Casetify is bringing back the accessories based on Neon Genesis Evangelion that it originally launched in 2023, giving you another chance to grab one or two cases for your Apple devices. The crown jewel of the collection is perhaps the collectible case for the AirPods Pro and Pro 2, which was designed to look like the head of Evangelion Unit-01. It opens from the back to reveal a removable inner case that provides another layer of protection. You could also just carry the inner case if the Unit-01 head is a bit too bulky to fit in your bag or if you want to keep it pristine.
In addition, the collection features cases for iPhones and iPads, including all iPhone 16 models, with photos of Eva pilots, as well as typography highlighting key terms from the anime series. Casetify says its cases aren't just for collection purposes, though, and can actually protect your devices with their impact-resistant design. There's also a MagSafe charger with a cord that resembles Evangelion units' umbilical cables, as well as other MagSafe-compatible accessories. The collection is now available from Casetify's Co-Lab page, its Co-Lab app and its physical studio locations. Take note that some of these items sold out quickly the first time around, especially the AirPods case which Casetify called a "sought-after item."
Casetify
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/casetifys-evangelion-collection-returns-for-evangelion-day-134559673.html?src=rss
The feud between WP Engine and Matt Mullenweg, WordPress co-founder and Automattic CEO, recently came to a head when the web hosting service sued the latter, accusing him of "abuse of power, extortion and greed." In a new blog post, Mullenweg said his opponent's attacks on him and his company have been effective enough so that "a good chunk of [his] Automattic colleagues disagreed with [him and his] actions." As a response, he created a "buy-out package" that offered employees $30,000 or six months of salary, whichever is higher, if they resign. A total of 159 people, or 8.4 percent of the company, took the offer.
Most of the employees who left came from the company's Ecosystem / WordPress business, while the rest came from the division working on apps like Tumblr and Cloudup. As TechCrunch notes, Mullenweg gave the event a positive spin and exclaimed that "the other 91.6 percent gave up $126 million of potential severance to stay!"
Mullenweg called WP Engine a "cancer to WordPress" and accused the company of violating WordPress trademarks. He said they offered WP Engine the option to "pay a direct licensing fee, or make in-kind contributions to the open source project," but the company refused. WP Engine argued that its use of the WordPress trademark was legal. In response, the WordPress Foundation changed its trademark policy page to say that the "WP" abbreviation is indeed not covered by the WordPress trademark, but to please not use it "in a way that confuses people." It named WP Engine outright and even said that the company has "never once even donated to the WordPress Foundation, despite making billions of revenue on top of WordPress." The WordPress co-founder also banned WP Engine from accessing some of WordPress' plug-ins and themes, which broke a lot of the websites it's hosting.
WP Engine accused Mullenweg of demanding eight percent of the companys monthly revenue as royalty and of libel, slander, as well as of violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and IRS fraud. In a statement, Mullenweg said he stayed up all night reading the complaint and found the whole thing "meritless." He added that he's looking "forward to the federal courts consideration of [the] lawsuit."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/159-employees-leave-wordpress-founders-company-after-extortion-lawsuit-133040801.html?src=rss
As to be expected, we're less than a week out from October Prime Day and Amazon devices are already on sale. Among the deals is an all-time-low price on one of our top picks for the best smart displays, the Echo Show 8. The latest model is back on sale for $85, which is $65 off its normal price. Any time you can get this smart display for less than $100, it's a good deal but this is the best price we've seen, and it hasn't been this cheap since Prime Day in July.
We consider this to be the best smart display with Alexa compatibility due to the fact that it combines a lot of handy features and is almost a goldilocks size. The Show 8 has an eight-inch 1,280 x 800 touchscreen, which is just big enough to clearly see recipes and watch videos comfortably without being too large that it would take up too much space on a countertop or side table.
The Show 8 has an improved 13-megapixel camera with auto-framing, which will make for better video calls with friends and family. The camera can also double as a security device, allow you to check in on your home when you're away. And when you're not using it, or if you just prefer extra privacy, there's a physical shutter that will cover the camera entirely.
Of course, devices like the Show 8 are designed to showcase Alexa's talents. You can use the voice assistant through the smart display to check weather forecasts, refer to your calendar to know when your next appointment is, bring up the show you were binge-watching on Netflix and more. This model also has a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, which means you can directly connect smart home gear like smart light bulbs and plugs without the need for an extra hub. And if those IoT devices have Alexa smarts, you can use voice commands to control them as well.
If you're looking for something a bit more nightstand-friendly, there are other Alexa smart displays on sale right now, too. The Echo Show 5 is down to $50, while the recently revived Echo Spot has dropped to $45. The former is also one of our favorites thanks to its compact design, ambient light sensor and sunrise alarm feature. The Echo Spot just came back into the lineup a few months ago, and Amazon's billing it as a true smart alarm clock. It has a cute, circular design with a bold, half-moon shaped screen that can show the time, weather, alarms, currently playing music and more.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter for the latest tech deals and buying advice in the lead up to October Prime Day 2024.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/early-prime-day-deals-include-the-echo-show-8-for-an-all-time-low-price-131553231.html?src=rss
Some of iRobots best robo-vacs are on sale. Wellbots has the ultra-premium Roomba Combo 10 Max + Autowash Dock for $420 off with Engadgets code ENGDT420. Or, if you want a high-end model without spending quite as much, the Roomba j9+ and Roomba Combo j7+ are on sale for up to $320 off with these exclusive deals.
