Apple has launched a [Vision Pro](https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-review-beta-testing-the-future-201430272.html) update that solves one of its most confounding issues at launch. Starting in visionOS 1.0.3, available Monday, headset owners who forgot their passcodes can reset their device and start over with a fresh install. Previously, [owners who lost their passcodes had to visit an Apple Store](https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-users-will-have-to-go-to-a-store-to-reset-forgotten-passcodes-070101287.html) — or ship the device to AppleCare customer support — to use their $3,500 device again.

Today’s new software is the first visionOS update to arrive since the mixed reality headset has been available to customers. The first two came before its public launch when only reviewers and developers had it. _MacRumors_ first [reported](https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/12/apple-releases-visionos-1-0-3/) on today’s software update.

Apple’s official release notes read, “This update provides important bug fixes and adds an option to reset your device if you’ve forgotten your passcode.” It isn’t clear why Apple launched expensive hardware with a feature that required a visit to a physical store if it only took a couple of weeks to provide a much easier workaround that more closely aligns with the rest of its products. 

Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar [views Apple’s $3,500 headset as a blend of fascination and frustration](https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-review-beta-testing-the-future-201430272.html) — better for developers or wealthy Apple fans than the general public. “That’s pretty much the Vision Pro experience in a nutshell,” Engadget’s Senior Editor wrote. “Wonder and frustration. A peek into the future that’s limited by the hardware that exists today — even if that hardware is among the best we’ve ever seen.”


visionOS update eliminates a major headache

You no longer have to visit an Apple Store if you forget your Vision Pro passcode

It's almost time for [CES](https://www.engadget.com/tag/ces-2024/), which means that, among many other things, there'll soon be a heap of new monitors vying for your attention. [Dell](https://www.engadget.com/tag/dell/) is hoping that its new UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor will stand out from the pack. Announced days before CES 2024 is set to kick off, this model is the "first 40-inch 5K monitor certified for five-star eye comfort," Dell claims.

Five-star eye comfort is a new industry standard stemming from TUV Rheinland. The aim is to highlight displays that help reduce signs of eye fatigue. Dell says it did three things to achieve this certification with the latest UltraSharp monitors. First, it doubled the refresh rate to 120Hz for smoother visuals. It incorporated an ambient light sensor, which allows the monitors to automatically adjust screen brightness and color temperature to match the light conditions. Dell cites studies suggesting this can help reduce the frequency of eye fatigue signs by up to 17 percent.

![Dell's UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor.](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/d6586060-9fe4-11ee-ac7b-19dae269e5d8)

Dell

Last but not least, Dell says it upgraded its ComfortView Plus tech with the help of an advanced LED backlight to reduce blue light exposure from 50 percent to under 35 percent. This, too, can help reduce signs of eye fatigue.

None of that should diminish the monitor's performance. Dell says the UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub has a 99 percent DCI-P3 / Display P3 color space and 1.07 billion colors. It's VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified and features IPS Black Panel tech and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio.

On the connectivity front, there's Thunderbolt 4 support with up to 140W power delivery. An Ethernet connection allows for speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, while there are HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 ports. Dell notes that pop-out front-facing USB-A and USB-C ports should make it easy to connect and charge your devices.

![Dell's UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor and UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor side-by-side on a desk.](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-12/e628d6a0-9fe4-11ee-bcfb-092083322de0)

Dell

If the 40-inch model is perhaps too much real estate for your needs, you might want to consider Dell's 34-inch variant. The UltraSharp 34 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor also features TUV Rheinland five-star eye comfort certification, IPS Black technology and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. It's not a 5K monitor, however, as it has a WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440.

Both monitors will be available globally starting on February 27. The UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor starts at $2,400 in the US and $3,290 CAD in Canada. The 34-inch model will run you $1,020 in the US and $1,400 CAD north of the border.

_We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show_ [_here_](https://www.engadget.com/ces)_._

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/dell-unveils-its-curved-40-inch-5k-monitor-at-ces-claiming-five-star-eye-comfort-050102378.html?src=rss

Dell unveils its curved 40-inch 5K monitor at CES, claiming 'five-star eye comfort'

When Apple [introduced the Vision Pro](https://www.engadget.com/the-vision-pro-is-apples-long-awaited-arvr-headset-182725385.html) mixed-reality headset, it had no clear release schedule and only said that the device will be available sometime early next year. According to a [new report](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-20/when-will-apple-vision-pro-be-available-company-is-aiming-for-february?sref=10lNAhZ9&leadSource=uverify%20wall) by _Bloomberg’s_ Mark Gurman, “early next year” means as soon as February. Apple reportedly ramped up production of the headset in China over the past several weeks with the intention of getting the devices ready for consumers by the end of January. The plan is to make the Vision Pro available the month after that. 

