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We've been testing Echos and Alexa devices for years, up through the Alexa Plus AI. Here are the gadgets that work best with the Amazon voice assistant.
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Facial recognition but in, like, a good way.
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Amazon has today announced it is merging with satellite internet provider Globalstar Inc. to bolster Leo, its Starlink rival. Globalstar isn't a household name but you do know its work, as it provides Apple's emergency satellite connectivity for compatible iPhones and Watches. In a statement, Amazon says the deal will grow Leo's space-based footprint and enable direct-to-device service for its burgeoning satellite network.
An interesting wrinkle is Apple owns 20 percent of Globalstar, which it bought for $1.5 billion in 2024, but that didn't get a mention. Instead, the release says Amazon and Apple have agreed Leo will "power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models." And that this support will continue as Leo's network evolves, as well as collaborating "with Apple on future satellite services using Amazon Leo's expanded satellite network."
The release adds Leo's direct-to-device service won't start until 2028, and the deal itself isn't expected to close until 2027. That is, of course, unless Amazon doesn't placate the FCC into extending its deadline to get more satellites into orbit before July 2026. At present, the company needs to have 1,600 satellites in orbit by that deadline, but only expects to have around 700 actually up in the heavens and working by then.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/amazon-buys-the-satellite-internet-company-behind-apples-sos-system-130150744.html?src=rss
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Bambu Lab's latest 3D printer isn't about chasing the fastest prints. It's about making smart choices.
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If you were looking for the worst AI project announced so far this week, try Meta. According to a Financial Times report, the company is developing its own Mark Zuckerberg AI, training it on Zuckerberg's mannerisms, tone and publicly available statements. AKA, the good stuff. (Will it smoke meats?)
The company has reportedly been working for some time on creating photorealistic, 3D-animated AI characters that can manage interactions. However, it now appears to be focusing on this Zuckerberg AI character, which would interact with employees in his stead. Yeesh. Remember when the Meta boss introduced legs to the metaverse? Hopefully, a backbone is in the works soon.
— Mat Smith
The other big stories this morning
How to de-Gemini your Google apps
YouTube Premium's US pricing is going up
Games Workshop brings 7 classic Warhammer games to Steam
Meta warned that faci
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Samsung just released its lineup of Micro RGB TVs for 2026, and it includes models that start at 55 inches and go up to 85 inches. These 4K sets feature the company's Micro RGB display technology, which uses thousands of little red, green and blue LEDs to minimize color bleed and enable "expanded color with pinpoint accuracy."
The display is assisted by a new AI processor that has been specifically designed to calibrate the picture to bring out all of that gorgeous color. The company says this results in "stunningly sharp images with incredible detail." The processor also assists with motion smoothing, in addition to handling all of those smart TV apps.
These displays support HDR10 Advanced, which is an updated standard co-developed by Samsung. This ensures genre-based optimization and enhanced brightness, among other features.
Samsung
The TVs are split into two lines. The R95H is the beefier of the two, with access to Samsung's anti-glare technology and a 165Hz refresh rate. The R85H tops out at 144Hz. All models include Dolby Atmos sound and the ability to pair up to five Samsung sound devices via its Q-Symphony technology.
They can also all access Samsung's Art Store, wh
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Apple, Garmin, Samsung, Google or Amazfit? I put these watches through the paces to see where they land on step, distance and heart rate accuracy.
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Over the past couple of years, Google has found ways to stuff Gemini in nearly every app and service it offers. Whether it's Gmail with its AI inbox or Chrome with its chat sidebar, Gemini is now inescapable inside of Workspace. I don't know about you, but I don't need an AI to tell me how to write a =SUM equation in Sheets or an outline for a first draft. Most of the time, I find Gemini is a distraction. If you feel the same way, this how-to is for you.
How to remove Gemini from your personal Workspace account From the "General" tab of Gmail's settings menu, look for the Smart features checkbox. Igor Bonifacic for EngadgetTo turn Gemini off, you will need to disable two separate sets of options. The first set covers a set of features, including smart compose, that are shared across Gmail, Chat and Meet — so if you turn them off in one app, they won't be available in any of the three. All of this is most easily done through Gmail's web client.
In Gmail, tap the cog icon.
Select See all settings.
Under the General tab, scroll down t
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