Now more than ever, I rely on my silly little podcasts to disassociate through my days, and yesterday, that got a little easier. Pocket CastsLifehacker's pick for the most full-featured and user-friendly podcast app on the scene, and my own auditory lifeline for the last half-decade or sohas made its web streaming and desktop apps free for all users. Previously, these were paid subscriber-only benefits that would cost you around $40/year to access.In a statement, the company said it made the change in support of "the open podcasting ecosystem," noting the audio format "was built on an open, decentralized standard, RSS, which means that anyone can create, share, and listen to content freely, without needing a specific platforms approval. But today, major platforms are shifting away from open standards, moving creators into proprietary systems that limit distribution and control discovery through algorithms."This is a clear shot at competitors like Spotify that have invested big money into the medium while locking some of their shows (and app features) behind a paywall. In particular, Pocket Casts points out that its podcast discovery tools are not algorithmically driven, echoing the ethos of open-source social networks like Bluesky that stand in opposition to the engagement-at-any-cost likes of X and Meta.The David vs. Goliath stance is slightly disingenuousthough the indie-developed app celebrates the open source ethos and was previously owned by a group of nonprofit public radio stations, it was sold to WordPress owner Automattic in 2021. Still, it's nice to have an alternative web-based podcast platform that at least nods to an earlier, better era of the internet.Free access to the Pocket Casts app and web playerThe decision to remove the Pocket Casts web and desktop apps from behind the paywall gives users a lot more flexibility with how they listen. Anyone can use either without an account, but a free login will grant access to features like synching across devices. As long as you're logged in on both, you can start a podcast on your phone and seamlessly pick it up on desktop without a hitch. (It's worth noting that while Spotify offers similar functionality with Spotify Connect, it requires a Spotify Premium account to access.)In my testing (I was formerly a free member, despite loving the app), I found all of my subscriptions, listening history, and preferences matched up 1:1 across all my devices. The desktop app is available for both Mac and Windows. Pocket Casts Plus still offers paid featuresPocket Casts hasn't gone completely freeyou can still pay for Pocket Casts Plus ($39.99/year) to gain access to features like folders, bookmarking, and smartwatch apps. You can also pay $99/year to become a Pocket Casts Patron, which also nets you more cloud storage, early access to new features, and "the undying gratitude of everyone at Pocket Casts."

There's a sale on some of our favorite Sonos devices happening on Amazon right now. One of the best deals comes thanks to a 36 percent discount on the Sonos Ray compact soundbar. It's currently available for just $179, down from $279 in either black or white. It's our runner up for best midrange soundbar. The Sonos Ray debuted in 2022 and garnered an 82 in our review thanks to compact, sleek design and easy setup. We also liked its bass performance and overall sound quality for either TV or music. However, it didn't create as immersive a sound as larger options, so people with a big space might want to opt for something else. Then there's our favorite midrange speaker, the Sonos Era 100. The speaker is currently down to $199 from $249 a 20 percent discount. It offers great sound quality and has two tweeters. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/sonos-soundbars-and-speakers-are-up-to-36-percent-off-right-now-153107885.html?src=rss

Since its debut at the end of last year, Gemini 2.0 has gone on to power a handful of Google products, including a new AI Mode chatbot. Now Google DeepMind is using that same technology for something altogether more interesting. On Wednesday, the AI lab announced two new Gemini-based models it says will "lay the foundation for a new generation of helpful robots."The first, Gemini Robotics, was designed by Deepmind to facilitate direct control of robots. According to the company, AI systems for robots need to excel at three qualities: generality, interactivity and dexterity.The first involves a robot's flexibility to adapt to novel situations, including ones not covered by its training. Interactivity, meanwhile, encapsulates a robot's ability to respond to people and the environment. Finally, there's dexterity, which is mostly self-explanatory: a lot of tasks humans can complete without a second thought involve fine motor skills that are difficult for robots to master."While our previous work demonstrated progress in these areas, Gemini Robotics represents a substantial step in performance on all three axes, getting us closer to truly general purpose robots," says DeepMind.For instance, with Gemini Robotics powering it, DeepMind's ALOHA 2 robot is able to fold origami and close a Ziploc bag. The two-armed robot also understands all the instructions given to it in natural, everyday language. As you can see from the video Google shared, it can even complete tasks despite encountering roadblocks, such as when the researcher moves around the Tupperware he just asked the robot to place the fruit inside of.Google is partnering with Apptronik, the company behind the Apollo bipedal robot, to build the next generation of humanoid robots. At the same time, DeepMind is releasing Gemini Robotics-ER (or embodied reasoning). Of the second model, the company says it will enable roboticists to run their own programs using Gemini's advanced reasoning abilities. DeepMind is giving "trusted testers," including one-time Google subsidiary Boston Dynamics, access to the system.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/deepminds-latest-ai-model-can-help-robots-fold-origami-and-close-ziploc-bags-151455249.html?src=rss

