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6 people accuse Sean 'Diddy' Combs of sexual assault in new lawsuits

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 17:04

The lawsuits filed Monday accuse the hip-hop mogul of raping women, sexually assaulting men and molesting a 16-year-old boy.

(Image credit: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Categories: News

Easy Ways to Refresh Your Android Phone and Boost Its Speed

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 17:00
Seeing some real slowdown with your Android phone? You may be able to change that.
Categories: Technology

Best Internet Providers in Lafayette, Louisiana

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 16:41
There are multiple broadband providers in Lafayette, and we've found the best, fastest and cheapest providers in Lafayette.
Categories: Technology

Apple Reportedly Developing Smart Glasses to Rival Meta's Ray-Bans

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 16:34
But a 2027 timeline could give Meta the advantage for years.
Categories: Technology

Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) review: a high-speed, high-quality, yet not too highly priced charging station

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 16:00
Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) review

The Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) is a premium charging station that can get a swathe of exhausted devices fighting fit in no time.

This station has six charging ports: four of which are USB-C; with the other two being USB-A. It’s worth noting that power output is, unsurprisingly, asymmetrical here. The four USB-C ports each have a maximum power output of 100W, meaning you could use two of these at full capacity simultaneously. The two USB-A ports, meanwhile, only have a maximum power output of 22.5W each, though it’s totally normal for these to be weaker than their more modern, Type-C sibling.

A total power output of 200W is available here, which isn’t bad at all. In fact, I tried charging six devices at once and found the station coped perfectly well with each. While doing this, my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 was able to get up to 100% from 0% in approximately one hour and 30 minutes – the expected timeframe.

But even if this station offers the exact speeds you’d want from one of the best Android phone chargers or best iPhone chargers, some may be hung up on one factor – the price. And sure, I’m not going to act like spending $84.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.95 on a charger isn’t a significant investment. However, if we’re talking pure value, this is actually a very fair asking price. A lot of similar competitors will set you back significantly more. For instance, the UGreen Nexode 200W GaN Desktop Charger 6-Ports has a list price of $129.99 / £129.99 (about AU$190).

It’s not only good value, though. This charging station is very much a high quality product – something you’d expect from Anker’s Prime range. The striped, textured silver outer casing looks and feels premium and the inclusion of a detachable power cord is also very welcome. On a more practical level, this station is well designed too. Safety is at the core here – there’s temperature control, current regulation and even high-voltage protection.

And now you might be wondering, reader, what’s the catch? Well, in truth there isn’t really much for me to criticize whatsoever. However, some may prefer to have some sort of display in order to track power output and you get no such thing from this station. For example, the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W has a built-in screen, allowing you to view real-time data on output, switch between power modes and more (I’ll follow-up on this in the ‘Also Consider’ section). The 250W variant also has companion app compatibility, but that's missing too.

Given the price of the Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN), though, I think the omission of a display is well worth it. And that’s the real draw here – you’re getting a no nonsense, speedy, high-quality charging station at a price that’s very reasonable. As a result, I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking to take their charging game to the next level.

(Image credit: Future) Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN) review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN)? Buy it if…

You want lots of charging ports at a sensible price
This charging station isn’t exactly cheap, but value-wise it’s fantastic. You get six speedy charging ports as well as strong build quality and design. A lot of similar chargers cost far more – for instance, the UGreen Nexode 200W GaN Desktop Charger 6-Ports is $129.99 / £129.99 (about AU$190).

You need high wattage charging capabilities
Each individual USB-C charging port here has a peak power output of 100W. That’s amazing if you have more power-hungry devices or a modern handset with top charging speeds (like the OnePlus 10 Pro, for instance). And with a total maximum power output of 200W, you’ll likely have more than enough to go around six devices, if necessary.

Don't buy it if…

You only need to charge one or two devices simultaneously
If you only really need to charge your phone and say a tablet, I don’t think it’s worth shelling out all this money on a charging station. There are lots of excellent single and dual-port chargers out there that can do the job for closer to the $25 / £20 mark, so weigh up whether six ports is excessive for you or not before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

You’re looking for customizability
Unfortunately, there’s no display or companion app available here. That really limits what you can do with this charging station, which is very much a ‘what you see is what you get’ offering from Anker. See the ‘Also Consider’ section for a suitable alternative if customizability matters a lot to you.

