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How to Add the Epic Games Store on Steam Deck
CNET· 2025-07-31 12:01
Platform Expansion - The gaming industry is exploring methods to expand game libraries on devices like the Steam Deck by utilizing alternative storefronts such as the Epic Games Store [1] - The industry is addressing the challenge of accessing games exclusive to platforms other than Steam on the Steam Deck [1] Technical Implementation - The gaming sector is using tools like Heroic Game Launcher to manage and install games from various platforms, including Epic Games Store, GOG, and Amazon, on Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck [2][3] - The gaming industry is developing methods to integrate non-Steam games into the Steam interface for easier access, including adding the Heroic Games Launcher itself to Steam [5][6] - The gaming sector is actively troubleshooting compatibility issues, such as anti-cheat software preventing certain games (e g, Fortnite) from running on Linux [4] - The gaming industry is providing solutions for potential software dependencies, such as requiring additional C++ installs for some games to function correctly [7] User Experience - The gaming industry is focused on improving user experience by providing tutorials on installing and accessing games from different storefronts on the Steam Deck [1][8] - The gaming sector is addressing potential loading time issues by noting that initial game boots may take longer, but subsequent attempts will be quicker [7]
UBTECH's Humanoid Robot Can Swap Its Own Battery
CNET· 2025-07-28 13:22
Robotics Technology - UBtech's Walker S2 is claimed to be the first autonomous humanoid robot capable of changing its own battery [1] - Walker S2's hot-swap capabilities potentially allow for 24/7 operation without powering down [1] Company Focus - UBtech is a Chinese robotics manufacturer [1] Media & Engagement - CNET promotes its YouTube channel, browser extension, Amazon storefront, and various social media platforms [1]
Humanoid Robots Can Swap Their Own Batteries Now | What The Future
CNET· 2025-07-27 12:00
Robot Technology & Innovation - Ubitech's Walker S2 robot features autonomous battery swapping, enabling near 24/7 operation [1] - The Walker S2 utilizes five-finger end effectors and a dual-battery system for continuous power during battery changes [2] - The robot exhibits hypermobility, similar to Atlas from Boston Dynamics and G1 from Unree [3] Swarm Intelligence & Collaboration - Ubitech developed "Swarm Intelligence," allowing multiple robots to collaborate on tasks [4] - Demonstrations show robots lifting objects and handing items to each other [4][5] - Figure's Helix AI showcases similar collaborative capabilities in humanoid robots [5] Industry Applications & Competition - Ubitech and Figure are testing robots for automotive manufacturing, partnering with Zeer and BMW respectively [5][6] - Ubitech's robots have been shown performing various tasks, including delivering flowers and training for a robot half marathon [6] - The humanoid robot games in China will likely push robots to their limits, potentially requiring battery swapping stations [6][7]
How Roleplaying Can Improve Your ChatGPT Results
CNET· 2025-07-26 12:01
So you asked ChatGPT a question and the answer is not right. Maybe the AI chatbot gave you a bunch of unverified or even made up results. Or maybe it just doesn't make any sense.Here are some tips on how to talk to ChatGPT or any AI. While you can't control the AI itself, you can control how you prompt it. To start off, you want to be brief and clear – the vaguer your prompt is, the vaguer the answer you'll get.So you want to make sure you provide all the necessary contextual information, but keep a narrow ...
Apple's Biggest Product Win Isn't What You Think It Is
CNET· 2025-07-25 12:01
Financial Performance - Apple's service-based revenue reached approximately $2666 billion in the latest earnings report, marking a 12% increase year-over-year [2][3] - Service revenue surpasses the combined revenue from Macs, iPads, wearables, and accessories [3] Subscription and Services Growth - Apple is adding new features to its services without raising prices, offering bundled subscriptions like Apple One [4][5] - Apple One is considered a good value, especially for iPhone users, providing access to multiple services in one plan [5] New Features and Updates - iOS 26 will bring updates to Apple Music, including automix for smoother transitions and language translation for lyrics [7] - Apple TV will allow users to turn their iPhones into handheld microphones for karaoke [8] - Apple Fitness Plus will offer custom workout plans based on user preferences [9] - Apple News Plus is adding puzzles, games, and a food section with recipes and kitchen tips [11] - iCloud Plus now includes Apple Invites for creating and tracking event RSVPs [13] - A new app called Apple Games will highlight games played by friends, potentially driving Apple Arcade subscriptions [13][14] Pricing and Value - The starter plan of Apple One, which includes Apple Arcade and 50 GB of iCloud storage, costs less than subscribing to Apple TV Plus ($10/month) and Apple Music ($11/month) separately [15] - The full Apple subscription bundle with 2 TB of storage costs $38/month and can be shared with a household [16] Customer Retention - Apple's services are crucial for retaining customers within the Apple ecosystem, even if they don't upgrade to new devices [17]
Nothing Phone 3: Still Quirky, But Can It Beat Pixel & iPhone? | All Things Mobile
CNET· 2025-07-24 12:00
Product Assessment - Nothing Phone 3, priced at $799, is the company's most expensive phone to date, featuring a more powerful processor, better cameras, and extended software support [1] - The phone's Glyph Matrix, a small dot matrix display on the back, is considered a fun but limited feature, replacing the regular Glyph lights from previous models [2][3][4][5] - The design includes an off-center telephoto camera and a non-functional semicircle, raising concerns about attention to detail [7][8][9] - Camera performance is generally disappointing, except for its macro mode, which outperforms rivals like the iPhone 16 Pro [10][11][12][13][14] - The phone uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, performing similarly to last year's flagships but behind current models [14] Battery and Software - The 5150 mAh battery with silicon carbon technology shows average battery life in testing [16] - The phone runs Android 15 with Nothing's monochrome interface and includes AI tools like Google's Gemini [16][17] - Essential Space, a repository for voice notes and screenshots, is not a unique feature compared to the cheaper Nothing Phone 3a [18][19] - Nothing promises 7 years of software and security updates, ensuring usability until 2032 [19] Market Positioning - The industry views Nothing Phone 3 as not a true flagship, lacking the performance expected at its price point compared to competitors like iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, or Pixel 9 [20][21] - The phone is considered overpriced, needing either better performance or a price reduction of at least $100 to be competitive [22]
Toe-Spacers Can Help You Sleep?
