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The move means that people who don't want to use Apple's AI tech will need to manually disable it.

Honor Magic7 ProEwan SpenceThe Honor Magic7 Pro is the latest flagship from Honor. On paper, it meets the definition of a 2025 flagship; with several upgrades to the specifications, it has brought new features that the competition would be wise to consider. Yet some awkward decisions in the design process have led to a handset that feels less than the sum of its parts.Honor Magic7 Pro's Key UpgradesIt's worth looking at three features of the Honor Magic7 Pro to get a feel of this latest flagship.The first is the welcome upgrade to IP68/IP69 protection. This offers extended periods of water protection when submerged. It also protects against high-pressure water streams up to 80 degrees Celsius.The second is the chipset. Unsurprisingly, Honor is matching the vast majority of the current flagships using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite. This also allows direct performance comparisons with other handsets, and Honor falls a touch short. It looks to be an issue with cooling the chipsetthe Magic7 Pro is not as efficient as the competition. The vast majority of use cases are not going to notice the slight loss of top-end performancegamers will fall into this category, but I suspect the dedicated will look for a gaming-focused smartphone with more memory and optimized features.The European and UK versions of the Magic7 Pro come with just one specification12 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage. This should again cover the vast majority of users.Honor Magic7 ProEwan SpenceMORE FOR YOUFinally, you have the battery. Curiously, its capacity has been dropped for the global variant. The Chinese version ships with 5859 mAh, while the European version loses roughly ten percent, taking it to 5270 mAh. With other flagships pushing up to 6000 mAh, this is a significant disadvantage for the Magic7 Pro. 100W wired charging is supported, with an empty to full time of around 35 minutes, yet the smaller capacity contributes to the faster time. Neither is there a fast charger in the box, so to get that rate you'll need to use your existing charger or make an additional purchase.With flagship specifications incredibly close across all the manufacturers, I feel that Honor's decision to cut the battery is the wrong one.Honor Magic7 Pro's CameraDoes the camera make up that shortfall?The main lens performs well and handles detail and bright light comfortably. You have the option to apply filters (including vibrant, natural, and authentic). Broadly speaking these impact the saturation, which makes a difference to the older way when manufacturers locked in vibrancy and saturation through their own post-processing software.The ultrawide lens sits nicely alongside the main lens, although it captures less detail than many would hope. While small, some edges can end up being color-fringed, for regular daily snaps and capturing moments. This isn't a problem, but those who edit more and will use the images professionally may want to check some sample shots before committing to the Magic7 Pro.Honor Magic7 ProEwan SpenceThen, we have the telephoto lens. At lower levels, it performs solidly, up to x3 for optical zoom, x6 with sensor cropping, and up to x30 for digital zoom. Now, it can go beyond this and climb up to x100 Zoom with the option to use Honor's AI Super Zoom, using server-based generative AI to enhance the image. It also tends to interpolate and add elements to the image. Perhaps with more AI training, this will become more reliable, but right now, there's a sense of being unable to trust the final image.One of the welcome upgrades comes with the selfie camera. The 50-megapixel single lens comes with auto-focus. This is not yet seen as standard, with several flagship handsets not including it. It's a win for Honor here.Yet the Magic7 Pro camera system feels rather middle of the pack. thatHonor Magic7 Pro OSMagicOS 9.0 is Honor's flavor of Android. There is a bright feel to the UI, with a good sweep of color in the launcher and the built-in apps. There's also a lot of empty space. Honor's use of large-radius curves takes up a lot of the screen real estate, reducing the amount of information that can be shown on a single screen. The default font size is quite large, I rarely feel the need to move the font size to small to balance out old and hungry eyes. I had to here.Honor Magic7 ProEwan SpenceFor all the benefits that a high-resolution screen can offer, Honor has decided to use the extra pixels for smoother curves, more font kerning, and more space. It's a choice that has a personal impact and helps the Magic7 Pro stand out against the pack. If you want a friendly and less threatening approach, you'll appreciate this part of MagicOS. If you'd prefer information over infotainment (which is the camp I fall into), MagicOS is going to be a touch frustrating.Honor Magic7 Pro And AIHonor has not gone overboard with the presentation of AI on the Magic7 Pro. The biggest addition is MagicLM. Honor's large language module is now present out of the box (it was coming soon at the launch of the Magic6 Pro) and is used for many of the AI-driven creative tasks, including transcription, summarising short