Anker Prime Charger (200W, 6 ports, GaN): Also consider

Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W
At its core, the Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W pretty much does everything the 200W variant does, but with a ton of tasty additional features. The key difference is that this station has a screen, which enables you to activate port prioritization, switch between charging modes, view real-time charging data, or even mess around with secret features. Of course, you get 250W – a significant step up in power output – but maybe the best addition is companion app compatibility, which lets you control the charging station remotely over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The kicker? This thing is pretty expensive, with a list price of $169.99 / £169.99 (about AU$250). Are the extras worth around $100 / £100 more? That’s up to you... Read our full Anker Prime Charger 6-Port Desktop Charging Station 250W review. View Deal

Categories: Reviews

Security Experts Warn Gmail Users of More Sophisticated AI Hacks

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:47
The scams can target Gmail accounts, many of which are part of Google Workspace's 3 billion users.
Categories: Technology

Starlink Quietly Ends $100 Discount for New Customers

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:29
Previously, customers in 29 states with “abundant network availability” could get the discount.
Categories: Technology

A Destiny Mobile Game Is Coming From the Co-Developer of Diablo Immortal

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 15:03
Chinese company NetEase is making the mobile Destiny: Rising, which is "set in an alternate universe" and long before Destiny 2.
Categories: Technology

Lilly Ledbetter, the activist who inspired fair pay act, dies at 86

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 14:59

Lilly Ledbetter, a supervisor at a Goodyear tire plant in Alabama, discovered she was receiving less pay than men who worked the same position. Her case led to a monumental law on pay equity.

(Image credit: Mark Wilson)

Categories: News

Best Internet Providers in Hoover, Alabama

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 14:42
AT&T Fiber and Spectrum compete for the title of best internet provider in Hoover, but you may want to pass on both in favor of wireless internet.
Categories: Technology

SSD vs. HDD: What You Need to Know

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 14:09
Need a new external backup drive or more internal storage for a laptop or desktop? This guide can help you make the best choice.
Categories: Technology

Anker 323 Charger (33W) review: a versatile dual-port phone charger that’s a little lacking in speed

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 14:00
Anker 323 Charger (33W) review

The Anker 323 Charger (33W) is a compact and competent wall charger that can get two devices back to full battery fitness simultaneously.

Unlike some of Anker’s similar chargers, this one has two different port types: one for USB-C; another for USB-A. That gives you some versatility, especially if, like me, you don’t have all too many USB-C to USB-C cables around the house, but plenty USB-A to USB-C ones. That’s also pretty neat given the plug only comes in at $18.79 / £15.99 / AU$49.99 – which is decent value.

Charging two devices works well, too. I tried juicing up my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 via the USB-C port alongside a DualSense Wireless Controller in the USB-A one and was satisfied with the result. My phone went from 0% to 100% in the expected timeframe (around one hour and 30 minutes) even with the USB-A port in use.

The main issue this charger may pose for you is that it’s not the most powerful. The USB-C port has a maximum power output of 20W – that’s pretty good, but it may not be enough to get super-fast charging on some of the best Samsung phones, for instance. Also, the USB-A port can only offer 12W of power, which isn’t all too strong – especially compared to some of the best Android phone chargers and best iPhone chargers. It’s common for type A ports to be weaker, sure, but 12W will likely feel quite underwhelming if you want to charge your phone in a pinch.

So, it may not be the most powerful, but how does the Anker 323 Charger (33W) fare design-wise? Well, it’s a mixed bag. Firstly, I don’t think this is the most attractive plug on the market. It follows a formula that a few of Anker’s chargers use in housing the charging element in a cube-like block and almost shoehorning the adapter and prongs on the end. As I mentioned in my Anker PowerPort III (20W) review, this isn’t my favorite look.

