Amazon reportedly bumped back its AI-powered Alexa to next year

If you’re wondering what happened to Amazon’s new and improved version of its Alexa voice assistant, you’re not alone. Bloomberg reports that the new Alexa is still stuck in its developmental phase and Amazon has cut off access to its beta phase including its new “Let’s Chat” phase. As a result, a planned late 2024… Continue reading Amazon reportedly bumped back its AI-powered Alexa to next year

Disney forms dedicated AI and XR group to coordinate company-wide use and adoption

Disney is adding another layer to its AI and extended reality strategies. As first reported by Reuters, the company recently formed a dedicated emerging technologies unit. Dubbed the Office of Technology Enablement, the group will coordinate the company’s exploration, adoption and use of artificial intelligence, AR and VR tech. It has tapped Jamie Voris, previously… Continue reading Disney forms dedicated AI and XR group to coordinate company-wide use and adoption

Greg Hildebrandt, iconic Star Wars and Lord of the Rings artist, has died at 85

One of fantasy and sci-fi’s all-time greats has passed away. Artist Greg Hildebrandt, known for his iconic work on Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel and Magic: The Gathering, died on Thursday at 85. He and his twin brother Tim, who died in 2006, were a powerhouse duo — the Brothers Hildebrandt — until… Continue reading Greg Hildebrandt, iconic Star Wars and Lord of the Rings artist, has died at 85

Instagram reorganizes message requests for creators

A new update for Instagram posted earlier today could fix one of the most frustrating problems for creators. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, announced a new filtering update on Instagram for creators’ inboxes. Instagram users with a creator-designated account can now filter message requests in their inbox based on its sender in a similar… Continue reading Instagram reorganizes message requests for creators

Audible is offering three months for $3 in an early Black Friday deal

Audible is offering a sweet promotion as an early Black Friday deal, allowing new users to sign up for three months of its Premium Plus plan for just $3. That breaks down to $1 per month. It’s only for new users, so anyone who has previously dipped their toes in the Audible waters are out… Continue reading Audible is offering three months for $3 in an early Black Friday deal

Atari 50’s console-war expansion adds 19 more games on November 8

Atari and developer Digital Eclipse have announced details of the next paid expansion for Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, a remarkable collection that’s both a compilation of many of the publisher’s games and a documentary about its half-century history. This second DLC is called The First Console War and it highlights the rivalry with Mattel’s… Continue reading Atari 50’s console-war expansion adds 19 more games on November 8

Polestar delivers the first US-made Polestar 3 EVs

The first American-made Polestar EVs are now on the road. The Swedish automaker said on Friday it delivered the first Polestar 3 SUVs to US and Canadian customers. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Biden in 2022, incentivizes automakers to manufacture EVs in the US, offering tax credits for companies and buyers. Polestar began… Continue reading Polestar delivers the first US-made Polestar 3 EVs

Bose’s latest QuietComfort headphones return to a record-low price ahead of Black Friday

The newest version of Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are on sale via Amazon for just $200. This ties a record-low price, as these headphones typically cost $350. All told, the early Black Friday sale represents a discount of 43 percent. Most colorways are included with this deal, so have at it. A version of these cans… Continue reading Bose’s latest QuietComfort headphones return to a record-low price ahead of Black Friday

Amazon Prime ‘free’ games for November include Dishonored and Guardians of the Galaxy

It’s the start of a new month and, as always, Amazon is set to give away a ton of PC games to Prime members. Once again, it’s a pretty strong lineup. There’s a broad range of offerings from immersive sims and classic platformers to splashy action-adventure titles and chaotic cooking simulators. Marvel’s Guardians of the… Continue reading Amazon Prime ‘free’ games for November include Dishonored and Guardians of the Galaxy

Apple is buying the developer of one of the iPhone’s best photo-editing apps

Apple is set to buy a notable developer of photo-editing apps. The company is acquiring Pixelmator, pending regulatory approval. Terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed. While it seems likely that Apple will eventually bake some of Pixelmator’s tech into its own Camera and Photos apps, the latter said “there will be no material changes… Continue reading Apple is buying the developer of one of the iPhone’s best photo-editing apps