CNET· 2025-07-21 15:12
Do you have any weird habits or tricks that you use to fall asleep at night. A guy I work with wears toe spacers to bed and he swears that it helps his legs feel more comfortable and he wakes up in the middle of the night less. Someone else I work with uses um audio books, fantasy novels to help her fall asleep.One thing you might not know about CNET is that we have several certified sleep coaches on our team. We also have a warehouse in Reno, Nevada, where we test mattresses and other sleep accessories wit ...
Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: Samsung FINALLY Nailed the Foldable
CNET· 2025-07-21 12:00
Product Features & Design - The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a 6.5% wider cover screen, providing a more normal phone-like experience [2] - The device is thinner, measuring 8.9% mm thick when closed and 4.2% mm thick when open [2][5] - The main display is 11% bigger than the previous model [6] - Durability is enhanced with Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 cover and Victus 2 backing, and a 10% stronger aluminum hinge [9] Performance & Battery - The Z Fold 7 maintains a 4,400 mAh battery, lasting about a day and a half with typical usage [11][12] - It supports 25 watt wired charging, reaching 42% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 1 hour and 30 minutes [12] - Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, ensuring smooth performance across various tasks [19] Camera Capabilities - The device features a 200 megapixel wide, 12 megapixel ultrawide, and 10 megapixel telephoto camera, along with 10 megapixel selfie cameras on both displays [13] - AI features enhance photo quality, especially in low-light conditions, and include an audio eraser for video editing [14][15] Pricing & Availability - The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $2,000 for 256 GB, $2,120 for 512 GB, and $2,420 for 1 TB [19] - Available in black, blue, silver, and an online exclusive mint color [20]
How to Install a Starlink Satellite Dish on Your Home
CNET· 2025-07-19 12:00
Installation Preparation - The Starlink residential package is intended for areas where broadband internet is insufficient, requiring users to download the Starlink app to identify optimal satellite dish placement with minimal obstructions [1][6][7][8] - Essential tools for setup include a drill, socket wrench, marker, and roof sealant; a friend's assistance is highly recommended for safety and ease [4][5] - The Starlink kit includes the satellite dish, cable, AC cable, power supply, and router [4] Installation Process - Mounting the Starlink dish involves finding a stud on the roof to ensure secure attachment, marking hole placements, and drilling [14][15] - The pivot mount should be placed with the arrow facing upward, aligning holes with the stud [15] - After drilling holes, adhesive strips are provided for weatherproofing, though their effectiveness is questionable [17][18] - The Starlink cable, approximately 50 ft (around 15 meters), may require a 150 ft extension cable for complex setups [12] Post-Installation & Performance - After physically mounting the dish, the Starlink app is used to configure the dish alignment [19] - Despite potential challenges in setup and alignment, Starlink internet is recommended for areas with poor broadband options [20][21]
How This Spaceship-Shaped Station Will Revolutionize Arctic Exploration
CNET· 2025-07-19 09:01
Project Overview - The Tara Polar Station is designed to study the rapidly warming central Arctic, which is warming four times faster than other regions [1] - The station will conduct multiple drifts over the next 25 years to document the changes in the Central Arctic [3][12] - The first mission is scheduled to begin in late August 2026 and will last approximately one and a half years [11] Station Design and Capabilities - The station's design resembles a flying saucer or lozenge shape, optimized for Arctic conditions [2][3] - It features four decks with 12 cabins, accommodating up to 24 people, but typically one person per cabin during winter [4][5] - The station includes approximately 200 square meters of living space and 120 square meters of laboratory space [5] - A moon pool provides direct access to the under-ice environment for deploying scientific equipment [5][6] - Specialized laboratories are equipped for ice coring, DNA sequencing, microscopy, and other scientific assays [6][7] Scientific Focus - Research will focus on planktonic organisms and their role in regulating the Arctic climate system [7][8][9] - Studies will investigate how these organisms influence cloud formation, precipitation, and ice formation [9][10] - The project aims to understand the impact of pollution, including chemical pollutants and black carbon, on the Arctic ice [14] - The research seeks to understand what an ice-free Arctic will look like in the summer months within the next 25 years [13] Testing and Deployment - Initial sea trials were conducted in Brittany, France, in April 2024 [11] - The station is currently undergoing ice testing near the Arctic Circle with the assistance of a German icebreaker [11] - After testing, the station will return to France for adjustments before its first scientific mission [11]