The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + Autowash Dock is the companys most advanced (and expensive!) robot vacuum. This model sucks up dirt, mops and even self-cleans: Its dock can wash and dry the mopping pad, leaving less work for you. You can run self-cleaning manually, but its companion app will also remind you when its time for standard maintenance or deeper cleaning.
This models base can store dirt and debris for up to 60 days before emptying. Its mopping pad and self-cleaning tank hold up to seven days of water.
Usually a whopping $1,399, Wellbots has the Roomba Combo 10 Max + Autowash Dock on sale for $979. Although thats still a pretty penny, this deal puts the vacuum within range of alternate models that dont match its feature set. Use Engadgets exclusive code ENGDT420 to see that price.
iRobot
Also on sale is the Roomba j9+. This model doesnt mop, but it gives you powerful automated vacuuming in a stylish package that wont be an eyesore in your home. It has a three-stage cleaning system, multi-surface rubber brushes and high-end suction.
This model is usually a daunting $899, but you can get the Roomba j9+ for $619. Use Engadgets code ENGDT270 during your checkout at Wellbots.
Finally, the Roomba Combo j7+ is a slightly older vacuum / mop model with high-end features. It has a 96.4 percent debris removal rate, obstacle avoidance and a four-stage cleaning system. This model has an edge-sweeping brush, dual multi-surface rubber brushes and power-lifting suction. The Combo j7+ can empty itself for up to 60 days.
You can pick up the Roomba Combo j7+ for only $679 (compared to its usual $999). Just enter the coupon code ENGDT320 while checking out.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to te Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/irobot-roomba-vacuum-and-mop-machines-are-up-to-420-off-right-now-130046509.html?src=rss
Google Search has always had one serious drawback if you're not paying attention, it's easy to click on a fraudulent site that's mimicking a real business. Now, the company appears to be testing a long-overdue solution: blue verified checkmarks that show a company is legitimate.
The checks started appearing next to official site links for corporations including Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Amazon, according to a report from The Verge. The checks aren't showing for all users, though, and Google confirmed that the feature is still in testing.
"We regularly experiment with features that help shoppers identify trustworthy businesses online, and we are currently running a small experiment showing checkmarks next to certain businesses on Google," a Google spokesperson told The Verge.
If you hover over a checkmark, a message pops up stating "this icon is being shown because Google's signals suggest that this business is the business that it says it is. Google can't guarantee the reliability of this business or its products."
The implementation appears to be based on Google's Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) feature. That first appeared for Gmail, adding authenticated logos for emails from participating companies. The implementation is different in the Search tests, but may draw from the same database of organizations. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-search-is-testing-verified-checkmarks-for-legitimate-businesses-123047155.html?src=rss
Games Done Quick, the organization that organizes charity game marathons featuring high-level speedrunners, has just announced its latest fundraiser. The group will hold an event called Disaster Relief Done Quick in support of the humanitarian nonprofit Direct Relief to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene, it announced in a tweet and press release.
"Hurricane Helene [was] a life-threatening Category 4 hurricane that has left over 200 dead, millions without power and caused significant flooding and evacuations in the US Southeast," Games Done Quick wrote. "Disaster Relief Done Quick will begin on October 11 at 6PM EDT and conclude on October 13 at 11:59 PM EDT."
From Oct. 11th-13th we will be holding a Disaster Relief Done Quick event to help support those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene.Donations during the event will go to @DirectReliefRun submissions are open now until Oct. 6th 11:59PM ET: https://t.co/JzvuiOI0p9 Games Done Quick #AGDQ2025 (@GamesDoneQuick) October 3, 2024
If you're interested in watching you can do so at GDQ's Twitch channel. Multiple speedrunners and streamers have already submitted runs across games including Zelda: Four Swords, The Sims 4 and Tony's Hawk's Pro Skater series.
Past GDQ events have raised large sums for charity, including the Awesome Games Done Quick 2024 which brought in $2.5 million for cancer research and Summer Games Done Quick 2024 ($2.55 million for Doctors Without Borders). Back in 2017, the organization raised $225,000 for Hurricane Harvey. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/games-done-quick-will-hold-a-fundraiser-for-people-affected-by-hurricane-helene-next-week-120010369.html?src=rss
I'd be cautious with your software updates if youve got a Galaxy phone with a 2019 vintage. An update rolling out from Samsung is reportedly bricking devices from the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 series of phones. 9to5Google reported some users had the same issue with Galaxy M51 and A90 models. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are five years old, running Android 12 and circling an age where they may not support updates.
Affected devices were apparently trapped in a bootloop and could not fully turn back on. Dont factory reset your device, though, as youll lose data.
Was this a dark plot to force you to buy a new Galaxy foldable? No. Samsung has now pulled the update and shared a newer version (2.2.03.1) without the issue make sure you check that update number.
