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

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

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

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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. 

Nintendo expects to sell only 15 million Switch consoles over the next year

Following a limited test that [began in late February](https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-phone-link-supports-limited-iphone-syncing-in-preview-140005285.html), Microsoft has [begun rolling out](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2023/04/26/phone-link-for-ios-is-now-rolling-out-to-all-windows-11-customers/) iPhone support within its Phone Link app to the wider Windows 11 user base. The software, for the uninitiated, allows you to sync your calls, messages and contacts to your PC. Microsoft has offered Phone Link ([in various forms](https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-phone-link-your-phone-175356621.html)) on Android devices since as far back as 2015. Microsoft expects to roll out iOS support to all Windows 11 users by mid-May.

Once you have access to the feature, the easiest way to link your devices together is to type “Phone Link” into Windows 11’s search bar. Coincidently, that’s also the best way to find out if you have access to the feature too. If you’re like me, you will probably see the option to add an iPhone grayed out, with the icon noting it’s “coming soon.” Once the feature does arrive, it’s also worth noting there are some limitations. As with the Insider test, you can’t use the app to send images and videos from your Windows machine. Group messaging also isn’t supported. Additionally, the software works on a session basis, so your latest messages will only come through when your iPhone and PC are connected. 

Still, even when you consider all those limitations, iPhone-carrying Windows users are sure to appreciate the integration offered by Phone Link, particularly since most people might not be familiar with options like [Unison](https://www.engadget.com/intel-unison-iphone-android-windows-pc-integration-162018285.html) and [AirDroid](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/airdroid-file-transfer-share/id1194539178).



Microsoft starts rolling out iOS support for Phone Link syncing to all Windows 11 users

Sony's semiconductor division has [announced](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raspberry-pi-receives-strategic-investment-from-sony-semiconductor-solutions-corporation-301795015.html) that it's making a "strategic investment" in Raspberry Pi as a way to bring its AI tech to a wider market. The idea is to give Raspberry Pi users around the world a development platform for its Aitrios edge computing (on-chip) AI platform used for image sensing functions like facial recognition. 

"We are very pleased to be partnering with Raspberry Pi Ltd. to bring our Aitrios platform — which supports the development of unique and diverse solutions utilizing our edge AI devices — to the Raspberry Pi user and developer community, and provide a unique development experience," said Sony Semiconductor Solutions president and CEO Terushi Shimizu.

The [Raspberry Pi 4](https://www.engadget.com/raspberry-pi-4-now-available-with-up-to-8-gb-of-ram-095534737.html) and other devices from the company give users PC-like power in a small form factor. Originally designed as an educational platform to teach robotics, coding and more, it has become popular as a way for coders to prototype IoT (Internet of Things) and other devices.  

The addition of Sony's Aitrios could make it even more useful. Unlike cloud AI, it runs directly on chips (edge computing) to reduce latency, and Sony has pitched the system for uses like surveillance, security and more. Examples cited on a [dedicated website](https://aitrios-promo.wpp.developer.sony.com/en/solutions/edge-ai-sensing/) include inventory monitoring and retention, customer counting, license plate recognition and "detailed employee analysis." Sony says it preserves privacy by analyzing data strictly on-chip and only sending metadata to the cloud. 

Sony is already involved with Raspberry Pi as a "longstanding and valued strategic partner," the company said. It [recently provided](https://www.engadget.com/raspberry-pis-latest-camera-modules-provide-powered-autofocus-112911815.html) imaging chips with autofocus capability and helped Raspberry Pi get its UK manufacturing plant [up to speed](https://www.engadget.com/2012-09-06-raspberry-pi-made-in-the-uk-by-sony.html) in the early days of the company.

(PR) Raspberry Pi Receives Strategic Investment from Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

Raspberry Pi LTD Receives Investment From Sony Semiconductor Solutions

Sony Semiconductor sinks Simoleans into Raspberry Pi to advance edge AI

Sony investment will put AI chips inside Raspberry Pi boards

Now that Lenovo has [given up](https://www.engadget.com/lenovo-has-shut-down-its-legion-gaming-phone-business-082028564.html) on Legion gaming smartphones, it can focus on its primary brand: Motorola. To wit, the company just launched a new flagship that offers some of Legion's gaming cred, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. Some of the impressive features include a fast 165Hz screen, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and extremely fast charging. 

The Edge 40 uses a screen that curves inward, even at the top, for what Moto calls "unparalleled comfort" — though anyone who's ever owned a curved screen phone knows they tend to slip in your hands. It comes with an anti-fingerprint coating on the front and anti-glare glass inlay on the back, with both sides protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus. 

The 6.67-inch FHD+ pOLED display runs at up to a 165Hz refresh rate, making it one of the faster flagship phone displays out there And if it's entertainment you're into, it's also the first Motorola phone with Dolby Vision HDR (and HDR10+) playback, offering a bright and accurate view of HDR movies and games. It also uses Dolby Atmos sound, along with a new feature called Moto Spatial Sound for music, movies and games. It sounds a lot like Apple's spatial audio, offering an immersive surround sound experience.

For demanding games and tasks, the Edge 40 Pro users Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform, along with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0, the fastest RAM and storage currently available. Meanwhile, the 4,600 mAh battery can be charged at up to 125W, letting you fully juice it in 23 minutes, right up there with the best Android phones.

Finally, on the camera front, the Edge 40 Pro has a triple high-res camera system with a 50-megapixel (MP) wide camera that features optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase-detect AF for every pixel. The ultrawide camera is also 50-megapixels, and the third camera is a 12MP 2x telephoto. There's a 60MP selfie pinhole camera up front. Video can be captured in 8K30p, 4K HDR10+ at 30fps, and 4K at up to 60fps. Naturally, it features AI tricks like auto smile capture, Google Lens integration, auto night vision and more. 

Unfortunately, the Motorola Edge 40 pro will only be available in Europe in the coming days and Latin America a little bit later — there's no sign of US availability so far. It starts at €900 in Europe, a reasonable price for such a high-spec phone. 