In addition to ramping up production, Apple has reportedly sent developers an email, notifying them to test their apps for the headset with the latest tools and to send their software to the company for feedback. Gurman says that’s another sign of the device’s impending release. In his report, Gurman also detailed the steps Apple is taking to launch a completely new product category. The last time the company introduced a brand new product was in 2015 when it started selling the Apple Watch, but the Vision Pro is a different beast that requires meticulous planning for its release.

Since the headset has multiple possible configurations and could be customized to meet each customers’ needs, Apple is apparently sending at least two staffers from each retail store to its headquarters for training in January. There, they’ll be taught how to attach the device’s headband and light seals, as well as how to fit prescription lenses. The Vision Pro will set customers back $3,499 when it goes on sale, but Gurman previously reported that Apple is [working on a more affordable](https://www.engadget.com/apple-may-cut-eyesight-display-and-mac-chip-for-its-cheaper-vision-pro-204548008.html) (and less powerful) version that will cost between $1,500 and $2,500.

Apple speeds up the production of Vision Pro, aims for a Feb launch

Apple Vision Pro Production Reportedly Ramping Up To Meet Release Date Goal, Now Set For February

Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset could be available by February 2024

If you have several Google Nest speakers, Chromecast and smart displays, you can [add each of them](https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/Update-regarding-recent-changes-to-speaker-groups-for-Nest-speakers/ba-p/489728) to several different groups in the Google Home app again. The company implemented changes last month, which would allow certain devices to be added to only one speaker group at a time in response to Sonos' patent lawsuit. This development, announced by the Nest team, undoes that change. If you'll recall, Sonos sued the company back in 2020, accusing it of infringing on several patents it holds, including ones related to managing groups of speakers.

In May, a California federal jury determined that Google had infringed on Sonos' intellectual property and ordered the tech giant to [pay a $32.5 million fine](https://www.engadget.com/google-fined-325-million-for-infringing-on-sonos-patent-210411398.html). However, US District Judge William Alsup has just [tossed out the verdict](https://www.engadget.com/judge-tosses-out-325-million-fine-against-google-in-sonos-lawsuit-062238869.html?_fsig=TWChKSOj7LwF697DAiLDrQ--%7EA) after finding that Sonos' patents were unenforceable. Alsup ruled that Sonos had improperly linked its multi-room audio patents to a 2006 patent application, which didn't disclose the actual invention. He also concluded that Sonos didn't file applications for the patents involved in the lawsuit until 2019, years after Google presented it with a plan to use multi-room audio technology while exploring a collaboration.

Sonos told [_Reuters_](https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/google-wins-reprieve-325-mln-verdict-sonos-patent-fight-2023-10-09/?taid=65247a4769f2640001d96fdd&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter) that the judge's ruling was "wrong on both the facts and law" and that it intends to lodge an appeal. Google has decided to roll back its previous changes despite Sonos' plan, though, which means you "will no longer run into an error when trying to add a device to additional groups." The update has already started rolling out and is currently making its way to the Home app on Android. Google says the change is also "coming soon" to the Home app on iOS devices.

Google brings back smart speaker grouping after Sonos lawsuit victory

Amazon’s iRobot [just released a pair of budget-friendly robo-vacs](https://www.engadget.com/irobots-latest-roombas-can-vacuum-and-mop-for-cheaper-171543756.html) to suit modest cleaning tasks, but it’s been a while since the [flagship J7+ vacuum](https://www.engadget.com/irobot-roomba-combo-j7plus-hands-on-150010629.html) got a refresh. Well, the wait is over. The company announced presales for the forthcoming J9+ line of vacuums, and these high-end appliances boast plenty of nifty features for those who absolutely hate manually pushing a vacuum or mop around.

The J9+ is available in two versions, which is normally the case with modern Roomba devices. There’s the traditional vacuum-only J9+ and the Roomba Combo J9+ that mops in addition to sucking up dirt. The latter ships with a redesigned fill dock that automatically empties debris and replenishes the robot with mopping liquid, removing yet another manual cleaning step so you can get back to the important work of clearing out that Netflix queue.