texts, web pages, meeting notes, and image generation. These are all very much 'table stakes AI, and Honor meets the brief nicely.As with last year's Magic6 Pro, some of the key AI options will not be available until later in the year. This includes the heavily trailed deepfake detection that analyses video conferencing apps to determine if deepfake tech is being used. This is arguably the point of differentiation Honor has over other AI suites, but we won't know how effective the detection is or how prevalent deepfake video chats are for some time.Honor Magic7 ProEwan SpenceHonor Magic7 Pro ConclusionsLast year's Honor Magic6 Pro felt like a win for its hardware: refreshing the design cues, lifting up battery specs and fast charging to the top of the specs comparison charts, and offering significant upgrades on the camera lenses and software.The Honor Magic7 Pro hasn't maintained that advantage over the competition. The design remains broadly static and most of the specifications feel like maintenance upgrades. Meanwhile the competition has pushed ahead. In visible areasespecially the batterythe Magic7 Pro has moved backwards.This doesn't feel like the next flagshipit feels more like a mid-cycle upgrade to the Magic6 Pro, a Magic 6S Pro if we are to use an established convention (although the Porsche Design Honor Magic6 Pro RSR should rightly be seen as the minor update). Designing a smartphone involves lots of small decisions that eventually impact the overall feel. In my view, some of Honor's decisions have negatively impacted the Magic7 Pro's offering to consumersThe Magic7 Pro can still deliver a flagship level of quality and features, but competing smartphones have an edge over this year's flagship from Honor.Disclaimer: Honor supplied an Honor Magic7 Pro for review purposes.

StrandsNew York TimesLooking for Mondays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:I always enjoy really long spangrams to figure out, and I like it when they twist into fun shapes relating to the puzzle. Today, we have both!How To Play StrandsThe New York Times Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search. Its in beta for now, which means itll only stick around if enough people play it every day.Theres a new game of Strands to play every day. The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters. The aim is to find a group of words that have something in common, and youll get a clue as to what that theme is. When you find a theme word, it will remain highlighted in blue.Youll also need to find a special word called a spangram. This tells you what the words have in common. The spangram links two opposite sides of the board. While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name. When you find the spangram, it will remain highlighted in yellow.Be warned: Youll need to be on your toes.Some themes are fill-in-the-blank phrases. They may also be steps in a process, items that all belong to the same category, synonyms or homophones, The New York Times notes. Just as she varies the difficulty of Wordle puzzles within a week, [Wordle and Strands editor Tracy] Bennett plans to throw Strands solvers curveballs every once in a while.MORE FOR YOUWhat Is Todays Strands Hint?The NYT hint will be first, then we will do a hint of my own creation to help you. The first hint:Stable supplyMine is:Whoa nelly!This should be relatively easy, Id say.What Are Todays Strands Answers?The spangram is below as spoilers begin, then the answer list after that.HORSEBACKRIDINGAnd where you find it:StrandsNYTAnd the answer list:REINSSPURSSADDLEBRIDLEHARNESSCROPStrandsNYTWell, I told you it was a long spangram today, and here we are. I got HORSE then RIDING then HORSERIDING before I found HORSEBACKRISING for a full 15 letter spangram which you dont see everyday. And its in the shape of a horse head! Very funny. The words were pretty easy and the only one that wasnt there really was HORSESHOE, but I think thats understandable.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

In brief: The founder of an AI startup and his wife were indicted this week on charges of defrauding investors in a scheme spanning six years. If convicted, they could face decades in prison and the forfeiture of assets obtained through the alleged scheme. Alexander Beckman, founder of the AI startup GameOn Technology (now ON Platform), and his wife, attorney Valerie Lau Beckman, were indicted on 25 charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and identity theft. According to the US Attorney's Office, the couple allegedly defrauded investors out of $60 million over six years. If convicted, Alexander faces more than 60 years in prison, while Valerie could get over 80 years.Beckman founded GameOn in 2014, which gained early recognition for its customer service chatbot technology. The company had several high-profile clients, including the NBA, Riot Games, and Armani Exchange. However, prosecutors allege that the company's business model was unsustainable, with free pilot programs and revenue-sharing agreements that rarely generated income. Investigators claim GameOn even paid some clients extravagant fees without receiving payments in return.Beginning in 2018, Beckman allegedly orchestrated an elaborate scheme to secure millions in investor funding to cover business and personal