. The company Avride, which used to be the self-driving unit for the Russian conglomerate Yandex, has been increasing its presence in cities like Dallas and Jersey City. Amazon's Zoox is also still out there, despite a serious software issue that impacted the braking system.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/uber-and-baidu-are-teaming-up-to-deploy-thousands-of-autonomous-vehicles-globally-190109553.html?src=rss

©

© Baidu

The nominations for the 77th Emmy Awards just dropped and, unsurprisingly, Apple TV+'s Severance led the pack with a whopping 27, including Best Drama. The streamer has another bona-fide hit with the Seth Rogen-led The Studio, which captured 23 nominations.

However, HBO Max received the most kudos by platform, with 142 nominations in total. This is thanks to the second season of The Last of Us, with 16 nominations, and the Batman-adjacent The Penguin. The White Lotus, The Pitt and Hacks also grabbed multiple nominations. This is the highest number of noms the outlet has ever received. Netflix still holds the record, though, with 160 nominations in 2020.

Andor scored 14 nominations, including one for Best Drama. Star Wars shows aren't typically singled out for the high-profile awards, though the first season of Andor was also up for Best Drama, before losing to Succession. No actors from the series were nominated, which is a bummer given the performances by Diego Luna, Denise Gough, Elizabeth Dulau and Stellan Skarsgård, among others.

There was a day when sci-fi programs only received nominations for stuff involving costumes or sets. That sure has changed, with Andor, The Last of Us, Severance, Paradise and Black Mirror receiving so much love this year. Fallout also made an impressive showing last year.

The 77th Emmy Awards will be hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze and is airing live on CBS on September 14 at 8PM ET. Cord cutters will be able to stream it live and on-demand via Paramount+.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/severance-the-last-of-us-and-andor-just-nabbed-dozens-of-emmy-nominations-174607421.html?src=rss

©

© Apple

Xbox has confirmed the second batch of Game Pass additions for July. There's no obvious headliner here, but there are a bunch of great additions to the catalog. These include indie hits like Wheel World and blockbusters like Robocop: Rogue City. Let's get into it.

Robocop: Rogue City came as a huge surprise back in 2023. A game based on a decades-old sci-fi franchise by a relatively unknown developer? It should have been a train wreck. Instead, it's a solid 3D action title that perfectly captures the vibe of the original film. This is a must-play for children of the 1980s. It'll be available on July 17 for subscribers on all tiers.

Grounded 2 looks to be a fantastic take on the "shrunken teens navigating a yard" genre, as first pioneered in the film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The first game was great and Obsidian looks to be upping the ante here in nearly every way, with a larger focus on story, a more immersive world and insects to ride around on. This is a day one Game Pass release, which happens on July 29. It'll only be playable for PC and Ultimate subscribers.

The Annapurna-published Wheel World is finally heading our way on July 23, and it's a day one Game Pass release. This is an open-world bicycle sim with gorgeous cel-shaded graphics. The title promises "impressive vistas, hidden secrets and races that will test your skills." It'll be available for Ultimate and PC subscribers.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is another day one release, with availability on July 24. This is a Souls-like action RPG set in the final days of the Ming Dynasty. The combat looks absolutely brutal. Again, only Ultimate and PC subscribers will have access to the game.

Those are just the titles that caught my interest. The shooter High On Life returns to the platform today and the survival horror adventure My Friendly Neighborhood drops on July 17. The prison-based RPG Back to the Dawn will be playable on July 18 and the survival crafting title Abiotic Factor releases on July 22. As always, Game Pass remains one heck of a deal.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xboxs-second-batch-of-game-pass-additions-for-july-includes-grounded-2-and-wheel-world-164450594.html?src=rss

©

© Xbox

Apple just announced a commitment of $500 million over several years to buy rare earth magnets from the US-based company MP Materials. These rare earth magnets are used in a number of products, including iPhones, MacBooks and the Apple Pencil stylus. The American-made magnets will be shipped throughout the world, to help "meet increasing global demand for the material."

MP Materials is the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the country. The two companies have also pledged to work together to improve upon a processing facility in Texas, building a series of manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products. Once finished, the factory will "support dozens of new jobs in advanced manufacturing and R&D."

“American innovation drives everything we do at Apple, and we’re proud to deepen our investment in the U.S. economy,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “Rare earth materials are essential for making advanced technology, and this partnership will help strengthen the supply of these vital materials here in the United States."

Apple and MP will also team up to create a recycling facility in California and have promised to develop "novel magnet materials and innovative processing technologies" to enhance magnet performance. 

This is all part of Apple's pre-existing pledge to invest $500 billion in the US over the next four years, which is a slight increase over the $430 billion pledged in 2021. Adjusted for inflation, these amounts are essentially the same.

Apple basically pioneered the use of recycled rare earth elements in consumer electronics. It began using these materials back in 2019, in the Taptic Engine of the iPhone 11. The Pentagon recently became the largest shareholder of MP Materials, as rare earth materials are also key components in a range of military weapons systems.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-commits-500-million-over-several-years-to-buy-us-made-rare-earth-magnets-152930080.html?src=rss

©

© Apple