However, in terms of practicality, the design here is strong. Prongs are foldable, which is great if you want to take this thing for an in-pocket walk. Generally, it’s quite a small plug too making it a nice choice if you’re working with a tight space. On top of that, it uses Anker’s ActiveShield safety standard for preventing overheating.

Overall, then, this may not be the most powerful or pretty plug, but it gets a lot right in terms of practicality, versatility and value. So, if you need a combination of USB-A and USB-C but don’t have the cash to splash on, say, the Anker Prime 100W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports), this is an option worth considering.

(Image credit: Future) Anker 323 Charger (33W) review: Price & specs

(Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Anker 323 Charger (33W)? Buy it if…

You still want to use your USB-A to USB-C/Lightning cable
A lot of handsets in the last few years have come with USB-A to USB-C charging cables, for instance. If you still want to use yours rather than shelling out for another USB-C to USB-C alternative, this is a good option.

You want to charge multiple devices at once
This wall charger is solid value-wise, particularly given that you get two charging ports. The versatility of having both USB-A and USB-C options is pleasing too, but be warned: the USB-A port has a pretty weak maximum power output of 12W.

Don't buy it if…

You want to charge at top speeds
For anyone looking for peak-charging speeds for a new handset, this charger likely won’t cut it. The USB-C port here is the faster of the two, but only has a maximum output of 20W. Phones such as the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max can charge closer to 30W, so if you want to get juiced up in a flash, look elsewhere.

You want one of the best-looking plugs
This isn’t the most chic wall charger on the market, in my view. The cube-like design, paired with latched-on prongs looks a little unusual compared to a neat cube, like the Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger (30W), for instance. The 323 Charger (33W) only comes in Black or White too, so if you want a touch of flair design-wise, you’ll likely be unimpressed.

Anker 323 Charger (33W): Also consider

UGreen USB-C 40W
This is another dual-port charger, but it offers a touch more power at a still-solid price-point. OK, both ports are USB-C, so the higher maximum wattage is perhaps unsurprising, but nonetheless, if you’re hoping to revive multiple devices a little faster, this will be better for you. It also has a neater design in my opinion, with a more fluid look than the Anker alternative. You still get foldable prongs and a small build here, so you don’t have to sacrifice on practicality. Read our full UGreen USB-C 40W review. View Deal

Categories: Reviews

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 review: making café quality coffee at home has never been easier

TechRadar Reviews - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 14:00
KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8: two-minute review

The KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 is a truly premium bean-to-cup espresso machine, which automates the entire coffee-making process, but also gives you a surprising amount of control over your drinks. Each of the many drink types can be customized with your preferred strength, body, temperature, and volume - preferences that you can then save to your personal profile so everyone in the household can have their coffee exactly the way they like it.

The KF8 comes with very few instructions, but once you power it on, you’ll realize that’s because it doesn’t need them. You will be guided through every step of preparing the FK8, loading beans, filling the tank, and brewing your coffee with clear instructions and illustrations on the bright, responsive 5in touchscreen.

Interestingly, the KF8 takes both whole coffee beans and grounds (so you can opt for ready-ground decaf in the evening, for example), but it’s worth noting that you can only add one scoop of ground coffee at a time. This is primarily a bean-to-cup machine, with an alternative only for occasional use.

The KitchenAid KF8 has a dedicated mode for steaming plant milk, unlike most other bean-to-cup machines I've tested, which are optimized only for dairy (Image credit: Future)

Coffee is consistently well extracted, with creamy golden crema, and the machine is much less noisy than you might expect while brewing - a fact that has earned it the Quiet Mark seal of approval. During my testing, most of the coffee-making process was no louder than the background murmur you might expect in a library.

The automatic milk frother works well too, and offers options for both dairy and plant-based milk. Surprisingly, almond milk foamed even better than dairy during my tests. Most bean-to-cup coffee makers only have one setting that’s optimized for dairy, so this was a pleasant surprise.

It’s certainly expensive (see below for details) but if you enjoy really good coffee and don’t want the hassle of preparing it yourself, it doesn’t get much easier than this.