expenses. The lengthy indictment (below) claims he exaggerated revenue figures, inflated cash balances, and fabricated customer relationships to mislead investors.Beckman Indictment via Scribd // Related StoriesThe indictment also accuses his wife of forging documents, including audits and bank statements, and stealing sensitive information from her former employer, a venture capital firm. One indictment detail alleges Lau falsified a bank account statement to show a balance of $13 million when the account had just $26. While GameOn's annual revenues never exceeded $1 million, Beckman reportedly told investors the company earned $72 million in a single quarter of 2023.Prosecutors say the couple used investor funds for personal expenses, including a $4.2 million San Francisco home, a Tesla Model X, and their 2023 wedding. Meanwhile, GameOn employees sometimes went unpaid as the company struggled to meet payroll and other financial obligations.The scheme reportedly began unraveling in 2023 as investors questioned the company's financials. Beckman allegedly admitted to inaccuracies in an audit but continued fabricating documents and creating fake email accounts for real people to cover his tracks.In June 2024, after an investor sought to verify a bank statement in person, Lau allegedly planted a fake statement at the bank, an incident captured on security cameras. She resigned from GameOn the following month.ON Platform, the rebranded version of GameOn, declined to comment on the charges. High-profile clients like the NFL, Valentino, and Live Nation also failed to respond to requests for comment.If convicted, Alexander Beckman could face over 60 years in prison, while Valerie Lau Beckman's potential sentence exceeds 80 years. The couple will also have to forfeit all assets obtained through the fraud.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsDesignInterior and techPerformanceRange and chargingPricing and availabilityConclusionsThe Tesla Model Y is the most popular EV in America, and its about to get a major refresh. Tesla has announced the Model Y Juniper, the biggest refresh for the EV since its initial launch.So far, the vehicle is only available China, but it will inevitably make its way to the U.S. too, and its likely to do so sooner rather than later. Curious about whats new for the Model Y, and how much better than the previous-generation Model Y it really is? Heres a look.Recommended VideosThe Tesla Model Y Juniper has a number of design changes that make it unique, but it still looks like a Model Y in general. Youre not going to look at the Model Y Juniper and think its anything other than a Tesla.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsYou might not necessarily know exactly which Tesla it is. The Model Y Juniper actually kind of looks like a cross between the previous generation Model Y and the Tesla Cybercab. Thats largely thanks to the angled light bar at the front of the vehicle, which matches the Cybercabs design. That long light bar at the front is coupled with a similarly long light bar at the back.RelatedOther design tweaks include a slightly less bulbous front, helping make the vehicle look a little sleeker and more modern.The interior of the vehicle is a little different too, though again it doesnt reinvent the wheel. The vehicle still has Teslas signature minimalistic design aesthetic, but it adds additional accent lights for a more modern look.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThere are some changes to the interior tech too. The main infotainment display grows from 15 inches to 15.4 inches. Perhaps more important is the addition of a second display for the second-row passengers, allowing them to control their own climate settings and access their own entertainment.Not much else is different about the tech experience on the Model Y Juniper, though. It doesnt necessarily add much in the way of high-tech features, but then again, given the fact that Tesla has been regularly pushing software updates to the Model Y, we wouldnt expect it to completely reinvent the wheel.While we have some information about the performance of the Tesla Model Y Juniper, we dont yet have every single little detail.So far, Tesla has announced two iterations of the vehicle including a rear-wheel drive model and the all-wheel drive model. In other words, Tesla has yet to reveal any details about a Performance version of the car.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe number associated with the performance of the vehicle are a little different than they would be here namely because of the fact that in China, acceleration is measured from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour instead of 0 to 60 miles per hour. 100 kilometers equates to 62 miles, so the exact figures areslightlyoff. That said, the company says that the RWD Model Y Juniper can reach 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the AWD version hits that speed in 4.3 seconds.Even with the numbers slightly off, thats faster than the previous-generation Model Y. The previous RWD Model Y hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the AWD variant got to speed in 4.8 seconds. The Performance variant can hit 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, but hopefully any performance variant of the Model Y Juniper will be even quicker.The range of the Model Y Juniper is also a little different compared to the previous generation Model Y. Again, we only have numbers from the China release when it comes to range and charging, as measured by the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle, or CLTC, which is a little less strict than the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, here in the U.S.