These robots are more powerful than ever before, with an amped-up motor designed to “tackle dirt, pet fur and debris with unmatched precision.” The four-stage cleaning system provides multiple passthroughs and the newly-added dual rubber brushes take the suction power up a notch, in addition to allowing for pressurized scrubbing when necessary. The Combo J9+ features a motor that automatically lifts the mop pads when vacuuming carpets and rugs to avoid moisture leakage.

The hardware updates are well and good, and certainly useful, but it’s the software that provides the lion’s share of new features. These Roombas ship with OS 7, which looks to take automation and efficiency to the next level. The software boasts a tool called Dirt Detective that uses a proprietary algorithm to keep track of previous cleaning tasks to assess the dirtiest parts of the home, prioritizing those locations accordingly. In other words, it’ll start with the dirtiest rooms and move on from there.

The Combo J9+ goes a step further, and Dirt Detective will force the vacuum and mop to clean the bathroom last, no matter how dirty it is. This means that the vacuum won’t be tracking gross bathroom stuff throughout the rest of the home. If you want a more hands-on approach, you can use the app to manually select the navigation route through your house.

Other software improvements include the SmartScrub feature that ensures the Combo J9+ makes multiple passes through certain parts of the home, like the kitchen, when mopping. It’ll even boost the scrubbing power in these locations to eliminate dirt and stains. This also works in the other direction, so the vacuum will scrub less in cleaner areas to protect hardwood flooring and the like.

The Roomba J9+ and the Combo J9+ are available for preorder today from iRobot and tomorrow from third-party retailers, with shipments going out sometime during the fall. The vacuum-only J9+ costs $900 and the Combo J9+ costs $1,400. As for OS 7, it’s coming to other Roomba models beyond the J9+, but the company hasn’t said which ones.

iRobot’s new flagship Roombas ship with an updated OS to make cleaning simpler

When TCL [first unveiled NXTPAPER](https://www.engadget.com/tcl-gave-its-color-paper-like-display-tech-an-upgrade-for-its-latest-tablets-170059809.html), it said that it was designed for tablets and e-readers — not smartphones. You can disregard that comment now, because the company just unveiled its first smartphone using that very display tech. The TCL 40 NXTPAPER models are budget-oriented devices that promise "industry-leading eye comfort" with mid- to low-range specs. 

TCL has described NXTPAPER as a "combination of screen and paper," noting that it offers 25 percent more contrast than typical E Ink displays, while being 65 percent more power efficient. Its [latest version](https://www.engadget.com/tcl-nxtpaper-display-e-ink-video-eye-protection-110057051.html) delivers up to 500 nits of brightness, and supposedly exceeds TÜV-certified levels of blue light reduction. TCL says the tech can help protect your eye health while maintaining color accuracy and avoiding screen yellowing. The screen's color temperature will adjust automatically based on the time and environment, too. 

Despite sharing a name, the TCL 40 NXTPAPER and TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G have different designs and specs. The former comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ NXTPAPER display and has a punch hole 32-megapixel (MP) front camera, along with a 50MP rear camera. It has a middling MediaTek Helio G88 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable via a microSD card. Connectivity is limited to 4G, and it will cost €199 ($215) when it goes on sale in Europe in September 2023. 

The TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G, as the name suggests, offers 5G connectivity, but other specs are oddly downgraded. It's got a smaller 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1,612) notch-type display, with an 8MP front camera and 50MP rear camera. It uses MediaTek's MT6833v processor (because it has 5G radios) and offers 6GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (also expandable). It'll go on sale in Europe in October for €249 ($269). Both models will release globally later in 2023.

Specs aside, the NXTPAPER display is the differentiating feature for these smartphones. Each has a 5,000mAh hour, and given the power-efficiency claims, should go for a long while on a charge. It remains to be seen if the screen will deliver a solid smartphone experience, however. 


TCL’s latest phones try to put an emphasis on eye comfort

TCL's New Budget-Friendly Android Phones Need To Come To The US, But Will They?

TCL's new budget phones are the first to feature NXTPAPER displays

Sony has reportedly begun [rolling out](https://www.eurogamer.net/playstation-5-cloud-game-streaming-beta-rolling-out-to-ps-plus-premium-members) a cloud streaming beta for PS Plus Premium subscribers — and it supports up to 4K resolution. [Announced in June](https://www.engadget.com/sony-is-testing-ps5-game-cloud-streaming-for-ps-plus-premium-users-181027926.html) as being in the “early stages” of development, the feature will support PS Plus catalog titles, game trials and “supported digital PS5 titles that players own.” The feature could help PlayStation owners avoid lengthy downloads that take up precious storage.