Apple's iOS 18.4 update is right around the corner and we're excited to see what new features it's going to bring - including these four new additions to the Apple Photos app.

New rules are essentially banning Honey from the browser, but not everyone agrees it should be up to Google to decide.

Spotify wrote in its annual Loud and Clear Report that nearly 1,500 artists generated over $1 million in royalties in 2024.

The electric vehicle company has shed more than 40% in market value since President Donald Trump took office.

The Emmy-winning comedy Hacks is back for its fourth season, bringing more sharp wit and unexpected turns! Starring Jean Smart as the legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance, the series continues its exploration of comedy, ambition, and the evolving mentor-protg relationship with Hannah Einbinders Ava Daniels.With its signature mix of biting humor and heartfelt moments, Hacks Season 4 promises fresh challenges, new rivalries, and plenty of laughs. Fans can expect Deborah and Ava to navigate the highs and lows of showbiz as they redefine their careers and personal lives.The post Hacks Season 4 Official Trailer appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Apple has successfully blocked its opponents in India, Tinder-owner Match and a group of startups, from accessing its commercially sensitive information which was part of antitrust findings against the U.S. firm, a confidential order shows.An investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year found Apple exploited its dominant position in the market for app stores on its iOS operating system to the detriment of app developers, users and other payment processors.Apple has denied wrongdoing and said it is a small player in India where phones using Googles operating system are dominant.The investigation process has concluded but CCIs senior members are yet to review the findings and pass a final ruling, which could force Apple to pay fines and even change its practices if the company is confirmed to have indulged in wrongdoing.Apples opposing parties in the caseMatch and startup group Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF)asked the CCI to allow access to certain confidential information which include developer payouts and details of total billings, but were redacted when investigation reports were shared with parties.Match argued Apple had been claiming excessive and unwarranted redactions in its submissions across the world to hinder effective scrutiny of its practices, but the CCI did not agree and ruled in favour of Apple, according to a 13-page confidential order issued on March 3 and seen by Reuters.The order noted Apples comments, saying the very fact that Match is involved in similar antitrust proceedings with the company elsewhere will cause Apple harm if its commercially sensitive information is provided to Match.The Commission notes that disclosure of such redacted information at this stage to ADIF and Match is neither necessary nor expedient . . . and disclosure of the same could potentially cause harm to the interests of Apple and other third parties, the CCI noted.The CCI, Apple, Match and ADIF did not respond to Reuters queries.The Indian case was first filed by a little-known, nonprofit group called Together We Fight Society which argued Apples in-app fee of up to 30% hurts competition by raising costs for app developers and customers.Apples iOS powered about 4% of 712 million smartphones in India as of 2024 end, with the rest using Googles Android, according to Counterpoint Research. Apples smartphone base in the country has grown five times in the last five years.Apple can still oppose findings of the CCI investigation and watchdogs senior members are expected to issue a final ruling in coming weeks.In 2022, the CCI imposed a $113 million fine on Google and said it must allow the use of third-party billing and stop forcing developers to use its in-app payment system that charges commission of 15%-30%. Google has denied wrongdoing.Aditya Kalra, Reuters

Featuring Stan Adams, Public Policy Specialist, Wikimedia Foundation; Nicole Ozer, Technology and Civil Liberties Director, ACLU of Northern California and Alissa Starzak, Deputy Chief Legal Officer and Global Head of Policy, Cloudflare. Moderated by Max Ufberg, Senior Editor, Fast Company.In an era of mass surveillance, mounting attacks to cybersecurity, the death of net neutrality, and geopolitics fragmenting the internet, its never been a more important time to fully understand whats at stake regarding your digital rights and freedom. Join this panel of leaders at the forefront of securing a better and more open digital space for all.