Netflix might have started (or is at least looking to start) testing games for TV, based on code within its app that developer Steve Moser has shared with [_Bloomberg_](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-30/netflix-tests-idea-of-expanding-gaming-service-to-televisions?sref=10lNAhZ9). Moser reportedly found hidden code referencing games played on television, as well as additional code that indicates the possibility of being able to use phones as controllers to play them. One line from within the app apparently reads: "A game on your TV needs a controller to play. Do you want to use this phone as a game controller?" Moser also previously [found hints](https://www.engadget.com/netflix-with-ads-might-not-come-with-offline-viewing-050151752.html) that the service's then-upcoming ad-supported plan might not come with offline viewing. He turned out to be [spot on](https://www.engadget.com/netflix-basic-with-ads-explainer-190555318.html). 

The streaming giant launched its gaming experience on [Android](https://www.engadget.com/netflix-games-mobile-stranger-things-android-ios-171232076.html), [iPhones and iPads](https://www.engadget.com/netflix-games-iphone-ipad-ios-182421405.html) in 2021. It requires mobile users to download games from the App Store or from Google Play due to rules set by Apple and Google. But since the point of these games is to increase engagement and retain users, they can be launched from within the Netflix app and an active subscription is necessary to be able to access them. On the Netflix app for TV, these games are notably absent. 

It remains to be seen how the company intends to implement gaming on TVs and whether it will also require users to download the games before being able to play them. Netflix VP of game development Mike Verdu [said last year](https://www.protocol.com/bulletins/netflix-cloud-gaming-confirmed), though, that the company was "seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering" and that it's looking to launch more than just casual games for television. 

For now, users will have to make do with what's available on mobile. At the moment, Netflix's catalogue has around 55 titles available, though it's [rolling out 40 more games](https://www.engadget.com/netflix-plans-to-add-roughly-40-more-titles-to-its-mobile-game-library-this-year-140014333.html) throughout 2023.

Netflix's TV Gaming Plan Allows iPhone to Be Used as Controller

Netflix could soon allow you to use your phone to control games on your TV

Netflix is testing TV games that can use phones as controllers

Amazon has begun displaying a warning about frequently returned items as the company tightens its belt in response to shaky finances and an uncertain economy. Industry-wide e-commerce returns skyrocketed during pandemic lockdowns. Although they’ve declined, they’re still well above pre-pandemic numbers.

The retailer’s new badge [reads](https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/28/23659868/amazon-returns-warning-product-reviews-tag-feature), “Frequently returned item: Check the product details and customer reviews to learn more about this item.” However, it doesn’t appear visible to everyone (my Amazon account doesn’t show it when viewing the [record player](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Qcm8tSmVjdC1BMS1BdXRvbWF0aWMtcHJlLUFkanVzdGVkLXN3aXRjaGFibGUvZHAvQjA5UktRR0dXTC8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tcWMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJmODgwYzI3LTY4YjktNGFlNy1hMTZiLTJhNWM0MjE5Yjg4ZSJ9&signature=AQAAAXea4tBcEcL-IUshX7UWuLZSA6jDMaT4YaoY4SpRoZqu&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPro-Ject-A1-Automatic-pre-Adjusted-switchable%2Fdp%2FB09RKQGGWL%2F) and [dresses](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9UZW1vZm9uLVdvbWVucy1EcmVzc2VzLUJvaGVtaWFuLVByaW50ZWQvZHAvQjA3UTRUMkg1WS8_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tcWMtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJmODgwYzI3LTY4YjktNGFlNy1hMTZiLTJhNWM0MjE5Yjg4ZSJ9&signature=AQAAASH2vV_Ahe8qlpU1aO9CoIGYO3P9IVS_3xNn21eSE3-Q&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTemofon-Womens-Dresses-Bohemian-Printed%2Fdp%2FB07Q4T2H5Y%2F) that _The Information_[reported on](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ba0a4cdc-cec8-416a-9e93-e11b8179129c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Information&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJiYTBhNGNkYy1jZWM4LTQxNmEtOWU5My1lMTFiODE3OTEyOWMiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlaW5mb3JtYXRpb24uY29tL2FydGljbGVzL2FtYXpvbi1zdGFydHMtd2FybmluZy1jdXN0b21lcnMtYWJvdXQtZnJlcXVlbnRseS1yZXR1cm5lZC1pdGVtcyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMmY4ODBjMjctNjhiOS00YWU3LWExNmItMmE1YzQyMTliODhlIn0&signature=AQAAAbJcADkWpJLBBLkfMvrHKGiRYIlnmRSLQ_fbmygt5Giv&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theinformation.com%2Farticles%2Famazon-starts-warning-customers-about-frequently-returned-items)). That may suggest Amazon is deploying a gradual rollout or a limited test. In addition, the tagged products all appear to be from third-party vendors fulfilled by Amazon.