An alleged PlayStation email to an invited tester, [posted](https://www.reddit.com/r/playstation/comments/15kxtd5/another_beta_for_playstation_plus_premium_members/) on Reddit, reads, “We’re excited to unveil PS5 cloud streaming, and your help testing it means a lot to us.” The beta period uses exclusive invite codes that can’t be shared with other users. The email notes that features could change before cloud streaming’s official launch.

User ArashiGames [wrote](https://www.resetera.com/threads/ps5-streaming-preview-started-today.750796/) on ResetEra that they tested _God of War: Ragnarok_ at 2160p with “no issues so far.” They described resolution options ranging from 720p to 2160p for that title, and they said _Returnal_ streamed in 4K. “There’s a new section in the PS+ menu that is for Streaming PS5 Games,” the beta-tester wrote. “Just click the game and it loads in a few seconds.” They listed _Horizon Forbidden West_, _Fortnite_, _Destiny 2_ and _Death Stranding_ (among others) as streaming options. 4K resolution could prove a competitive advantage against Xbox Cloud Gaming, which maxes out at 1080p resolution and 60fps.

Sony’s upcoming [“Project Q” streaming handheld](https://www.engadget.com/project-q-is-a-dedicated-ps5-streaming-device-due-later-this-year-211814445.html) will have an 8-inch, 1080p screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. The accessory is confirmed to use [Remote Play](https://www.engadget.com/playstation-remote-play-app-android-12-ps5-dualsense-dualshock-4-145559843.html) (streaming directly from a console rather than the cloud) but could theoretically support cloud streaming as well. The device is set to launch later this year for an as-yet-unknown price.

Game streaming will be exclusive to [PS Plus Premium](https://www.engadget.com/augusts-playstation-plus-monthly-games-include-deaths-door-and-dreams-182331045.html) members. The $18 / mo. service already supports cloud gaming for PS4, PS3 and select “classic” titles. It lets you stream available games to PS5, PS4 or PC.

PS5 cloud game streaming begins rolling out to beta testers

Canon has just [unveiled the MS-500](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=dcf1e3ab-a19e-4b98-887f-4f574310d563&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Canon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJkY2YxZTNhYi1hMTllLTRiOTgtODg3Zi00ZjU3NDMxMGQ1NjMiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNhLmNhbm9uLmNvbS9zaG9wL3AvbXMtNTAwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI2NjkxZTFiOC04NWI5LTQ0MjUtODA5Ny1hYmY0NTIwMTYwMjkifQ&signature=AQAAARpE77yuoF2zUC8s5iIyiErewoRJx7bhn7X5uVflzjiP&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usa.canon.com%2Fshop%2Fp%2Fms-500), an unusual model that's one of the most sensitive non-infrared cameras ever developed. It uses the highest-resolution [1-inch SPAD](https://www.engadget.com/the-9995-fuell-fllow-electric-motorcycle-is-available-for-pre-order-today-220016821.html) (Single-photon avalanche diode) sensor yet (3.2 megapixels), and an interchangeable lens mount that allows clear color shooting in light as low as 0.001 lux, according to Canon — less than a clear moonless sky. 

The MS-500 uses Canon's B4 mount that supports its broadcast zoom lenses, and carries a price of over $25,000 for the body only. It's designed to work in "areas with extremely high-security levels, such as seaports, public infrastructure facilities, and national borders," the company said. When married with Canon's ultra-telephoto broadcast lenses, it can capture "clear color videos of subjects at a distance of several miles, even at night." It also uses special picture profiles to reduce noise caused by atmospheric disturbances over long distances. 

![Canon's new 'SPAD' camera can take high-quality color pictures with almost no light](https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-08/49b60050-3116-11ee-bfaa-87338539222a)

Canon

So why should you care about a $25,000+ security camera? The answer is in that SPAD sensor, which holds promise for future consumer and professional imaging. It uses a technology called photo counting, which tracks light particles entering a pixel, magnifies them one million times, and converts them to a digital signal. Every single photon is counted, which eliminates the introduction of any noise — "a key advantage of SPAD sensors," Canon noted. 