KitchenAid KF8: price and availability

Bean-to-cup coffee machines are always pricey due to their complexity, and the KF8 is one no exception. It has a list price of $1,999.99 / £1,899 / AU$2,599, and is available direct from KitchenAid worldwide, or from third-party retailers like Currys in the UK and Williams Sonoma in the US.

It’s roughly the same price as our current top-rated bean-to-cup coffee maker, the Breville Oracle Touch (known as the Sage Oracle Touch in the UK), which is also operated via a generously sized touchscreen, but is semi- rather than fully-automatic.

It’s a big investment, but the extra features like advanced customization of your drinks, the ability to use both beans and grounds, the option to purge all coffee from the system when you want to try something new, and the sheer ease of use help justify that price tag.

  • Value score: 4/5
KitchenAid KF8: specs KitchenAid KF8: design

The KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 is an attractive, modern-looking coffee maker, finished in brushed metal and black (shown here), white, green, or stainless steel to match your other appliances. It’s one of the taller and longer coffee machines I’ve tested, measuring 10.2 x 14.3 x 15.2in / 260 x 363 x 385mm (W x H x D), but its narrow front means it doesn’t actually take up too much space on the kitchen counter.

This is a premium machine, and it shows in touches like the accessible design of the water tank, which has an ergonomic carry handle that makes it easy to lift out, and is supplied with a screw-in water filter. The KF8 also comes with a water hardness testing strip so you can configure it accordingly, and KitchenAid recommends filling it with fresh (not distilled) water every day for the best results.

The large water tank is easy to remove thanks to its ergonomically designed handle, and comes with a screw-in filter (Image credit: Future)

Opening the largest door on the top of the machine reveals the bean hopper, plus a chute for inserting ground coffee (ideal if someone in your home prefers robusta to arabica, or you want to switch to decaf in the evening). There is also a button inside that allows you to remove the hopper for cleaning.

You’ll be offered the choice of using the hopper or the chute when you start up the machine, though it’s worth bearing in mind that you can only insert a single scoop of grounds at a time. There’s a measuring scoop supplied to make this easy, but this is primarily a bean-to-cup machine. If you want to use ready-ground espresso regularly, you could save some cash by opting for a semi-automatic coffee maker instead.

The machine’s dispenser moves smoothly up and down to accommodate different sized cups, and I was particularly impressed with the design of the milk system. Most fully automatic coffee makers use milk from a tube dangling in an open-topped container. The KF8’s milk container is covered at all times, which seems more hygienic, and is less likely to spill. It tucks neatly to the side without spoiling the coffee maker’s clean lines.

Load beans into the hopper, and ground coffee into the chute (at the top right) (Image credit: Future)

All drink choices are made using the bright 5in touchscreen, which is the biggest I’ve seen on any coffee maker I’ve tested to date, and feels pleasantly responsive in use.

A service door on the right-hand side of the machine allows you to access the brew unit for cleaning. The machine is supplied with two cleaning tablets, and more can be bought from Kitchenaid. To clean it, first rinse the brew unit with cold water and dry it as directed, then insert the cleaning tablet, place a large cup underneath the dispenser, and let the machine handle the rest. The process takes a long time, but you won’t need to repeat it regularly. It’s also possible to purge all coffee beans and grounds from the machine (ideal for when you want to use a different type of bean), and even evaporate everything from the water system after emptying the tank, which are both unusual but useful features.

The large, bright touchscreen makes it easy to fine-tune your perfect coffee (Image credit: Future)

On the subject of cleaning, when you first use your KF8, it’s worth knowing that the machine is tested with real coffee at Kitchenaid’s factory. It’s thoroughly cleaned before being shipped out (there were no traces of coffee in my review unit) but if you do happen to spot a stray grain or two, that’s why.

  • Design score: 5/5
KitchenAid KF8: performance

When I first unpacked the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8, I was surprised how few instructions were provided. The manual looked chunky, but the section for each language was surprisingly brief for such a feature-packed device. Upon powering it up, however, the reason soon became clear - the KF8 guides you through every step of setup, brewing coffee, and cleaning via clear instructions on its large touchscreen display.