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsAccording to the CLTC, the RWD model wide Juniper has 593 km of range, while the AWD variant has 719 km of range. Thats an improvement of 39 km for the RWD version, and 31 km for the AWD version.Hopefully, when the Model Y Juniper launches in the US, it will have EPA-rated improvements too. But dont expect the numbers to quite line up the EPA numbers will likely be a little lower.The Tesla Model Y Juniper is currently only being sold in China and Australia, but its likely to make its way to the US in the relatively near future. That said, if you are in the U.S. and want a Model Y now, youll have to stick with the previous generation 2024 model, which starts at $44,990 for the RWD Model Y and ranges up from there.Were hoping that the Model Y Juniper will be similarly-priced, or lower, when it comes to the U.S.The Tesla Model Y Juniper doesnt necessarily completely change things, but it does represent a meaningful upgrade over the previous generation vehicle. The Model Y was due for a bit of a redesign, and it gets one with the Juniper. Sure, you probably wont want to trade in a Model Y that you currently have for the Model Y Juniper, but if you are interested in buying a Model Y, youll be able to get a better one once the Model Y Juniper rolls out in the US.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsDesignInterior and techPerformanceRange and chargingPrice and availabilityOverall winner: Tesla Model YAmericas most popular electric vehicle, the Tesla Model Y, is getting a major refresh. Tesla already launched the Tesla Model Y Juniper in China, but now its bringing the vehicle to the US.Of course, the new Model Y has to go up against a host of competitive electric vehicles, some of which are larger, some faster, and some even cheaper. The Kia EV9 has been hailed for being one of the few full-size electric SUVs that offers a high-quality driving experience without completely breaking the bank.Recommended VideosCan the Tesla Model Y Juniper compete with the Kia EV9? Is one vehicle better for you than the other? Heres how the two stack up. Keep in mind that were only looking at the new Model Y Juniper for this comparison not the previous-generation Model Y that has been available for some time now.RelatedThe designs of the new Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV9 are pretty different. The Model Y is more of a crossover-sized vehicle than an actual SUV, while the EV9 is much more like a traditional SUV with a big boxy shape.The Model Y Juniper offers a few design updates over the previous generation Model Y. For starters, the headlight is a long light bar at the front thats split into three sections, unlike the two distinct headlights from the previous model. That trend continues at the back with a light bar as the taillight. Other aspects of the vehicle have been made a little sleeker and a little more modern too.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe EV9, on the other hand, is big and boxy. Its not as curvy as the Model Y by any means, but it is larger in almost every dimension. On the front, it has Kias angular headlights with similarly designed taillights at the back. The EV9 has design touches like Kias Digital Tiger Grille at the front, which is a unique look that many will appreciate.Some things about design are objective, like size. Overall look, however, is subjective, so youre going to have to decide for yourself which one you like the look of better. This category is a tie.Winner: TieThe interior designs of the vehicles are pretty different too. Tesla interiors are known for their minimalism, and that continues with the latest refresh of the Model Y. At the front of the vehicle, youll one large display, which is what youll use for both infotainment and monitoring things like driving speed. Thats to say theres no display behind the steering wheel for the driver. For the Model Y Juniper, Tesla has added things like additional accent lighting, helping make the vehicle look more modern.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsTraditionally, the Tesla Model Y has offered an option for a third row of seating, however we dont yet have confirmation that the Model Y Juniper will have that option. We assume it will but perhaps only when the vehicle gets a wider launch in the U.S. For now, if you want a Model Y Juniper, youre stuck with five seats.Thats not true of the Kia EV9 though. In fact, you cant get an EV9 without three rows of seating. The EV9 comes with options for either six or seven seats, with the six-seat configuration replacing a second-row bench seat with two more luxurious captains chairs.