![An Amazon product page for a record player with an orange and yellow](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-03/33647640-cd90-11ed-aebd-3891698ad891)

Amazon / The Verge

Product returns and exchanges are a convenience businesses use to help customers shop confidently, but they can also be expensive. Return-related costs include shipping, processing the returned inventory and other miscellaneous expenses. The company likely hopes the label will nudge sellers to modify their listings or products, as a prominent alert could seriously damage an item’s sales. Of course, retailers factor returns into their pricing, but with rates higher than usual as companies cut spending (Amazon has [announced layoffs](https://www.engadget.com/amazon-will-lay-off-another-9000-employees-in-the-coming-weeks-152653190.html) for 27,000 employees this year), it makes sense it would crack down.

Some sellers have said their customers return items at a higher clip on Amazon than when bought from other outlets, a discrepancy they chalk up to Amazon’s easy checkout process and fast Prime shipping. The retailer has already passed on some of the extra expenses to vendors, as it raised fees for “Fulfilled by Amazon” sellers earlier this year.

“We’re currently showing return rate information on some product detail pages to help our customers make more informed purchase decisions,” Amazon spokesperson Betsy Harden confirmed to _The Information_ this week. It isn’t the first time Amazon has highlighted sales data publicly: The company recently began displaying a badge showing how many sales a product made (for example, “100K+ bought in past month”).

In December, the National Retail Foundation (NRF) [reported](https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/2022-retail-returns-rate-remains-flat-816-billion) that online return rates rose to 18 percent in 2020 — when customers tallied $428 billion in returned merchandise — from a mere 8.1 percent [in 2019](https://apprisscorp.com/retail/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/01/AR3019-2019-Customer-Returns-in-the-Retail-Industry.pdf). They only dropped slightly to 16.5 percent last year. Unfortunately, bogus returns are another concern: The NRF says retailers lose $10.40 to return fraud for every $100 in returned merchandise.



Amazon begins flagging ‘frequently returned’ products

Meta's publishing arm for virtual reality games is now officially called [Oculus Publishing](https://developer.oculus.com/blog/oculus-publishing-announcement-news-gdc-2023/). It's a completely different division from Oculus Studios, which is the company's label for first-party games. Oculus Publishing will instead support partner developers with conceptualization, funding, technological help, as well as promotion and merchandising. While the name is new, the division itself isn't. It had previously funded and supported over 300 titles, including [_Among Us VR_](https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-showcase-nfl-vr-game-moss-book-2-among-us-172621081.html), _Bonelab_ and _The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners_.

The company has also revealed that Oculus Publishing has over 150 titles currently in development, which bodes well for the Quest 3 that's [expected to arrive this year](https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-3-2023-233025187.html). Previous reports suggested that the next-gen Quest will be thinner and more powerful than its predecessor and will have mixed reality capabilities. That could mean that some of these new titles — Meta unfortunately didn't name any of them in its announcement — may have features that weren't possible for older games. 

At the moment, users still have more than 500 titles to choose from in the Meta Quest Store, and they seem to be doing well. Last year, the company said the games and apps on the store had surpassed $1.5 billion in revenue, with 40 titles grossing over $10 million. In addition, the number of titles that had reached $20 million in revenue had doubled year-over-year.

Meta's VR game publisher is now called 'Oculus Publishing'

So this is apparently what the Google Pixel 7a will look like. Vietnamese website [_Zing News_](https://zingnews.vn/tren-tay-chiec-google-pixel-7a-dau-tien-tren-the-gioi-post1391091.html) (via [_The Verge_](https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/13/23633069/google-pixel-7a-leak-vietnam)) has shared photos of what it says is a prototype of the upcoming midrange phone that programmers were using as a test device. After its owner leaked photos of it online, Google reportedly locked the phone remotely, but not before they were able to check that it was running Android 13 and had a 90 Hz screen option in the Settings app. They were also able to confirm that the device has 8 GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

As you can see, the phone comes with a camera bar like its predecessors, but it's metal with a matte finish unlike the [Pixel 6a's](https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-6a-review-battery-life-camera-samples-170025138.html) glass bar and the [Pixel 7's](https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-7-and-pixel-7-pro-review-still-the-best-bargain-in-flagship-phones-170031940.html) polished aluminum one. It seems to have two 12-megapixel cameras — one standard and one super wide angle — like the Pixel 6a, as well.

