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This week Meta held its first-ever AI dev conference, LlamaCon, focused on the development of its Llama generative AI model. But while there was plenty of hype, not much happened, besides the launch of the Meta AI app and a new Llama API. In this episode, Engadget Senior Reporter Karissa Bell joins us to talk about her thoughts on LlamaCon after attending in person. After just announcing its latest Llama models a few weeks ago, it was as if Meta didn't have much else to say. Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topics Metas Muted LlamaCon: who was the AI dev conference really for? 1:31 Court orders Apple to stop collecting app fees outside of the iTunes store 21:44 Microsoft announces Xbox series X and S prices are going up 25:22 NPR report: DOGE employees may have access to U.S. nuclear secrets 26:44 New EV startup Slate to offer a barebones pickup for $20k (after tax breaks) 30:47 Swiss academics use AI to influence public opinion on Reddit 35:08 Duolingo to replace contract workers with AI 40:19 Working on 47:50 Pop culture picks 50:56 Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Karissa BellProducer: Ben EllmanMusic: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-metas-first-llamacon-was-kind-of-a-bust-113008156.html?src=rss
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Microsoft is dramatically increasing the price of the Xbox Series X and Series S as well as new games and accessories. The Series S will start at $380, up from $300, while the Series X will begin at $550, a $100 increase on its previous price. The company is also increasing the prices of pretty much all its first-party products and peripherals. A basic controller will now cost $65. Microsoft is also increasing pricing in Europe, UK, Australia and many other countries. Microsoft, however, isnt pointing the finger at tariffs: We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development, the company said. Its unusual for a mid-generation console to increase in price typically, companies launch a slightly more expensive, better-specced iteration instead. Also this week, Samsungs chief financial officer Soon-cheol Park told reporters The ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies continues to pose a potential risk of demand slowdown. Park said US tariff policies and stronger export controls against artificial intelligence products are expected to have an impact on demand. In addition to a downward trend on sales, the company also expects tariffs to raise prices for the components it uses on its mobile phones so expect more expensive smartphones down the line. The recent addition to upward pricing is DJIs popular Ozmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera. Up from a launch price of $520, its gone way up to $799. (DJI had already bumped the price up last month to $620.) The base camera is now more expensive than the Creator Kit available at launch. Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest stories you might have missed Apple sends spyware warnings to iPhone users in 100 countries Rivian R1S Gen 2 review: The rugged foundation of Rivians electric empire VR is helping to make daunting medical treatments more bearable for patients The best way to compost your food scraps The BBC used AI (and an actor) to bring Agatha Christie back to life With approval from her estate. BBC BBC Maestro offers classes and courses similar to Masterclass, but with a British twist. Its latest tutor, however, died in 1976. Agatha Christie has been digitally revived to teach us all how to write murder mysteries with no reference to smartphones and the internet. A blend of licensed images, limited footage and past audio recordings converged to create Christies likeness. This was fused with recorded footage of actor Vivien Keene, who performs the words of Christie on video. I got to briefly watch some of the lessons. Theres still a glint of uncanny valley, of course, (I think its something to do with the eyes?), but even BBC Maestro CEO Michael Levine noted that since the projects inception a few years ago, the technology had evolved so quickly that the team was able to do even more than it first thought possible. Continue reading. Canon Powershot V1 camera review A powerful compact capable of capturing incredible video. Engadget Canons PowerShot V1 is a versatile hybrid camera with excellent video and image quality thanks to the unusually large sensor. It goes up against Sonys ZV-1 II and beats it in multiple ways, including a built-in fan to minimize overheating. Its also capable of 10-bit log 4K video for those willing to dig into higher-quality footage. The PowerShot V1 is bound to be a hit because it delivers both on video and photo quality. Continue reading. Sam Altman's eyeball-scanning ID technology debuts in the US World is opening six locations across the country. A startup co-founded by Sam Altman has launched its World eyeball-scanning identity verification systm in the US. During an event in San Francisco, Altman reportedly said Worlds technology provides a way to make sure humans remained central and special in a world where the internet had a lot of AI-driven content. Altman is also one of the founders and is currently the CEO of OpenAI, of Chat-GPT fame. (Or infamy.) The project uses basketball-sized spherical objects called Orbs to scan the users irises, which it turns into their unique IrisCode. It then uses that information to create a World ID for the user, which they can use to log into integrated platforms, including Minecraft and Reddit. Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111538265.html?src=rss
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Marketing and Advertising
A barebones EV that will cost just USD 20K after a federal tax credit, the newly announced Slate truck backed by Jeff Bezos is creating a lot of buzz. Not just for its low price but also for how it challenges automotive norms. Here's how the vehicle aligns with four consumer trends:SAVINGS BY DESIGNIn a market where economic uncertainty has consumers scrutinizing every purchase, Slate's no-frills approach to affordability is baked in:Molded plastic bodies instead of costly paint jobs Manual windows and other simplified controls Bring-your-own-tech philosophy leverages devices people already ownUPGRADIAThe truck's modular design makes for unusual levels of ongoing customization. Drivers can adapt the vehicle to their personal style and changing needs or add more luxury when they've saved up for it: Transformation from two-seat pickup to five-seat SUV without specialized tools 100+ 'Slate Attach Points' accommodate a wide range of accessories Wrap kits starting around USD 500 enable affordable color changesSECOND LOVESlate extends the concept of vehicle longevity by empowering owners to maintain and repair their own trucks: A dedicated learning platform called Slate U provides step-by-step videos and tutorials DIY-friendly design makes repairs accessible to non-mechanics "You'll go from Slate novice to DIY master in no time"MANUAL MODEWhile most auto manufacturers have gone all in on touchscreens and automatic everything, Slate recognizes people are willing to sacrifice a bit of convenience for a lower price and mechanical simplicity: Manual windows have an analog charm Simplified systems reduce electronic failure points Basic design elements favor function over (excessive techWhat if the future of driving isn't smarter tech, but smarter trade-offs? Slate is betting drivers are ready to swap excess for agency. By stripping away legacy expectations and letting owners build up from zero, Slate speaks to consumers raised on IKEA, Roblox and iPhones with cracked screens practical, hands-on and unafraid of a little hacking.
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