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsApart from the seating arrangement, the EV9 is slightly more traditional in its interior design though thats certainly not to say its not modern. The vehicle has USB-C ports dotted throughout, comfortable seating, and has features like the swiveling seats (if you get the captains chairs in the middle). At the front of the vehicle, there are indeed two displays, one for infotainment and the other for instrument monitoring and there are additional controls outside of the screen for things like climate and volume.Interior design, like exterior design, is largely subjective. Do you want more room or a more minimalistic look? Youll have to decide for yourself.Winner: TieNext up is performance, however there are a few things to note before we get stuck in. Notably, while Tesla has launched a rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive version of the Model Y Juniper in China, in the US, you can get a special edition version of the all-wheel drive model. As such, we dont yet have any information about a potential Performance model if one ever gets released. And, were stuck with the 0-100 km/h acceleration speed of the RWD Model Y Juniper in China, which equates to 0-62 mph close but not the same as the 0-60mph speed tests available in the US.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe RWD Model Y can accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, which is a definite increase over the previous generations acceleration time of 6.6 seconds. The so-called launch edition new Model Y being sold in the US right now can do the job in 4.1 seconds, again an increase over the previous generations ability to get up to speed in 4.8 seconds.The Kia EV9s times are not quite as impressive though keep in mind the fact that the EV9 isnt necessarily built as a performance vehicle as much as its built as a people mover. The EV9 comes in a range of different configurations, with the EV9 Light taking 7.4 seconds or 8.5 seconds (for the larger battery option), and the EV9 Wind taking 5.4 seconds. The EV9 GT-Line can get to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.The Moto Y is built for a sportier drive, so it gets the win in this category.Winner: Tesla Model YRange is another area where we dont yet have all the information about the Model Y Juniper. Thats because the Chinese variants of the Model Y are rated by the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which is typically much less strict than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)s rating process in the US. That said, we can at least compare CLTC ratings of both the Model Y Juniper and the previous-gen Model Y.According to the CLTC, the Model Y Juniper has a range of 593 km for the RWD model, which represents an improvement of around 39 km or 24 miles. The AWD Model Y Juniper being sold in the US, has an estimated range of 320 miles, which is a 9-mile improvement over the 311-mile range of the previous generation AWD Model Y.Christian de Looper / Digital TrendsThe range of the Kia EV9 varies quite a bit too, though. The base EV9, called the Light RWD EV9, has only a 230-mile range, with the Light Long Range RWD model offering a 304-mile range. The other models have between 270 and 280 miles of range.The EV9 can charge faster than the Model Y though. The EV9 is built on an 800V architecture, which means it can charge at up to an impressive 350kW, allowing you to charge from 10-80% in only around 20 minutes. The Model Y tops out at around 250kW.Still, while charging speed is important, range is more important and thats why the Tesla Model Y gets the win in this category.Winner: Tesla Model YThe Kia EV9 is fully available in the US and has been available for some time now. You can order one right now, with pricing starting at $54,900 for the EV9 Light RWD.Obviously, previous-generation Model Ys been available for some time too, but the Model Y Juniper has only just launched in the US and is very limited in terms of availability. In fact, only the souped-up launch edition new Model Y is available in the US right now, and even then, it wont deliver until at least March if you order one. It costs $59,990. That said, we expect more versions of the Model Y Juniper to eventually become available in the US, and when they do, they will most likely be quite a bit cheaper than the launch edition Model and approach the price of the previous-generation Model Y.In its current edition, the Model Y Juniper is both more expensive and less available than the Kia EV9. So the EV9 gets the win in this category. Were expecting that to change as the new Model Y gets a wider release, though.Winner: Kia EV9The Model Y Juniper is faster and has a longer range than the Kia EV9, and thats what makes it the winner here. Technically, Kia gets the win in the price category, but thats only because the Model Y Juniper is currently only available in the launch edition variant. When the Model Y Juniper does get a wider release in the US, itll most likely be quite a bit cheaper than the EV9.When that happens, though, the decision may be slightly different for you. Frankly, its probably not worth deciding between these two vehicles based on things like performance. Instead, if you want a large electric SUV, you should go for the EV9. But if you want a smaller, crossover-sized vehicle, then the Model Y is one to consider.Editors Recommendations

The deal would resolve a consolidated class-action over two cyberattacks, one of which cost the resort operator $100 million.