The case itself is composed of two glass sides with a metal frame that has cutouts for the speakers and the USB-C charging port at the bottom. Along its edges, there's a slot for the SIM tray that can accommodate a single physical SIM card. The owner, who reportedly purchased the device from an acquaintance, wasn't able to confirm whether it has eSIM support. On the front with with its screen switched on, it's easy to see that it still has the 6a's thick bezel and a rather large front cam cutout. 

These new images and details confirm information from previous leaks, which included [renders](https://www.engadget.com/pixel-7a-renders-leak-185809552.html) that showed a phone that looks similar to the Pixel 6a. Older photos also showed a device with a "Smooth Display" capability, allowing users to adjust its refresh rate [from 60Hz to 90Hz](https://www.engadget.com/google-pixel-7a-leak-video-90hz-smooth-display-185534569.html), which is a first for the A-series line.

Google has yet to announce the Pixel 7a, but it has historically introduced its Pixel A devices at its annual I/O event. This year, the keynote for the developer conference will take place on May 10th. 

Google's upcoming Pixel 7a is already in someone's hand

Apple said it was [building a standalone app](https://www.engadget.com/apple-music-classical-primephonic-acquisition-170552828.html) for classical music when it purchased, and subsequently shut down, the Primephonic streaming service. That was 2021, and until now, we haven't known when the new software would be available. The company announced today that Apple Music Classical will be available on March 28th as part of an existing [Apple Music](https://www.engadget.com/apple-music-sing-karaoke-160939731.html) subscription. Users on the individual, student, family or Apple One plans will get access, but customers on the Apple Music Voice Plan won't be able to use the new app. 

At launch, Apple Music Classical will be available on all iPhones that run iOS 15.4 or later. Apple says a version of the app for Android is "coming soon." The catalog includes over five million tracks spanning new releases to "celebrated masterpieces." Apple says you'll be able to stream up to192 kHz/24 bit [high-resolution lossless](https://www.engadget.com/the-best-dac-for-lossless-high-resolution-music-iphone-android-160056147.html) audio quality and "thousands" of recordings are available [in spatial audio](https://www.engadget.com/sonos-speakers-will-support-apple-music-spatial-audio-starting-march-28th-161505844.html). The company also explains that a portion of its classical library is "thousands" of exclusive albums. 

In addition to the music, you can expect to browse written content like composer biographies, descriptions of key works and "deep-dive guides." Apple also says it rebuilt the app's search feature specifically for classical music queries and the app will serve up over 700 curated playlists. Overall, the app carries much of the same design as the main Apple Music software, although one key change is the company has swapped out the modern sans serif font for a serif for the main titles and section headings. The navigation bar is just four buttons in Apple Music Classical — Listen Now, Browse, Library and Search — as the Radio shortcut has been removed. Lastly, the music note on the app icon has been replaced with a treble clef.

Apple is letting eager listeners "pre-order" the app starting today [in the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id1598433714). Once you do, Apple Music Classical will automatically download on launch day as long as you have Auto Update selected in iOS settings. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-music-classical-arrives-on-march-28th-150050269.html?src=rss

Feeling fancy? Apple Music Classical is a new app for your sophisticated music fix.

Apple Music Classical finally makes its debut performance

Apple launches Apple Music Classical app

Apple Music Classical arrives on March 28th

The [PlayStation 5 update](https://www.engadget.com/sony-playstation-5-review-130048353.html) that comes with support for Discord voice chats on the console has now made its way out of beta and to all PS5 gamers. Those who've already installed [System Update 7.0](https://wccftech.com/playstation-5-system-update-7-0/) can now activate Discord calls on their console, so long as they don't mind setting it up. They'd have to link their PlayStation Network account to Discord to start with, and then they'd have to select Discord under "Linked Services" before completing the integration through either a QR code or the PS5 browser. Every time they want to chat with their friends, they'd have to use a mobile device or a PC to transfer a call to the PS5 first.

The process is a bit involved, but Microsoft made it possible to join Discord calls [directly from the Xbox](https://www.engadget.com/xbox-november-update-discord-twitch-181425153.html) in November last year. We're hoping Sony can do the same in the future. As [_The Verge_](https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/8/23630228/sony-ps5-update-discord-1440p-vrr-support) notes, the PS5's Discord integration doesn't include text messages and streams just yet, so you won't be able to access those on the console.

In addition, the latest update adds Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for HDMI 2.1 displays with 1440p resolution. That [translates to](https://wccftech.com/ps5-vrr-support-to-be-added-in-future-software-update-sony-confirms/) less stuttering and input lags for games that support VRR, since the feature enables a display to match the PS5's current frame rate output. Players will also encounter a new notification when they download or install a PS4 game on the PS5, telling them that they have saved data in their PSN cloud storage. All they have to do to download that data is to select the notification. 