Canon’s MS-500 Is One of the Best Color Night-Vision Cameras Ever

Canon's new security-focused 'SPAD' camera can capture color video in complete darkness

Intel has [announced](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=2d327af4-8b42-4ff1-a409-ae7bf906e9e9&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Intel&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiIyZDMyN2FmNC04YjQyLTRmZjEtYTQwOS1hZTdiZjkwNmU5ZTkiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW50ZWwuY29tL2NvbnRlbnQvd3d3L3VzL2VuL25ld3Nyb29tL25ld3MvaW50ZWwtbnVjLXN5c3RlbXMtYWdyZWVtZW50Lmh0bWwjZ3MuM2FiNWZ4IiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIwYWFlNGRkNy01ZDhjLTRkNTktOGIwMi01MDgyZmZjYTgzODcifQ&signature=AQAAAaOhMUJJHYD1iPpunXaxjhLZMHTaFh1XT-CQtt0jE2by&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.intel.com%2Fcontent%2Fwww%2Fus%2Fen%2Fnewsroom%2Fnews%2Fintel-nuc-systems-agreement.html%23gs.3ab5fx) ASUS as the company's first partner for its Next Unit of Compute (NUC) [mini PC](https://www.engadget.com/intel-nuc-12-extreme-review-gaming-mini-desktop-171532497.html) business. The two companies have entered a non-binding agreement that will see ASUS manufacture, sell and support the 10th- to 13th-generation products in Intel's NUC line. ASUS will also develop future NUC designs. Based on the business' current lineup, ASUS could be developing future NUC mini PCs, DIY kits for mini PCs, DIY kits for laptops, customizable boards, chassis and other assembly elements. 

If you'll recall, Intel recently told _Engadget_ that it's [ending its "direct investment"](https://www.engadget.com/intel-will-stop-making-its-own-nuc-mini-pcs-154527920.html) in its NUC business and will no longer produce first-party NUC products. It didn't elaborate on its reasoning, but working with partners for a non-essential business will free up resources it could use to concentrate on making chips. Intel previously said its [first quarter earnings](https://www.intc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1615/intel-reports-first-quarter-2023-financial-results) exceeded expectations, but its revenue was still down 36 percent year-over-year when compared to its results in the same period for 2022. The company also said that it remains cautious in this economy. 

In its announcement of the partnership, Intel said ASUS' "expertise and track record delivering industry-leading mini PCs to customers make it ideally suited to continue driving innovation and growth in NUC systems products." ASUS will be establishing a new business unit called "ASUS NUC BU" for all things related to Intel's NUC. The manufacturer will receive a non-exclusive license to Intel's NUC systems, though, making it possible for the chipmaker to team up with more companies in the future. 

Intel mini NUC computers get a second life thanks to Asus

Intel partners with ASUS for the development of current and future NUC Mini PCs

ASUS will manufacture and develop new Intel NUC mini PCs

Apple is planning to roll out its [$3,500 Vision Pro](https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-hands-on-a-new-milestone-for-mixed-reality-060943291.html) headset gradually, starting in the US with appointments for demos in designated Apple Store areas, according to [_Bloomberg_](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-07/apple-vision-pro-headset-to-launch-in-us-stores-by-appointment)'s Mark Gurman. The gradual rollout is in line with the "niche and complex nature" of the mixed reality headset, and resembles what Apple originally did with the Watch [when it launched](https://www.engadget.com/2015-04-10-apple-watch-shop-london.html) in 2015. 

Apple will require appointments to try and buy the Vision Pro, much as it did with the Apple Watch, according to people with knowledge of the matter. It will also ask potential buyers to provide their eyeglass prescriptions. Special areas will be created in stores that offer demo Vision Pro devices, seating and tools to size accessories. 

The primary aim is to make sure that customers leave with a headset that fits correctly and gives them a clear view. It has even developed an iPhone app and physical machine that will scan your head to ensure a tight seal that keeps light out. Apple may also be working on a second strap that will make the headset more comfortable for people with smaller heads. 

Vision Pro demo spaces will only be available at Stores in major US markets like New York and Los Angeles to start with, before eventually rolling out across the US. It will come to other countries at the end of 2024, possible starting with the UK and Canada, followed by Europe and Asia soon after. 

The Vision Pro is Apple's most important product in years, but also one of the most complex devices it has ever built. It's also much more expensive than other consumer VR headsets. To that end, Apple is no doubt counting on the Vision Pro to get mainstream consumers excited about the idea of mixed reality.

In our [hands-on preview](https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-hands-on-a-new-milestone-for-mixed-reality-060943291.html), we found that the device delivered an awesome experience, offering an "unparalleled sense of immersion, with displays sharp enough to read text on websites, plus an intuitive gesture-based user interface," according to Engadet's Devindra Hardawar. He also had concerns, though, about the solitary nature of using mixed reality headsets, particularly for socially-oriented activities like movie watching. 