Back into the stream Pebbles founder wants to relaunch the e-paper smartwatch for its fans With help from Google, a focused team wants to make sustainable watches. Kevin Purdy Jan 27, 2025 6:28 pm | 22 The Pebble Time Round, the sleeker, less gadget-y entry in the original Pebble lineup. Credit: Valentina Palladino The Pebble Time Round, the sleeker, less gadget-y entry in the original Pebble lineup. Credit: Valentina Palladino Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn more"We're making new Pebble watches," writes original Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky on the "rePebble" launch page.Eight years after Pebble's time as an upstart watchmaker came to an end, Migicovsky says that he's working with a small team on "a Pebble-like smartwatch that runs open source PebbleOS." There should be some new features, but new watches would stay "true to the core Pebble vision." With enough signups, the site claims, that watch gets built.Pebble, launched in 2012, was one of the first smartphone-era smartwatches, selling 2 million models and serving as an early success story for hardware crowdfunding. After the relatively inexperienced hardware firm ran into funding gaps and stiff competition from the Apple Watch, Pebble stopped making its own watches after an IP-only sale to Fitbit in 2016. Google acquired Fitbit in 2021, gaining some original Pebble workers as well, who then helped the Rebble project launch replacement web services for the watch and kept the watch working on the newest Android phones.Keeping things simpleWhy would someone want to make 2016's e-paper watches again? One big reason is that Google, pushed along by its in-house Pebble vets and Rebble volunteers, has released most of the source code for Pebble's operating system. It's missing some blobs of proprietary chipset and Bluetooth stack code, but it can be built, if not fully compiled. There is "a non-trivial amount of work to do in finding replacements" for those pieces, as well as bringing years-old source code up to date, Google's post notes. But anyone who wants to make a Pebble-ish watch can now use Pebble's code.With that code, Migicovsky can address the second reason for a new Pebblenothing has really replaced the original. On his blog, Migicovsky defines the core of Pebble's appeal: always-on screen; long battery life; a "simple and beautiful user experience" focused on useful essentials; physical buttons; and "Hackable," including custom watchfaces.Migicovsky writes that a small team is tackling the hardware aspect, making a watch that runs PebbleOS and "basically has the same specs and features as Pebble" but with "fun new stuff as well." Crucially, they're taking a different path than the original Pebble company:"This time round, were keeping things simple. Lessons were learned last time! Im building a small, narrowly focused company to make these watches. I dont envision raising money from investors, or hiring a big team. The emphasis is on sustainability. I want to keep making cool gadgets and keep Pebble going long into the future."Still not an Apple Watch, by design The Pebble 2 HR, the last Pebble widely shipped. Credit: Valentina Palladino The Pebble 2 HR, the last Pebble widely shipped. Credit: Valentina Palladino Ars asked Migicovsky by email if modern-day Pebbles would have better interoperability with Apple's iPhones than the original models. "No, even less now!" Migicovsky replied, pointing to the Department of Justice's lawsuit against Apple in 2024. That lawsuit claims that Apple "limited the functionality of third-party smartwatches" to keep people using Apple Watches and then, as a result, less likely to switch away from iPhones.Apple has limited the functionality of third-party smartwatches so that users who purchase the Apple Watch face substantial out-of-pocket costs if they do not keep buying iPhones. The core functionality Migicovsky detailed, he wrote, was still possible on iOS. Certain advanced features, like replying to notifications with voice dictation, may be limited to Android phones.Migicovsky's site and blog do not set a timeline for new hardware. His last major project, the multi-protocol chat app Beeper, was sold to WordPress.com owner Automattic in April 2024, following a protracted battle with Apple over access to its iMessage protocol.Kevin PurdySenior Technology ReporterKevin PurdySenior Technology Reporter Kevin is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering open-source software, PC gaming, home automation, repairability, e-bikes, and tech history. He has previously worked at Lifehacker, Wirecutter, iFixit, and Carbon Switch. 22 Comments