The update brings improvements to the console's screen reader, as well, giving it the capability to tell users which direction they can move and what their current position is. Players can now also update their controller's software wirelessly, and for people in the US and the UK, saving a video clip of their game is as easy as issuing a voice command. They can simply say: "Hey PlayStation, capture that!" 

Sony just released the beta version of this update in February. PS5 owners now just have to wait for it to hit their consoles or check out the [PlayStation support page](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=0f845666-5cc0-42c7-863d-d873ae1b6087&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=PlayStation&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiIwZjg0NTY2Ni01Y2MwLTQyYzctODYzZC1kODczYWUxYjYwODciLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGxheXN0YXRpb24uY29tL2VuLXVzL3N1cHBvcnQvaGFyZHdhcmUvcHM1L3N5c3RlbS1zb2Z0d2FyZS8jdXBkYXRlIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJkNGVjNGEwNy1hZjJiLTRkZTMtYjliNy1hZWZmMTg5MzA5MTYifQ&signature=AQAAAasN8LzcGrBlcfznNvjs3QhTSXI2WiLi2FP4moE2e9C5&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.playstation.com%2Fen-us%2Fsupport%2Fhardware%2Fps5%2Fsystem-software%2F%23update) for the latest system software update for the PS5 for more info. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sony-ps5-update-discord-voice-chat-rollout-131503910.html?src=rss

Sony's PS5 update with Discord voice chat begins rolling out to all

Meta has shared its latest augmented and virtual reality hardware roadmap with employees, and according to [_The Verge_](https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/28/23619730/meta-vr-oculus-ar-glasses-smartwatch-plans), it's planning to launch its first full-fledged AR glasses in 2027. While the company intends to release other AR glasses before then, the device it's launching in four years' time is the same one Mark Zuckerberg believes could become Meta's "[iPhone moment](https://www.engadget.com/meta-ar-glasses-2024-release-162237114.html)." That is, he thinks it could shake up the industry and could become as popular as the iPhone. 

The glasses will reportedly have the capability to project avatars as high-quality holograms superimposed on top of the real world — they're also expected to be quite expensive. Employees will get the chance to take first crack at testing the device in 2024 before it makes its way to the public as Meta's "Innovation" line of advanced smart glasses for the earliest adopters. 

The company also discussed the other AR and VR devices it's launching before its full-fledged AR glasses are ready, _The Verge_ says. This fall, it's apparently releasing a follow-up to [Ray-Ban Stories](https://www.engadget.com/facebook-ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-ar-160006477.html), which it developed in partnership with Luxottica. The [Quest 3](https://www.engadget.com/meta-quest-3-2023-233025187.html) headset, which is expected to be twice as thin and as powerful as the Quest 2, will also be available later this year. In 2024, Meta also plans to launch a VR headset codenamed "Ventura," which it intends to sell "at the most attractive price point in the VR consumer market." 

A year after that, in 2025, Meta plans to launch the third-generation Ray-Ban Stories. It will feature a display called the "viewfinder" designed to view incoming texts, scan QR codes and translate messages to other languages in real time. Users will reportedly be able to control the glasses with hand movements and will eventually be able to type messages using a virtual keyboard. In addition, Meta is developing a smartwatch to go with these particular glasses.

Meta isn't the only big technology company with plans to launch AR and VR glasses and headsets over the next few years. Apple is believed to be [debuting](https://www.engadget.com/apple-mixed-reality-headset-wwdc-2023-announcement-221042779.html) its long-awaited mixed reality headset at WWDC in June. It's expected to have advanced features, such as dual 4K displays and controller-free input, and to cost as much as $3,000. However, reports suggest that Apple is [working on a cheaper version](https://www.engadget.com/apple-reportedly-working-cheaper-mixed-reality-headset-063000889.html) that more people will be able to afford.

Meta reportedly plans to launch its first true AR glasses in 2027

Three weeks after introducing the [new AI-infused Bing](https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-new-bing-edge-ai-copilot-hands-on-demo-test-chatgpt-openai-213332455.html?uuid=EKHYvtgJk9IGt34A1043), Microsoft is ready to shove it into Windows 11 with an [update coming today](https://nam06.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.windows.com%2Fwindowsexperience%2F%3Fp%3D178108&data=05%7C01%7Cmorui%40microsoft.com%7Cc4242b7bf2c24ea7c84f08db047c9801%7C72f988bf86f141af91ab2d7cd011db47%7C1%7C0%7C638108705396321432%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Dqquc4kV51545k%2F5iZuTnK9V6F%2FBymIBxP87enPOPK0%3D&reserved=0). If you're in the Bing AI preview, you'll be able to access all of its new features from the search box in the Windows 11 taskbar. Just imagine a slightly more streamlined version of what we saw with the [Bing AI on Edge](https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-new-bing-edge-ai-copilot-hands-on-demo-test-chatgpt-openai-213332455.html): In addition to general web searching, you can ask Bing natural language queries and its intelligent chatbot will reply conversationally. If you don't have access to the new Bing yet, you can still sign up for access on [Microsoft's waitlist](https://www.bing.com/new).

