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Electric truck maker Rivian is reportedly developing an e-bike
'); document.write('Electric vehicle startup Rivian is reportedly working on an e-bike. According to Bloomberg, CEO RJ Scaringe told Rivian employees of the project during a company-wide meeting the automaker held on Friday. He said the startup had a “small group” of engineers working on a bike.Bloomberg couldn’t confirm if Scaringe was referring to an electric motorcycle or bicycle, but the outlet notes Rivian has patents for cycling components and designs. In the past, Scaringe has said Rivian wants to expand into the micromobility market eventually. Rivian did not immediately respond to Engadget’s comment request.The news that Rivian could be working on an e-bike comes in the same week that the company announced layoffs that would affect six percent of its workforce. The cuts represent the second major restructuring Rivian has undertaken in less than a year. The company said the move was an effort to refocus itself on scaling production of its R1T and R1S EVs and, in turn, put Rivian on the path to long-term profitability. On Friday, Scaringe reportedly told employees Rivian had spread itself thin by trying to do too much at once.Attempting to expand into the e-bike market when the company has yet to make a profit might not make much sense, but there’s a compelling reason for Rivian to pursue that strategy. Even before the pandemic, the cycling market was growing thanks to the popularity of e-bikes. In fact, electric bikes have consistently outsold electric cars and trucks. It’s no surprise since they’re significantly cheaper to produce and thereby cost less for consumers to buy. A bike then could be what Rivian needs to become profitable sooner.'); document.write('
Amazon’s 2022 Kindle drops to a record low of $75
'); document.write('If one of your goals for 2023 is to read more, a new Kindle might inspire you to stick to that intention. Amazon has discounted its entry-level e-reader. Right now, you can get the ad-supported model, in either Black or Denim, for $75 or $25 off its usual $100 price. The 25 percent discount marks a new all-time low for the Kindle, making this a great time to buy the e-reader. Amazon has also discounted the ads-free model by $25. Instead of $120, it’s $95 at the moment. The Paperwhite is on sale too. It will set you back $105.Engadget hasn’t had a chance to review the new entry-level Kindle. That said, judging from all the upgrades Amazon decided to incorporate into the device, it’s well worth the upgrade if you own an older e-reader. The new Kindle features a 300 ppi e-ink screen, making its display as dense as the one on the more expensive Kindle Paperwhite. Amazon also doubled the amount of storage to 16GB, added USB-C charging and made the Kindle’s frame lighter. Oh, and the new model also features up to six weeks of battery life, another upgrade over its predecessor. Unless you’re specifically looking for an e-reader with a larger display, most people are better off buying the entry-level Kindle over its more expensive siblings.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.'); document.write('
SpaceX will attempt Starship orbital test in March, says Elon Musk
'); document.write('SpaceX could attempt to complete Starship’s long-awaited orbital test flight as early as next month, according to Elon Musk. Responding on Saturday to a question from one of his Twitter followers, Musk said the private space firm is targeting a March launch attempt. “If remaining tests go well, we will attempt a Starship launch next month,” he wrote.If remaining tests go well, we will attempt a Starship launch next month— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 4, 2023While the date of Starship’s orbital test flight has been a moving target for much of the past year and a half, there’s reason to believe next month could see the rocket finally fly. In January, Starship successfully completed its first-ever stacked fueling test. The “wet dress rehearsal” saw SpaceX load both stages of the vehicle with more than 10 million pounds of liquid oxygen and methane fuel. Critically, the company also ran through some of the countdown procedures it will need to complete on launch day.Among the tests SpaceX still needs to carry out, the most crucial is a static firing of all of the Super Heavy stage’s 33 Raptor engines. To date, the company has never ignited more than 14 of the engines at once. That will need to change for SpaceX to obtain the go-ahead for an orbital test flight from the Federal Aviation Administration. As of the end of January, there were signs SpaceX was preparing to carry out the static test fire as early as the first week of February. That didn't happen. However, Musk's comment would seem to indicate SpaceX will attempt the test sooner rather than later.'); document.write('
Google\'s HD Chromecast with Google TV is cheaper than ever