There’s almost no need to refer to the paper manual at all. Each instruction is presented in plain language, with images where necessary. It really couldn’t be easier to use.

The milk dispenser is easy to attach, and unlike most fully automatic espresso machines, the KF8 keeps the container covered at all times. (Image credit: Future)

The power button is on the right-hand side of the machine, so make sure you don’t position it right against a wall. Once you’ve pressed it, the KF8 will guide you through the process of installing the water filter and filling the tank. You’ll then be prompted to put a container under the dispenser to rinse it through - a standard coffee mug is the perfect size. When that’s done, load up beans (and grounds if you like) and you’ll receive the exciting message that “you are ready to start your coffee experience”.

There are 15 different drink options to choose from, most of which are customizable:

  • Cappuccino
  • Espresso
  • Caffe Latte
  • Espresso Lungo
  • Macchiato
  • Latte macchiato
  • Americano
  • Flat white
  • Coffee
  • Ristretto
  • Cortado
  • Frothed milk
  • Warmed milk
  • Hot water
  • Green tea

If you choose a coffee drink, you’ll be offered the chance to select body, volume, and strength. The machine will then brew and dispense your drink. Once it’s done, you’re given the option to save any adjustments to your favorites for easy access next time. Members of your household can make their own named profiles for their custom drinks, which is a nice feature.

Each member of your household can have their own profile for their custom drinks (Image credit: Future)

The ability to adjust the volume of each drink is welcome too, letting you use non-standard cups with ease. Some other bean-to-cup coffee makers require you to set the size of your cups through an awkward manual process, which isn’t easy to change again later.

I also appreciated the option to choose whether milk or coffee is dispensed first for lattes and cappuccinos. Bean-to-cup machines usually pour your espresso shot through the milk, which is the opposite way you’d do it yourself, and leaves a brown spot in the foam.

I tested the KF8 with fresh beans from my local coffee shop Mokoko, and the machine reliably produced lovely espresso with a thick, golden crema. It was definitely some of the best tasting coffee I’ve tried from a bean-to-cup machine.

Espresso was consistently well extracted, with rich, golden crema (Image credit: Future)

You can also choose between dairy and plant milk settings - most bean-to-cup machines (like the Smeg BCC13 I tested recently) are optimized for dairy, so this is a welcome addition. There are no options for different plant milks, but during my tests I got the best results with almond milk rather than oat or soy. In fact, almond milk produced even silkier foam than dairy, which was surprising - normally I find almond milk foam stiff. Whichiver milk I used, it was always heated to just the right temperature - pleasantly sweet but never scorched.

I got the best results with lattes and cappuccinos when I increased the volume of the drink, adding more milk. The default setting is quite short and didn’t produce enough foam for my liking, so it’s definitely worth taking some time to create a preset that works for you.

You can tailor your drinks to suit your preferences, including volume dispensed (Image credit: Future)

One of the key selling points of the KF8 and its smaller siblings is their Quiet Mark certification, and the KF8 is definitely quieter than most. While making a latte it very briefly reached 66dB while grinding the beans, but the average volume was just 44dB. That’s about the same noise level you might expect in a library. I was particularly surprised how quietly the KF8 was able to foam and steam milk, which is normally one of the noisiest parts of the coffee-making process.

Used coffee pucks are dispensed into an easily removable bin that you can access by gently lifting and pulling out the drip tray. The tray has a spout at the back that makes it very easy to empty and rinse. After that, you’ll be prompted to connect the milk hose to the drip tray so it can be rinsed through with hot water. It’s a neater solution than that of many fully automatic coffee machines, which require you to use a separate container of water for the same purpose. The dispenser itself will also be rinsed, so place a mug underneath when prompted to catch the used water. The whole process is fast and simple.

Used coffee pucks drop into an easy to clean container that you can pull out with the drip tray (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the KitchenAid KF8? Buy it if

You aren't confident using a manual machine

The KitchenAid KF8 produces excellent results consistently, and is an excellent choice if you're passionate about coffee but don't feel happy pulling shots and foaming milk manually - or not everyone in you household is savvy with grinding, pulling and steaming.