The impetus here is pretty clear. Now that people are _finally_ talking about Bing in a less derogatory way, Microsoft is aiming to infuse it into the very core of Windows 11. No need to open up Edge or switch your primary web browser. Last week, the company also rolled out the Bing AI preview on its [mobile apps and Skype](https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-brings-its-bing-ai-chatbot-to-mobile-apps-and-skype-173839923.html). More so than the expanding access, though, we'll be keeping a close eye on how Microsoft is improving Bing's capabilities, while also trying to [limit some of its bad behavior](https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-is-already-reversing-some-of-the-limits-it-put-on-bings-ai-chat-tools-212138986.html). Remember folks, [chatbots are just very good predictive text generators](https://www.engadget.com/chatgpt-is-suddenly-everywhere-are-we-ready-180031821.html), not arbiters of truth.

![Showing Phone Link connectivity with an iPhone, including text messages and voice calls.](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-02/e4900750-b6ba-11ed-b0b9-ebf242e360bb)

Microsoft

If you don't give a lick about Bing AI, this latest Windows 11 update is still packed with plenty of intriguing new features. For one, Windows Insiders will be able to test out [Phone Link for iPhones](https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-phone-link-supports-limited-iphone-syncing-in-preview-140005285.html), which will let you make calls and send texts from within Windows. (This follows Microsoft's recent [iCloud integration in Windows 11's Photos app](https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-icloud-photos-update-214218257.html).) Android users with Samsung phones, who have had access to Phone Link for a while now, will also be able to easily turn on their Wi-Fi hotspots and transfer their browser sessions. It'll be interesting to see how Microsoft's solution compares to [Intel's Unison app](https://www.engadget.com/intel-unison-iphone-android-windows-pc-integration-162018285.html), which supports calls, texts and file syncing between iPhones and select Windows 11 PCs.

Microsoft is also diving deeper into "touch" experiences with this update. If you've got a detachable or convertible PC, the taskbar will automatically shrink down to give you more screen real estate. A swipe up will let you use the taskbar as you normally would. For some users, this may be easier to deal with than having the taskbar hide itself entirely.

![Showing the minimized taskbar for touchscreen PCs.](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-02/e4900751-b6ba-11ed-b7ed-3c1120f5aae4)

The new minimized Windows 11 taskbar for detached touchscreen PCs.

Microsoft

Windows 11 is also expanding support for more braille displays, including three "Designed for Surface" devices from HumanWare. Microsoft this will make it easier to flip between its built-in Narrator screen reader and alternatives. Additionally, Windows' voice commands are coming out of preview, allowing you to have complete control of your PC without a mouse or keyboard. Microsoft expanded that functionality in its [2022 Windows 11 update](https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-2022-update-accessibility-170013018.html) — now it appears to be even [more robust](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-voice-access-to-control-your-pc-author-text-with-your-voice-4dcd23ee-f1b9-4fd1-bacc-862ab611f55d).

Here's a quick rundown of a few other features you'll find in today's Windows 11 update, which will roll out to users over the next few weeks. (As always, you can check for its availability in the Windows Update app.)

*   NotePad is officially getting tabs — it's no longer [limited to Windows Insiders](https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-humble-note-pad-might-become-one-of-the-first-tabbed-windows-11-apps-103408955.html).
    
*   Windows Studio Effects, which includes AI-driven features like background blurring and eye contact during video chats, are now accessible through the taskbar's quick settings.
    
*   You'll be able to quickly preview your video from the taskbar's Team's video chat button.
    
*   The Quick Assist app is faster, and you'll also be able to quickly switch between screen sharing and full control of another users PC. (Troubleshooting your parent's PC just got a bit easier.)
    
*   There are more widgets coming, including Xbox Game Pass, Phone Link, as well as some from third parties like Meta and Spotify. (In the two years since Windows 11's release, I've yet to see anyone actually use its widgets regularly.)
    
*   The Snippet Tool can now record your screen.
    
*   Enhanced energy recommendations will help you save a bit more power.
    