Mat Smith
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Texas is suing TikTok for allegedly violating its new child privacy law
The lawsuit comes barely a month after the state enacted the law.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the company violated a new child privacy law in the state. Itll be the first test of Texas Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act. It requires social media platforms to verify the ages of younger users and offer parental control features, including the ability for parents to opt their children out of data collection.
Paxton alleges TikToks existing parental control features are insufficient, lacking parental tools that allow them to control or limit most of a known minors privacy and account settings.
Continue reading.
YouTube Shorts are getting longer
The update will triple the length to three minutes.
Starting on October 15, YouTube is increasing Shorts video limits from one to three minutes. For reference, TikTok, arguably its biggest competitor, has allowed users to share 10-minute videos for over two years. The company is working on letting you pull clips from across YouTube through the Shorts camera and make remix clips. If Shorts arent your thing, it will also be easier to skip them as YouTube is introducing a tool to show fewer Shorts, although this is only temporary.
Continue reading.
NASAs latest supernova image could tell us how fast the universe is expanding
The James Webb Space Telescope captured the image.
NASA
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a supernova three times, at three different periods during its explosion, in one image. The image could help scientists better understand how fast the universe is expanding. One image, above, captures a streak of light with three distinct dots that appear brighter than the rest of it. As Dr Brenda Frye from the University of Arizona explained, those dots correspond to an exploding white dwarf star. It is also gravitationally lensed there's a cluster of galaxies between here and the star, which bent the supernovas light into multiple images.
Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-112437965.html?src=rss
Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is close to releasing an updated iPhone SE, which will be its first update to the low-end model since 2022. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is also planning to use the phone as a launching pad for its in-house 5G modems. The company purchased the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion back in 2019 after taking steps to be more self-reliant and aggressively recruiting staff to make that happen. But it has yet to release devices that use the modems designed by its internal team.
Apple and Qualcomm have somewhat of a complicated history. Qualcomm sued Apple in 2017, accusing it of violating its patents related to its phones' ability to quickly connect to the internet after they're switched on, as well as patents related to battery efficiency, graphics processing and apps' capability to download data faster. They eventually settled their patent dispute after Apple agreed to pay Qualcomm royalties and to enter a six-year licensing deal, as well as a multi-year wireless chipset supply deal.
At the moment, Apple still equips its devices with Qualcomm-made 5G modems. Qualcomm also announced last year that it will continue providing modems to Apple until 2026. It's possible that Apple wants to put its in-house modem to the test with just one iPhone first before it puts its technology in more devices.
The iPhone SE 4 will look similar to the iPhone 14 (pictured above), 9to5Mac says, and will be powered by an A18 chip with 8GB of RAM that will make it possible for it to have some Apple Intelligence features. It will reportedly feature Face ID and will no longer have a home button like previous iPhone SEs, and the device will apparently have the iPhone 15's 48MP wide camera and 12MP front cam. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be unveiled next year, possibly sometime in the spring. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-will-reportedly-debut-its-in-house-5g-modem-with-the-iphone-se-4-103023682.html?src=rss
In the Philippines, the Christmas season spans the entire length of the 'ber' months, starting in September. To celebrate the unofficial yet widely-embraced start of the festive period, Manila-based cafe and coffee roaster Commune teamed up with Google Philippines on a limited edition Bibingka Latte. Drawing inspiration from a traditional Filipino Christmas delicacy, the espresso and steamed milk drink is topped with shredded queso de bola and salted egg, and decorated with a torched banana leaf.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok claiming the company violated a new child privacy law in the state. It's set to be the first test of Texas Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act since it went into effect just over a month ago.
Under the law, parts of which were struck down by a federal judge, social media platforms are required to verify the ages of younger users and offer parental control features, including the ability for parents to opt their children out of data collection.
Paxton alleges that TikToks existing parental control features are insufficient. "However, Defendants do not provide the parents or guardians of users known to be 13 to 17 years old with parental tools that allow them to control or limit most of a known minors privacy and account settings, the lawsuit states. For example, parents or guardians do not have the ability to control Defendants sharing, disclosing, and selling of a known minors personal identifying information, nor control Defendants ability to display targeted advertising to a known minor."
The lawsuit also argues that the apps Family Pairing tool isnt commercially reasonable because it requires parents to make their own TikTok account and because teens are free to deny their parents requests to set up the monitoring tool. TikTok didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The app already prohibits most targeted advertising to anyone younger than 18.
"We strongly disagree with these allegations and, in fact, we offer robust safeguards for teens and parents, including family pairing, all of which are publicly available," the company said in a statement shared on X. "We stand by the protections we provide families."
The lawsuit adds to TikToks growing legal challenges in the United States. The company is currently fighting a law that could result in a total ban of the app in the United States. Its also facing a separate Justice Department lawsuit related to child privacy.
Update, October 3, 2024, 8:05 PM ET: This story has been updated to add a statement from TikTok. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/texas-is-suing-tiktok-for-allegedly-violating-its-new-child-privacy-law-235432146.html?src=rss