You live with other coffee lovers

The ability to save your personalized drinks under your own profile is a real boon, and includes factors like body, strength, temperature, and volume (so you can tailor your coffee to your favorite cup).

You enjoy plant milk

Unlike most fully automatic coffee makers, the KF8 has modes for both dairy and non-dairy milk, and the non-dairy option works surprisingly well - particularly if you choose almond.

Don't buy it if

You prefer to use pre-ground coffee

The KF8 has a chute that allows you to load in ready ground coffee that you can use to brew a drink rather than fresh beans, but you can only add one scoop at a time, and this is definitely a bean-to-cup machine first and foremost. If you like to use pre-ground coffee, a coffee machine without a grinder is a more logical choice.

You want the barista experience

The KF8 handles all the work of dosing beans, choosing the right grind size, and pulling a shot of espresso for you. If you want the option of doing some of that yourself, look for a semi-automatic machine instead (our roundup of the best espresso machines) has some good options.

KitchenAid KF8: also consider

Not completely sold on the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8? Here are a couple of alternatives to consider.

Breville Oracle Touch

If you want more of the barista experience but would prefer some guidance, this premium semi-automatic coffee machine (known as the Sage Oracle Touch in the UK) will help you master the techniques needed to pull a perfect shot of espresso - provided your wallet can take the hit.

Read our full Breville Oracle Touch review

Ninja Luxe Café

Can't choose between drip coffee and espresso? The Ninja Luxe Café can prepare both, and is very reasonably priced for a bean-to-cup machine, costing around a quarter the KitchenAid KF8's asking price.

Read our full Ninja Luxe Café review

How I tested the KitchenAid KF8

I tested the KitchenAid Fully Automatic Expresso Machine KF8 over the course of several days, making each type of drink available through the menu, making customizations, and saving them to a personal profile for re-use later.

I used freshly roasted beans from a local coffee company in the KF8's hopper, plus pre-ground espresso in the chute. I tested the milk system using full-fat dairy milk, barista oat milk, soya milk, and almond milk - all fresh and cold from the fridge.

I refilled the water tank before each use, and ran the full battery of cleaning programs at the end of testing, including cleaning the milk system, purging coffee beans, cleaning the brew unit, and evaporating remaining water.

Find out more about how we test.

Categories: Reviews

Native voters could swing Arizona. Both parties want their votes

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:53

Both Republicans and Democrats are trying to marshal Native American voters in Arizona, which could prove decisive to winning the key state.

(Image credit: Ash Ponders for NPR)

Categories: News

Call of Duty Is Coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming on Game Pass Ultimate

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:24
Subscribers will be able to play these Call of Duty games without a console soon.
Categories: Technology

The Meta Quest 3S is fantastic, but there’s one big reason to choose the Quest 3 instead

TechRadar News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:00

I finally got my hands on the Meta Quest 3S VR headset to test it out for our in-depth Meta Quest 3S review, and using the headset has given me flashbacks of using the Oculus Quest 2 – and made me realize how rubbish its visuals were this whole time.

The Meta Quest 3S uses the same chipset and has the same RAM as the Meta Quest 3, meaning it can play all the same VR games and apps as its sibling like the upcoming Batman: Arkham Shadow (it even comes with a free copy of the game). But its most noticeable downgrade is its displays. Instead of the crisp 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye dual-display setup of the Quest 3 you have to make do with the Quest 2’s 1832 x 1920 per eye single display setup, which the Quest 3S is repurposing.

The Meta Quest 3S also relies on the Quest 2’s fresnel lens system instead of the pancake lenses used by the Quest 3. I won’t get into the weeds of how these lenses differ technically, but know that fresnel lenses are bulkier and cause blurriness at the fringes of your field of view.