*   The Windows 365 app is now in the Microsoft Store, giving you quick access to Cloud PCs.
    

Microsoft's new Windows 11 update adds a button promoting its Bing A.I. chatbot

Microsoft brings its new AI-powered Bing to the Windows 11 taskbar

The Bing Chatbot Is Coming to Your Taskbar

Bing AI is coming to the Windows 11 taskbar, of course

Polar isn't as big a name in [fitness watches](https://www.engadget.com/best-gps-running-watch-141513957.html) as competitors like Garmin, but it believes it has a way to extend its footprint: license its technology to those rivals. The company is now making 25 fitness algorithms available to some companies. "Powered by Polar" watches can use the brand's activity, health and sleep tracking know-how in combination with their own hardware and services. Third parties won't have to pour years of research into their products just to get started, Polar claims.

The first watch to use Polar's framework is Casio's new G-Shock G-Squad GBD-H2000. There aren't many official details at tis stage, but the sequel to the GBD-H1000 is [expected](https://www.g-central.com/customer-receives-g-shock-gbd-h2000-by-mistake/) to feature a similarly chunky design while adding Polar's fitness science and a gyroscope. It should still include solar-assisted charging, GPS and a host of sensors that include an altimeter, barometer, compass and thermometer.

Polar isn't a complete stranger to offering fitness tech to business customers, such as online tracking tools. It has solutions for coaches, fitness classes, schools and teams. However, this is the first time it's providing tech directly to the competition. In theory, this brings advanced fitness tracking to a wider range of devices, and might let watchmakers consider fitness products that simply weren't options before now.

To some extent, though, this is an acknowledgment that Polar's [in-house watches](https://www.engadget.com/polar-pacer-pacer-pro-running-watch-2022-090008278.html) aren't the strongest sellers. The firm describes itself as a "top 10 player" in wearables, but that still leaves it trailing the heavyweights. Garmin was the only fitness-first watch brand whose shipments cracked the top five in the second quarter of 2022, according to Canalys [estimates](https://www.canalys.com/newsroom/global-wearable-band-market-Q2-2022?ctid=2943-be5227d4e6a3aa3f2b55b2b16c20419d), and it had 5.5 percent of the market. Algorithm licensing could help Polar boost its profits and influence regardless of how its device sales fare.

Polar is bringing its fitness tracking tech to rival watches

Back in late October, we saw Xiaomi releasing its [210W mobile charging tech](https://www.engadget.com/redmi-note-12-discovery-edition-210w-hypercharge-064020788.html) by way of its Redmi sub-brand, and this was eventually beaten by a [240W version](https://www.engadget.com/realme-gt-neo5-240w-supervooc-charging-100557408.html) from Realme — part of the Oppo and OnePlus family — in early February. Given that it's MWC week, today Xiaomi swiftly responded with a whopping 300W demo, which brought the charging time down to a little under five minutes — almost half that of the two aforementioned achievements. Xiaomi added that this new 300W charger comes in the same size as its earlier 210W counterpart, thanks to a better modular design plus heat dissipation on the inside.

The 300W demo featured a Redmi Note 12 Pro+ modified with a 4,100mAh battery, which is a little smaller than the 4,300mAh in the 210W Redmi Note 12 Discovery Edition (and the Realme has a far more generous 4,600mAh). As you can see in the video, the phone reached 20 percent in just a little over one minute, followed by the 50 percent mark in 2 minutes 12 seconds, and then 100 percent in just a little under 5 minutes. The power meter indicated a peak input of a little over 290W for the charger, and it also managed to sustain 280W and above for around two minutes at one point.

The company said the battery here pack more powerful 15C cells (as opposed to the 10C cells in the Discovery Edition), which consist of new carbon materials in place of some of the conventional graphite parts, thus reducing the electrodes' thickness by 35 percent. Together with an improved electrolyte formula, this lithium ion battery can pack a higher power density with a faster charge and discharge rate, while apparently reducing the amount of heat produced in the process. These ultra-thin cells are then stacked with thermal materials in between as part of a new "sandwich" design, in order to optimize heat dissipation while making better use of internal space. As far as safety is concerned, Xiaomi claimed that there are over 50 features built into the system to keep tabs on the current, voltage and temperature on each charging chip.

Xiaomi's announcement today has definitely set another milestone for the mobile industry, though the company didn't mention whether this 300W charging tech will be mass produced. Nor did Xiaomi share figures on charging cycles, which makes for a sober reminder of how battery lifespan can be affected by higher charging power.