'); document.write('Since 2020, Chromecast with Google TV has been one of the better ways to add more streaming options to an existing setup, thanks in part to the fact you can frequently find the devices on sale. To that point, Amazon has discounted both variants of the streaming stick ahead of the Super Bowl weekend. Following a 20 percent discount, you can buy the 4K version for just under $40 at the moment. At $19.98, meanwhile, the HD variant is at a new all-time low.Both the 4K and HD versions of Chromecast with Google TV are excellent options if you’re on a budget or prefer how Google does things over its competitors. Engadget gave the 4K version a score of 86 in 2020. Highlights included excellent Google Assistant integration, a comfortable and easy-to-use remote and the inclusion of Dolby Vision and Atmos support. The HD variant is similarly excellent and is a compelling option if you haven’t upgraded to a 4K TV yet. Poor performance used to be one of the reasons to skip a Chromecast with Google TV system, but this past summer Google released a software update to address that issue. For that reason, unless you’re willing to spend significantly more on something like an Apple TV, it’s hard to go wrong with one of Google’s streaming sticks.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.'); document.write('
Apple may be working on a pricier iPhone \'Ultra\'
'); document.write('Next year could see the introduction of a new flagship iPhone. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is considering whether to release a more expensive iPhone “Ultra” that would slot in above the iPhone Pro and Pro Max. He says the device could arrive as early next year.If you’ve been following Gurman’s writing for a while, you may recall he previously reported Apple was considering whether to rebrand the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro Max to the iPhone 15 Ultra. Now, he says there’s evidence to suggest Apple wants to instead offer a more powerful and expensive iPhone to well-heeled consumers. Specifically, Gurman points to a recent comment made by Apple CEO Tim Cook. “The iPhone has become so integral [to] people’s lives,” Cook told analysts when he was asked if the increasing average price of the iPhone was sustainable. “I think people are willing to really stretch to get the best they can afford in that category.”How Apple will differentiate the new model is harder to say. Gurman suggests the iPhone Ultra could feature a faster processor, better camera hardware than the Pro and Pro Max and an even larger display. “There also may be more future-forward features, such as finally dropping the charging port,” he adds.It’s worth noting reports on the iPhone 15 line suggest Apple is already searching for more ways to differentiate the Pro models from their mainstream siblings. For example, one recent report said the upcoming Pro variants could feature WiFi 6E connectivity, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus ship with older WiFi 6 antennae. The Pro models could come with other differentiating features, including redesigned titanium frames with haptic volume and power buttons. Apple will also reportedly equip the Pro Max with a periscope camera lens.'); document.write('
Apple’s new AirPods Pro are back on sale for $200
'); document.write('If you’ve been patiently waiting for Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro to go on sale, now is your chance to get them at an all-time low price. Amazon has discounted the earbuds to $200. That’s the lowest price Engadget has seen on the AirPods Pro since they went on sale for Black Friday last year.Similar appearances aside, the new AirPods Pro represent a significant upgrade over the original 2019 model. Engadget Senior Editor Billy Steele awarded the AirPods Pro a score of 88 when he had a chance to review them last year. They offer improved audio quality and active noise cancellation performance, as well as one of the best transparency modes on any set of wireless earbuds on the market right now. Add to that a redesigned case that is sweat- and water-resistant, the usual conveniences you’ll find on all AirPods, including hands-free Siri and fast pairing, and you have one of the best sets of earbuds you can buy to use with an iPhone. At $200, the AirPods Pro are even more compelling. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.'); document.write('
Telegram’s latest update adds real-time message translation
'); document.write('With its first update of 2023, Telegram is making it easier to communicate with people who might speak a different language than you. The next time someone messages you in a language other than your default language, you’ll see a translate bar at the top of the interface. Tap it to translate their message in real time. If you’re a Premium subscriber, you’ll also have access to this feature when engaging with groups and channels. As you can see from the GIF Telegram shared, this could be handy when planning a trip. Join a channel in the city you plan to visit to see the events and spots locals are talking about. If you want to try Premium, Telegram has also introduced a new annual payment option that allows you to save up to 40 percent on the price of the service if you commit to a full year.Separately, the update adds a tool for turning stickers and emoji into profile pictures. In addition to using this feature for yourself, you can set or suggest profile pictures for your contacts. Best of all, it’s available to everyone, not just Premium users. And speaking of stickers and emoji, Telegram has made it easier to sort through the dizzying number of options the app offers by organizing them into categories. At the