Apple has reportedly had manufacturing issues as well, and only expected to sell a 900,000 units in the headset's first year. However, even that modest target has reportedly been slashed by over half to 400,000 units due to the tiny and costly OLED displays, the [_Financial Times_](https://www.ft.com/content/632b4ffa-3637-4972-a525-0ddbcd50b463) reported yesterday. 


Apple may launch the Vision Pro headset with appointment-only sales

The Zwift virtual cycling platform is [getting a dedicated first-party game controller](https://news.zwift.com/en-WW/d27236c009be8e97b8262e2eb084002b022f0264f703ec61746f1ea48e3fdff0) to simplify and improve the user experience. The Zwift Play controller attaches to the handlebars and provides a full suite of input options, with a directional pad, programmable analog buttons and a paddle on the back of each handle for braking and steering. The device attaches via silicone straps and integrates with most drop handlebar designs.

Prior to this release, Zwift users who wanted additional control options were stuck choosing from a couple of bare-bones third-party options and Bluetooth-enabled e-racing controllers that weren’t designed to optimize the company's digital fitness experience. Also, many of these devices struggled to integrate with the Zwift Companion app, which is where most users otherwise access certain features of the experience.

The Zwift Play controllers give users “complete control” and allows for easy U-Turns and general navigation throughout a multitude of virtual worlds. To that end, the buttons are programmable to allow for shortcuts like deploying power ups and teleporting to multiplayer races. That means less reaching for your phone or a keyboard while riding, which is certainly helpful.

The controller is launching alongside some brand-new software, called the Beta Zwift Play Game Experience. A game mode called Repack Rush exists as a tutorial of sorts, teaching new users how to make the most of their controllers, with more games launching in the near future. There’s also going to be more multiplayer tournaments like the [annual UCI Cycling Esports World Championships,](https://www.engadget.com/zwift-esports-cycling-championship-wahoo-kickr-153307855.html) held in a virtual recreation of Central Park.

Zwift Play controllers are available starting today in the USA and Europe. The controllers are available with a discount at first, costing $100, but raise up to $150 once the initial beta testing phase has completed.


Zwift launches dedicated game controllers for its bike-based fitness platform

Logitech is getting rid of the [Blue microphone brand](https://www.engadget.com/blue-yeti-nano-microphone-irl-143058272.html), and will now sell the products under the Logitech G gaming brand — only keeping the Blue name to "describe our technologies," it said. Blue has been removed from Logitech's "brands" section on its website, and the Bluemic.com domain now directs to Logitech. All Blue products, including the Yeti, Snowball and others, are now [found only on the Logitech G section](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5sb2dpdGVjaGcuY29tL2VuLXVzL3Byb2R1Y3RzL3N0cmVhbWluZy1nZWFyLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjY5OGRhYTk2LTE5Y2QtNDRmNi1iMTc3LTRkY2ZlZjM2ZTE0MyJ9&signature=AQAAAR0pskuuGBpo1Fj0JmYMQMGqpzcbr9xhW6vfDcZmEq7H&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.logitechg.com%2Fen-us%2Fproducts%2Fstreaming-gear.html) of its website. 

The company has also moved its Astro high-end gaming headsets, mixers and more over to Logitech G, but will keep that brand, [_The Verge_](https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/8/23589618/logitech-blue-now-yeti-astro-merge-logitech-g-brands) reported. "The Astro brand will continue to live on as a premium console audio product series underneath the Logitech G brand. Stay tuned for more information regarding ASTRO including a launch that we think our community will be very excited about," the company said in a FAQ on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/LogitechG/comments/144htiu/an_update_from_logitech_g/?sf178951114=1). 

> 👋 gamers and creators! We have an update on our upcoming brand merger between Logitech G, [@ASTROGaming](https://twitter.com/ASTROGaming?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@BlueMicrophones](https://twitter.com/BlueMicrophones?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@logitechc](https://twitter.com/logitechc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! [pic.twitter.com/qPPT36sJr6](https://t.co/qPPT36sJr6)
> 
> — Logitech G (@LogitechG) [June 8, 2023](https://twitter.com/LogitechG/status/1666883158787104768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Logitech already hinted that it might scuttle the Blue brand, having released the [Blue Sona streaming mic](https://www.engadget.com/logitech-litra-beam-key-light-blue-sona-microphone-160043897.html) under Logitech G late last year. It also changed its description of the Yeti mic a while back, describing it as the Yeti microphone with Blue VO!CE technology. 