Xiaomi debuts 300W charging, promising full charge in just 5 minutes

Xiaomi's 300W demo fully charges a phone in five minutes

Back in December, I got to play with [Honor’s second foldable, the Magic VS](https://www.engadget.com/honor-magic-vs-2022-prototype-hands-on-181503548.html), but the first one it will sell in the West. It was a Chinese-market prototype with several rough edges, but even so, it made a fairly compelling case for its own existence. Now, three months later, the company has rocked up to MWC with the finished version that’s intended to be sold on this side of the equator. The big news is the price, which is pegged at €1,599 (around $1,690) for the one model, with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, the same as Samsung’s Z Flip 4. The only difference is that, with Samsung’s handset, you’ll get 12GB RAM but only 256GB storage.

When I spent a few days with the handset, I found plenty of features that merited praise, like the fact it folds flat. Certainly, Honor feels that its second-generation hinge, which keeps the handset tidy in your pocket, is worthy of shouting about. And it has promised that the hinge will withstand 400,000 folds before conking out, and you’ll find yourself gravitating towards that internal screen more than you might expect. While not as well-equipped as the 6.45-inch exterior screen, the 7.9-inch foldable OLED is good enough to sit back and enjoy a movie, or your emails, with. And it’s fast enough to run pretty much anything you’d want to throw at it without breaking much of a sweat.

If there’s one wrinkle, it’s that these devices may not be the future of foldables as much as the narrower, more fashionable clamshells. Devices like [Oppo’s Find N2](https://www.engadget.com/oppo-find-n2-flip-hands-on-fixing-the-foldables-shortcomings-150021728.html) and [Samsung’s latest Z Flip](https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-review-camera-samples-specs-price-battery-life-170027529.html) are both more pocket-and-wallet-friendly than their swole counterparts. And that counts for a lot for folks who don’t feel the need to whip out a small tablet when they’re scrolling Instagram. But for the sort of people who, like me, are nerdy enough to want a machine they could theoretically do some work from while on the go, the meatier versions are still king.

Honor’s exciting folding phone finally makes it to Europe

MediaTek is set to demonstrate its new technology that can put two-way satellite communications on smartphones at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), which will take place from February 28th to March 3rd. Some of the devices that will show whether the semiconductor's product actually works will come from Motorola. The manufacturer will debut two satellite smartphones, the defy 2 and CAT S75, as well as a Bluetooth accessory that comes equipped with MediaTek's chip at the event. 

The company's response to [Qualcomm's](https://www.engadget.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-satellite-messaging-android-211037007.html) and [Apple's](https://www.engadget.com/iphone-14-sos-satellite-france-germany-ireland-uk-105506913.html) satellite technologies is a standalone chipset that can be added to any 4G or 5G phone. It uses the 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network standard instead of proprietary technologies like Qualcomm's and Apple's do, which means it can be used with any network that complies with the standard. MediaTek teamed up with a company called Bullitt to use the latter's Satellite Connect service and enable the satellite messaging feature on the aforementioned Motorola devices.

Another difference is that MediaTek's chips connect to Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit satellites instead of to satellites in Low Earth Orbit. The chipmaker says its technology enables not just emergency SOS texts like Apple's can, but also full two-way messaging. That means it can actually receive messages sent via satellite connection and not just send them. The iPhone 14, which debuted Apple's satellite tech, can't receive messages without a traditional cellular connection yet. Meanwhile, devices using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite tech will need to be manually refreshed for new messages.

The Motorola defy 2 smartphone and defy Bluetooth accessory will be released in the second quarter of the year across North America, Latin America and Canada and will be the first devices to offer MediaTek's satellite capabilities. 

![A table showing how MediaTek's satellite technology differs from Qualcomm's and Apple's.](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-02/07135740-b41e-11ed-afdf-889c3a944dca)

New MediaTek chip brings satellite texting to any handset, even the iPhone

MediaTek's satellite connectivity is set to be much more powerful than the iPhone's

MediaTek is set to unveil its own phone-to-satellite communication system next week

Apple's long-running quest to bring [blood glucose monitoring](https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-blood-sugar-rockley-photonics-212241562.html) to the Apple Watch appears to be moving forward. _Bloomberg_[sources](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-22/apple-watch-blood-glucose-monitor-could-revolutionize-diabetes-care-aapl?sref=10lNAhZ9) claim the company's no-prick monitoring is now at a "proof-of-concept stage" and good enough that it could come to market once it's smaller. The technology, which uses lasers to gauge glucose concentration under the skin, was previously tabletop sized but has reportedly advanced to the point where an iPhone-sized wearable prototype is in the works.

The system would not only help people with diabetes monitor their conditions, but would ideally alert people who are prediabetic, the insiders say. They could then make changes that prevent Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes.