same time, there are new interactive versions of a handful of emoji, and the company has released 10 new custom emoji packs.A couple of quality-of-life improvements make it easier to manage Telegram’s footprint on your device. To start, Telegram has redesigned the app’s network usage tool. At the top of the interface, you’ll now see the information the tool has to share presented in a handy pie chart with separate tabs for mobile, WiFi and roaming usage. Additionally, Telegram has tweaked the automatic media download settings to support exceptions, giving users more control over the type and size of media the app automatically saves to their phone’s storage. If you don’t have access to the update immediately, be patient. Sometimes these releases take a few days to roll out.'); document.write('
‘Myst’ 2021 remake is heading to iOS devices
'); document.write('The 20th century’s best-selling game is heading back to iOS. Just in time for Myst’s 30th anniversary this fall, developer Cyan Worlds announced this week that it’s bringing the recent 2021 remake of the classic point-and-click adventure game to iPhones and iPads. The port will support devices with Apple’s A12 Bionic chipset or newer, meaning you can play the game with something as old as an iPhone XR or third-generation iPad Air.From @cyanworlds, Myst Mobile, the mobile port of their legendary game Myst, is coming to iOS 📱Visit the intriguing Myst Island, stunning and mysterious in equal measure, where a story of ruthless betrayal awaits 🏝️Press/Creators: email in bio for review code etc. pic.twitter.com/DcLux4KqWu— Kris Wingfield-Bennett ♻️ (@kriswb) February 2, 2023As The Verge notes, this won’t be Myst’s first appearance on mobile devices. In fact, you can buy the Legacy edition right now for $5. That said, the 2021 rerelease represents a significant upgrade over what was available previously on phones and tablets. In addition to greatly enhanced visuals, the remake features updated audio assets and an optional puzzle randomization feature that can help make the title feel fresh for Myst veterans. The new version will be free to download, allowing you to explore the game’s first location. If you want to play through the entire experience, you’ll need to pay for the full $15 version. Cyan hasn’t announced a release date just yet, but we imagine the studio will share that information before too long. '); document.write('
Tesla raises Model Y pricing following federal tax credit change
'); document.write('Tesla has quietly raised the price of its best-selling Model Y crossover. As of Saturday, the automaker’s US website lists the Long Range and Performance models at $54,990 and $57,990, respectively. For the former, that represents a $2,000 increase from the all-time low it hit when Tesla dramatically cut prices in the middle of January. As for the Performance variant, it’s currently $1,000 more than it was after last month’s price adjustment.As The Wall Street Journal notes, the price hikes come after the Biden administration this past Friday modified eligibility criteria related to the $7,500 federal tax credit to treat more vehicles as SUVs rather than sedans. Before the change, it was possible to get the full $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act incentive on the five-seat Model Y, but you had to configure the vehicle in a way so that it fell under the $55,000 sedan threshold. Now, all Model Y variants, including the Performance model, fall under the $80,000 SUV ceiling.The automaker did not say if it increased Model Y pricing in response to Friday’s announcement. Following the January price cut, Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn said the move was partly an effort to ensure more of the company\'s cars fell under the $55,000 threshold. With the Model Y now comfortably under the $80,000 limit, Tesla has more freedom to price the vehicle as it sees fit.'); document.write('
Samsung\'s Galaxy Chromebook 2 is $200 off right now
'); document.write('If you’re looking for a Chromebook for school or work, one of Engadget’s favorites is on sale right now. Amazon and Best Buy have discounted the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2. After a 29 percent discount, the “fiesta red” Core i3-10110U model is currently $499, down from $700. That’s the lowest-ever price Engadget has seen for the Galaxy Chromebook 2. Best of all, the discount applies to the model that is the best value for most people.Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham gave the Galaxy Chromebook 2 a score of 82 in 2021. After the original Galaxy Chromebook scored poorly due to middling battery life, Samsung made some dramatic changes for the follow-up model. The 2021 version features a 1080p QLED panel that is one of the best displays you’ll find on a Chrome OS device. The screen is vibrant and bright and features excellent viewing angles. The switch to a Full HD resolution, where the previous model had a 4K display, means the Galaxy Chromebook 2 also offers significantly better battery life. In Engadget’s testing, the laptop consistently went about six to seven hours on a single charge. With 8GB of RAM, the Core i3-10110U model on sale should offer more than enough computing power for most Chrome OS users.Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.'); document.write('