Author: alex

Apple sues ex‑Apple Watch engineer Chen Shi and Oppo over alleged trade secret theft Apple has filed a lawsuit naming former Sensor System Architect Chen Shi and smartphone maker Oppo, alleging that Shi stole trade secrets related to Apple Watch health‑sensing technologies and shared them with his new employer. Key points Chen Shi worked on the Apple Watch sensor team from January 2020 to June 2025, according to Apple’s complaint. Apple alleges Shi downloaded 63 files from a protected folder, copied them to a USB drive, and searched for ways to wipe his MacBook and cover access to shared files. The lawsuit claims the stolen material related to optical sensors, temperature sensors and ECG sensors, and that Shi messaged future Oppo employers saying he would "collect as much information as…

Assassin's Creed Mirage — Free Story DLC coming later this year Ubisoft has announced a free story DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage, adding a new chapter and missions for protagonist Basim set in 9th-century alUla. The studio also says the update will include gameplay improvements for both the new content and the base game. Ubisoft's official announcement: official X post. Key points: New free story chapter and Basim missions in alUla. Gameplay improvements to the base game and DLC. Release timing: "later this year" (no exact date provided). Background: Reports indicate the Mirage expansion was developed after Ubisoft partnered with Savvy Games Group; this follows earlier comments from developer Stéphane Boudon that the team had ideas to extend Basim's story despite the game shipping as a standalone experience. Assassin's Creed…

Anker 621 MagGo 5,000mAh Power Bank — On Sale for $28 (30% off) The Anker 621 MagGo power bank is currently discounted to $28 on Amazon (about 30% off). This compact 5,000mAh magnetic battery pack is designed to attach to MagSafe-compatible iPhones or phones in compatible magnetic cases, making it convenient to charge while you use your handset. Key details Capacity: 5,000 mAh Magnetic connection: Works with iPhones that have built-in magnets or with a MagSafe/magnetic case (won’t work with non-magnetic cases) Charging: Charges via included USB-C cable Size: Thin and light — easy to pocket or store in a bag Temperature note: Reported to run warm, reaching internal temps up to ~118°F; monitor during use Price and availability can change; check the current Amazon listing for the latest details.…

Waymo Granted NYC’s First Permit to Test Self-Driving Cars in Manhattan & Downtown Brooklyn Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC Department of Transportation have approved Waymo’s application to conduct pilot testing of autonomous vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. This marks the first-ever "testing deployment" permit granted by the city. Key details: Fleet cap: Up to 8 vehicles. Testing window: Through late September 2025, with an option to apply for an extension. Safety: Tests must include trained safety drivers behind the wheel for now (state law still bars fully driverless operations). Reporting: Waymo must regularly submit testing data to the NYC DOT and certify adherence to cybersecurity best practices. Background: Waymo announced plans earlier in 2025 to expand testing to 10 new cities. The company previously deployed vehicles…

HORI Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 — $40 (record low)The HORI Piranha Plant camera, designed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2, is on sale for a record-low $40 (down from $60). It’s a charming, plug-and-play accessory ideal for games that support the Switch 2 camera, like Mario Kart World and recent campfire-sim titles.Key featuresResolution: 640 × 480 pixelsFrame rate: 30 FPSDetachable Piranha Plant camera unit with flexible neckPrivacy shutter — close the plant’s mouth to block the lensUSB connection (USB-C) and includes cableThe pot doubles as a stand and USB extension; plant detaches for portable modeDesigned for Nintendo Switch 2 compatibilityWhere to buyAmazon (affiliate search link): HORI Piranha Plant Camera on AmazonOther retailers with listings include Best Buy and Nintendo’s online store (prices may vary).Why it’s worth itAside from…

Labor Day 2025: Top Tech Picks & Deals Labor Day can be a great time to save on tech—especially if you’re heading back to school or buying for someone going to campus. Below are Engadget’s top picks and current discounts (prices/availability vary): Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $169 (32% off). Best for Apple users: ANC, onboard volume controls. Shop: AirPods Pro 2 on Amazon Apple iPad (11-inch, A16) — $299 ($50 off). Solid performance and 128GB base storage. Shop: iPad (11-inch, A16) on Amazon Apple Mac mini M4 — $499 ($100 off). Latest tiny desktop; availability on Amazon is limited as of now. Google Pixel 10 — $799 w/ $100 Amazon gift card (preorder bundle). Product availability may vary. Blink Outdoor 4 (3-camera system) — $100 (47% off). Wireless, AA-battery-powered…

Bluesky blocks Mississippi users over new age-verification law Decentralized social network Bluesky has blocked access from Mississippi IP addresses after the state passed a strict age-verification law (HB 1126) that requires social platforms to verify the age of every user before allowing access. Why Bluesky blocked Mississippi Bluesky says the law would force the platform to collect sensitive identity data from all users, not just check ages for specific content or features. The company said its small team lacks the resources to build the required verification systems, parental-consent workflows and compliance infrastructure. Mississippi’s law carries heavy penalties — reports cite fines up to $10,000 per user for noncompliance. Bluesky argues the law disproportionately burdens smaller platforms and entrenches big tech, reducing competition and innovation. Legal context Bluesky noted it already…

Indie Games Roundup — Gamescom Week: Silksong, Delays & New ReleasesHollow Knight: Silksong now has a release date — September 4. Its arrival at Gamescom dominated the conversation and prompted some developers to shift their launch windows to avoid the shadow of a major sequel. Notable delays: CloverPit moved from Sept 3 to Sept 26; Faeland (Talegames) and Aeterna Lucis (Aeternum Game Studios) were pushed into 2026.Why this mattersSilksong has been the most wishlisted title on Steam, featured in Xbox handheld reveals, and follows an indie blockbuster that sold over 15 million copies. It will likely dominate attention for weeks after release.New releases to checkSword of the Sea (PS5, PC) — $30; relaxing exploration and smooth movement from Giant Squid.Herdling (multi-platform) — guide a herd to a mountain summit; launch…

U.S. government to acquire $8.9B (≈9.9%) stake in Intel President Donald Trump and Intel reached an agreement for the U.S. government to invest $8.9 billion to acquire approximately a 9.9% stake in Intel common stock at $20.47 per share. The investment is described as passive with no board representation; Intel says the government agreed to vote with the company's board on shareholder matters with limited exceptions. Key facts Investment: $8.9 billion (≈9.9% of Intel common stock) Price: $20.47 per share Funding sources: $5.7B from previously earmarked CHIPS Act funds and $3.2B from the Secure Enclave program Prior CHIPS grants: Intel had already received $2.2B in CHIPS grants, bringing total government support to $11.1B Governance: Common stock (voting rights); Intel calls the investment passive with no board seat and an agreement…

Abxylute 3D One — glasses-free 3D handheld: specs, price & release Abxylute has announced the 3D One, a high-end gaming PC handheld that pairs a glasses‑free 3D display with detachable Joy‑Con‑style controllers. The device aims to combine PC gaming power with naked‑eye 3D tech and a convertible form factor. Key reported specs Display: glasses‑free 3D (reported sizes vary: Engadget reported ~11"; Abxylute/other sources list 15.6") Processor: Intel Lunar Lake series (reported prototype collaboration with Intel/Tencent) Memory: reported 32GB LPDDR5X Refresh rate: reported 120Hz Controllers: detachable Joy‑Con‑style controllers; optional keyboard with trackpad Extras: built‑in kickstand, software to convert 2D photos/video to 3D, eye‑tracking for the 3D effect Price & availability Multiple sources report a target price under $1,700 (often cited as ~$1,699). Abxylute lists a late September / early October 2025…