Logitech [purchased Blue](https://www.engadget.com/2018-07-30-blue-logitech-acquisition.html) in 2018 for $117 million. However, Blue Microphones has a history beyond what you may expect, having originally created the "Bottle" microphone before ever developing any streaming products (Blue also stands for "Baltic Latvian Universal Electronics," according to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Microphones)). Its first microphone designed for streaming audio was the Snowball, still available on Logitech as the [Snowball Ice for $50](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5sb2dpdGVjaGcuY29tL2VuLXVzL3Byb2R1Y3RzL3N0cmVhbWluZy1nZWFyL3Nub3diYWxsLWljZS11c2ItbWljcm9waG9uZS45ODgtMDAwMDY3Lmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjY5OGRhYTk2LTE5Y2QtNDRmNi1iMTc3LTRkY2ZlZjM2ZTE0MyJ9&signature=AQAAAQnkMrLiDPd5hNbo5Qlm9g0QU8q-BggmJtI3OocFRbZJ&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.logitechg.com%2Fen-us%2Fproducts%2Fstreaming-gear%2Fsnowball-ice-usb-microphone.988-000067.html). 

Given that the Blue brand is highly respected in podcasting, streaming and other areas, it seems an odd choice to kill it off in favor of its own brand, which has far less cachet. The company is promising a "deeper integration" with all its Logitech G products, promising that you'll be able to configure them "all in one place," presumably its G HUB app. If that's the plan, then Logitech may need to address criticism with that app, if the [comments on its Reddit FAQ post](https://www.reddit.com/r/LogitechG/comments/144htiu/an_update_from_logitech_g/?sf178951114=1) are anything to go by. 

Logitech retires the Blue microphone brand

Apple confirmed at its WWDC conference today that its largest and most powerful desktop will be receiving a few upgrades, including the M2 Ultra chip. While it's been through several aesthetic variations over the years, including the maligned "trashcan" model, for better or worse though, the Mac Pro will look identical to its cheese grater-like predecessor from 2019. This version, however, will support positioning as either a tower or a rack-mount. 

Other lines of Mac products have moved away from using third-party silicon, and now the hulking Mac Pro joins them. It's former Intel Xeon W setup has been replaced with the aforementioned M2 Ultra. Apple claims its in-house chip can operate up to three times faster than the prior Intel models. As was rumored though, the decision develop a specialized M2 Extreme chip [was shelved](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/2022-mac-pro/) due to cost and technical difficulty. The Mac Pro will now come stocked with a 24-core CPU and up to a 76-core GPU. It support up to 192GB of memory, and seven Afterburner cards. That combined power, the company [claims](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=4130e2f0-a14f-4c5e-bdab-cd52ac7d8e79&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Apple&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI0MTMwZTJmMC1hMTRmLTRjNWUtYmRhYi1jZDUyYWM3ZDhlNzkiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXBwbGUuY29tL25ld3Nyb29tLzIwMjMvMDYvYXBwbGUtdW52ZWlscy1uZXctbWFjLXN0dWRpby1hbmQtYnJpbmdzLWFwcGxlLXNpbGljb24tdG8tbWFjLXByby8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjM5MTExODg4LWEwMWUtNGJjYS1iYTE1LTAzYmRiODlhODc5YyJ9&signature=AQAAAUXiGrXv6wS9zzPeXZzIlSTs2NDhcpdRwRtEKlPU6CSs&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fnewsroom%2F2023%2F06%2Fapple-unveils-new-mac-studio-and-brings-apple-silicon-to-mac-pro%2F), can playback 22 8K ProRes video files or ingest up to 24 4K camera feeds "and encode them to ProRes in real time."

Additionally, the new Mac Pro will come with seven PCIe expansion slots, eight Thunderbolt 4 ports, support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, two 10Gb ethernet ports, three USB-A ports and two HDMI ports that will be able to output 8k resolution at up to 240Hz. There's a headphone jack too, just for good measure.

Once again though, the Mac Pro will cost a small fortune: $6,999 to start, while the upper bounds of a fully decked-out Pro remain unknown. That remains an unfathomable and likely prohibitive sum for most customers, but considering the prior model was just $1,000 cheaper and nearly everything else on earth seems to cost a lot more since 2019, it could be worse. Someone who is good at the economy please explain any of this to me. 

The Mac Pro can be ordered today, and will become available starting on June 13.