bring on the pre-rendered backgrounds New FPGA-powered retro console re-creates the PlayStation, CD-ROM drive optional Works with original PS1 accessories, and supports other MiSTer FPGA cores. Andrew Cunningham Jan 27, 2025 6:00 pm | 12 The "SuperStation one" is an FPGA-based clone of the Sony PSOne console from mid-2000. It's designed for PlayStation accessories, but can be made to play all kinds of other games too. Credit: Retro Remake The "SuperStation one" is an FPGA-based clone of the Sony PSOne console from mid-2000. It's designed for PlayStation accessories, but can be made to play all kinds of other games too. Credit: Retro Remake Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreRetro game enthusiasts may already be acquainted with Analogue, a company that designs and manufactures updated versions of classic consoles that can play original games but also be hooked up to modern televisions and monitors. The most recent of its announcements is the Analogue 3D, a console designed to play Nintendo 64 cartridges.Now, a company called Retro Remake is reigniting the console wars of the 1990s with its SuperStation one, a new-old game console designed to play original Sony PlayStation games and work with original accessories like controllers and memory cards. Currently available as a $180 pre-order, Retro Remake expects the consoles to ship no later than Q4 of 2025.The base console is modeled on the redesigned PSOne console from mid-2000, released late in the console's lifecycle to appeal to buyers on a budget who couldn't afford a then-new PlayStation 2. The Superstation one includes two PlayStation controller ports and memory card slots on the front, plus a USB-A port. But there are lots of modern amenities on the back, including a USB-C port for power, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port for new TVs, DIN10 and VGA ports that support analog video output, and an Ethernet port. Other analog video outputs, including component and RCA outputs, are located on the sides behind small covers. The console also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The SuperStation one will be available in PS One-style gray, as well as black and translucent blue. Retro Remake The SuperStation one will be available in PS One-style gray, as well as black and translucent blue. Retro Remake Modern ports on the back. Retro Remake Modern ports on the back. Retro Remake The SuperStation one will be available in PS One-style gray, as well as black and translucent blue. Retro Remake Modern ports on the back. Retro Remake Original PlayStation memory card slots and controller ports are also included, along with analog video outputs. Retro Remake Original PlayStation memory card slots and controller ports are also included, along with analog video outputs. Retro Remake The SuperDock is an optional accessory you'll need to play original PlayStation discs. Retro Remake The SuperDock is an optional accessory you'll need to play original PlayStation discs. Retro Remake Original PlayStation memory card slots and controller ports are also included, along with analog video outputs. Retro Remake The SuperDock is an optional accessory you'll need to play original PlayStation discs. Retro Remake The console won't play original game discs natively, but Retro Remake offers an optional tray-loading CD drive in a separate "SuperDock" accessory; it also includes an internal M.2 drive for an SSD and four additional USB-A ports. Buyers will have to put $5 down on the SuperDock now and pay whatever the final cost ends up being when the console ships (Retro Remake claims to be targeting a price of roughly $40).Like most Analogue consoles, the SuperStation uses an FPGA chip to emulate the original PlayStation's hardware rather than trying to emulate the console in software as most PC-based or Raspberry Pi-based retro consoles do. This has the benefit of reproducing all the quirks and oddities of the old hardware, making games run more accurately (and with lower input latency) than they do in software-based emulators.But unlike most of Analogue's consoles, the SuperStation supports installing and running other FPGA "cores" to re-create other consoles (think of FPGA cores like you'd think of software emulatorsgenerally, you're going to need a separate one for every console you want to emulate). The SuperStation is based on the established MiSTer platform, which already has a huge library of console and PC cores available, including but not limited to the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn. Retro Remake also says that being based on the MiSTer platform makes the console "open source from day 1."Analogue has its own competing open source library of FPGA cores, called OpenFPGA. But so far, the handheld Analogue Pocket is the only one of the company's consoles to support the initiative.Andrew CunninghamSenior Technology ReporterAndrew CunninghamSenior Technology Reporter Andrew is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica, with a focus on consumer tech including computer hardware and in-depth reviews of operating systems like Windows and macOS. Andrew lives in Philadelphia and co-hosts a weekly book podcast called Overdue. 12 Comments