Apple declined to comment. The project has supposedly been in development for a long time. It began in 2010, when an ailing Steve Jobs had his company buy blood glucose monitoring startup RareLight. Apple is said to have kept the effort secret by operating it as a seemingly isolated firm, Avolonte Health, but folded it into a previously unknown Exploratory Design Group (XDG). CEO Tim Cook, Apple Watch hardware lead Eugene Kim and other top leaders have been involved.

Any real-world product is likely years away, according to _Bloomberg_. The industry also doesn't have a great track record of bringing no-prick monitors to market. In 2018, Alphabet's health subsidiary Verily [scrapped plans for a smart contact lens](https://www.engadget.com/2018-11-16-verily-shelves-glucose-monitoring-contact-lens-project.html) that would have tracked glucose using tears. Even major brands with vast resources aren't guaranteed success, in other words, and it's not clear how accurate Apple's solution would be.

There are strong incentives to bring this tech to wearables. The Apple Watch is frequently marketed as a health device and can spot signs of atrial fibrillation, low blood oxygen levels and (as of [Series 8](https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-8-real-world-test-130031046.html)) ovulation cycles. Non-intrusive glucose monitoring could make it an indispensable tool for those with diabetes — you wouldn't need a [dedicated device](https://www.engadget.com/2015-08-27-the-dexcom-g5-lets-diabetics-track-blood-sugar-on-their-phone.html) that invades your skin, such as a continuous glucose sensor that sends info from an electrode-equipped thin needle to an external receiver. That painless approach could give the Apple Watch an edge over competing smartwatches.

Apple is reportedly closer to bringing no-prick glucose monitoring to the Watch

Last year, Samsung [introduced](https://www.engadget.com/samsung-one-ui-5-release-date-personalization-security-privacy-200044860.html) a feature called "Text Call" for Bixby with One UI 5, which essentially transforms voice calls into written text and vice versa. It was initially available in Korean, but now the company has launched [support for the feature in (US) English](https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-announces-enhancement-of-bixby?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=direct). The feature lets users answer calls by typing a message that Bixby will then read out loud to the caller. It can also transcribe what the caller says, making it a pretty useful tool for those hard of hearing or for anyone taking a call in a noisy environment. 

While Bixby has several voice options, Samsung is giving users the capability to personalize the voice it uses to answer calls. They can use the new Bixby Custom Voice Creator to record a few sentences, allowing the assistant to analyze their voice and tone and then use artificial intelligence to mimic what they sound like. At the moment, though, both features come with limitations: Voice creator is only available in Korean on the Galaxy S23 series. Meanwhile, Text Call as a whole can only be accessed on Galaxy S23 devices, the Z Fold 4 and the Z Flip 4.

In addition to English support for Text Call, Samsung has also rolled out the capability to customize Bixby's wake word into whatever the user wants. The assistant can now also play music that fits whatever workout is playing on Samsung Health and save schedules on the Calendar app. Finally, Samsung has expanded the things it can do offline, including setting timers, taking screenshots and switching on the flashlight.

Samsung's Bixby now supports text-to-speech in English calls

Tencent is reportedly bailing on its virtual reality hardware plans. Instead, it advised staff at its XR unit, launched last June to make VR hardware and software in the wake of metaverse hype, to “seek other opportunities.”

“Difficulties in achieving quick profitability,” the size of the investment required to make a competitive VR headset and a lack of compelling games and non-gaming apps were the main reasons for the course change, [according](https://www.reuters.com/technology/tencent-scraps-plans-vr-hardware-metaverse-bet-falters-sources-2023-02-17/) to _Reuters_. Although the company had designed a “ring-like hand-held game controller” concept, it didn’t expect the unit to become profitable until 2027. (Despite the strategy shift, Tencent doesn’t plan to disband the unit.) “Under the company's new strategy as a whole, it no longer quite fit in,” a source said.

In addition, it pulled the plug on a planned deal to buy gaming phone maker [Black Shark](https://www.engadget.com/2018-11-30-black-shark-gaming-phone.html), which would have added 1,000 more people to the team (after hiring 300 last year). The deal had reportedly drawn scrutiny from the Chinese government.

Company sources said Tencent had “dabbled” in VR around seven years ago when consumer VR hype was arguably at its peak. It regained interest in 2021 after watching the success of the [Meta Quest](https://www.engadget.com/oculus-quest-2-review-vr-facebook-headset-173026291.html) and learning about breakthroughs in pancake lenses and displays. However, 2022 was a challenging year for Tencent as it faced regulatory oversight and the fallout from COVID-19 preventative measures.