Apple Introduces New Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Chip, Available to Order Starting Today

Apple unveils new Mac Studio and brings Apple silicon to Mac Pro

Mac Pro with Apple Silicon Finally Here to Complete Transition Away From Intel

Apple announces Mac Pro with M2 Ultra, starting at $6,999

Mac Pro With M2 Ultra Serves Up Big Expandability At A Big Price

Apple Announces Updated Mac Pro With M2 Ultra

Apple refreshes the Mac Pro with its new M2 Ultra chip

MediaTek has a simple answer to Qualcomm's [Snapdragon 8 Gen 2](https://www.engadget.com/qualcomms-snapdragon-8-gen-2-chip-offers-hardware-accelerated-ray-tracing-230008445.html) you see in many gaming phones: deliver an uprated version of last year's high-end hardware. [The brand](https://i.mediatek.com/mediatek-5g) has unveiled a Dimensity 9200+ system-on-chip with improvements that will be particularly noticeable with games. You'll find higher clock speeds for the main Cortex-X3 core (up from 3.05GHz to 3.35GHz), three Cortex-A715 cores (from 2.85GHz to 3GHz) and four Cortex-A510 efficiency cores (1.8GHz to 2GHz). More importantly, the company says it has "boosted" the Immortalis-G715 graphics by 17 percent — games that were borderline playable before should be smoother.

The Dimensity 9200+ is built using TSMC's newest 4-nanometer process, potentially extending battery life and allowing for cooler, slimmer phones. The WiFi 7 support, AI processing unit and image signal processor are unchanged, although there's not much room to complain. WiFi 7 still isn't a finished standard, for example, and routers that support it are still [extremely rare](https://www.engadget.com/netgears-first-wifi-7-router-offers-extra-low-latency-for-gaming-123037814.html).

You won't have to wait long to see the first phones based on this chip. MediaTek expects the first Dimensity 9200+ phones to launch later this month, although it hasn't named customers as of this writing. The question is whether or not this refresh is enough. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has only a [slight edge](https://www.xda-developers.com/snapdragon-8-gen-2-vs-mediatek-dimensity-9200/) over the regular 9200, so a higher-clocked 9200+ might emerge victorious. However, Qualcomm doesn't usually sit still — it likes to ship [mid-cycle upgrades](https://www.engadget.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-8-plus-gen-1-120047819.html) of its own.

Nonetheless, this may be an important release if you're a mobile gamer. This gives Qualcomm fresh competition in the Android gaming world. That, in turn, could lead to both more variety in phones as well as more aggressive pricing.

MediaTek's newest Dimensity chip is built for gaming phones

After selling 23 million Switches [two years ago](https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-switch-sales-slow-this-year-093831775.html) and 18 million in the last year, Nintendo expects demand for the aging console to continue to fall. It's forecasting sales of 15 million for next year (fiscal year 2024) and isn't even confident of that figure, the company announced in its latest [earnings report](https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf). "Sustaining the Switch’s sales momentum will be difficult in its seventh year," said President Shuntaro Furukawa in a call. "Our goal of selling 15 million unit this fiscal year is a bit of stretch." 

To achieve that, the company said that it will focus on selling second and even third consoles to people who already own one. "We try to not only put one system in every home, but several in every home, or even one for every person." 

For the last full year (fiscal 2023 for Nintendo), the company saw sales drop 5.5 percent from 1.695 trillion yen ($12.57 billion) to $1.601 trillion yen ($11.87 billion), while profit dropped 14.9 percent to 504.3 billion yen ($3.74 billion). Net sales for its last quarter were down 18 percent year-over-year to 306.5 billion yen ($2.27 billion), indicating that it's on a slippery downward slope. 

Switch sales for the quarter were 3.06 million (with exactly half being OLED Switch units), one of the company's worst sales quarters for the console to date. However, Nintendo did predict this would happen, saying [last year at this time](https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-switch-sales-slow-this-year-093831775.html) that it expected sales of the console to keep slowing down. 

That's to be expected for a six-year-old console that has sold extremely well in its lifetime (125.62 million units, third best of all time) and effectively saturated the market. Consumers may also be waiting for the company's next-gen console, whatever that [turns out to be](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-nintendo-console-coming-late-2024-report-says/1100-6511902/).

Luckily for Nintendo, we're just days away from the new Zelda release, which will likely drive game sales and inspire extra console demand. It's not looking too good for the Switch overall though, especially next to Sony which just had a second consecutive [blockbuster quarter](https://www.engadget.com/sony-has-sold-over-384-million-ps5s-following-a-record-breaking-year-080509020.html), selling 6.3 million PS5s and easily beating its forecast of 18 million for the year. 