The Quest 3 is worth upgrading to

Back when I was regularly using my Oculus Quest 2 – which was later rebranded as a Meta Quest 2 – I definitely noticed that the visuals weren’t as crisp as watching a show on my phone or playing a game with my PS5 on a 4K TV. But I’d also often feel that people who were overly critical of the resolution or screen door effect were being too harsh (the screen door effect is when you see black lines over the display because you can see the gaps between pixels).

I had a fantastic time using it and felt (and still feel) it was hands-down the best VR headset for most people at its peak thanks to its solid performance for its super-low price.

The Meta Quest 3 ruined the Meta Quest 2 for me (Image credit: Meta)

But back then the Oculus Quest 2 was my baseline for VR headsets; I had never used another headset before – save for the odd demo at a gaming convention or university fair. Now that my baseline is the superior Meta Quest 3 I finally understand everyone’s Quest 2 visuals criticisms.

That’s not to say the Meta Quest 3S isn’t an excellent VR headset for the price. Starting at $299.99 / £289.99 / AU$499.99 for the 128GB model and achieving what the Meta Quest 3S achieves is nothing to sniff at. If you're new to VR and haven't yet been spoiled by better VR headsets, then its issues won't be as noticeable or annoying.

However, when weighing up your options between the two Meta Quest 3 headsets, remember it’s not just a matter of picking your preferred storage size as there are some significant other differences to consider.

Top-quality visuals won’t matter to everyone, and when you’re immersed in an interactive experience the Quest 3S’ deficiencies aren’t as noticeable. Just note that if you plan to be a VR power user that hops in a couple times a week at least, and who wants to enjoy Netflix or Xbox game streaming in VR or MR, then the sharper Meta Quest 3 is the headset you should get.

So if you can still find the 128GB Meta Quest 3 before it sells out try to grab it before the discontinued model is gone for good and you have to make do with the pricier 512GB model instead.

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Categories: Technology

New York Comic Con 2024: What to Expect if You're a TV, Movie or Anime Fan

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 12:57
Fans at home can stream celebrations for SpongeBob, Dragon Ball and Bleach and get glimpses at new TV shows and movies from Blumhouse, Sony and more.
Categories: Technology

Starlink Internet Review: Decent Speeds for at Home or on the Go

CNET News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 12:42
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Move aside H100, Huawei wants Chinese hyperscalers to use its new Ascend AI chip instead of Nvidia's workhorse, but it's going to be tough

TechRadar News - Mon, 10/14/2024 - 12:31

The US restrictions on exporting advanced hardware have severely impacted the AI ambitions of many Chinese firms, limiting their access to powerful chips necessary for training large-scale AI models and handling complex computations. Companies like ByteDance and Alibaba, which rely on high-end processors for their AI operations, have been forced to turn to lower-spec GPUs like Nvidia’s H20 or seek domestic alternatives.

However, not all Chinese firms are equally affected by the US clampdown. Huawei, which has been developing its own AI chipsets like the Ascend 910B, and the Ascend 910C (which the company has just begun sampling) has been enjoying some success positioning itself as a domestic alternative to Nvidia.

During his keynote speech at the recent Huawei Connect 2024 event, the company’s deputy chairman, Eric Xu Zhijun, outlined the company’s strategy of building AI systems “that are accessible to every person, home, and organization” and announced plans to heavily invest in AI ecosystem development over the next five years, according to the South China Morning Post.

Expanding its cloud services

Regarding the US sanctions, Xu admitted, “The reality is that US restrictions on AI chips for China are unlikely to be lifted any time soon.” However, he also emphasized that these challenges present an opportunity for Huawei to expand its cloud services and offer local alternatives for AI infrastructure.

Huawei’s cloud computing unit has become a crucial growth area, generating 55.29 billion yuan ($7.6 billion) in revenue in 2023, marking a 21.9% year-on-year increase. “Cloud services are the best option for many companies that are looking to incorporate AI into their business,” Xu said. “By providing Ascend and AI model services, we aim to give every company real-time access to on-demand AI computing power, and enable more efficient model training and inference.”

At the event, Huawei also announced upgrades to its AI stack, collaborations with partners like China Mobile for autonomous driving networks, and plans to develop AI solutions for the automotive sector.

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