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13 Great Tech Deals: Cameras, Laptops, Watches, and More WIREDEDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Nov 8 (Reuters) - NASA, most prominent for its many Florida-launched exploits into space, showcased an early version of its first all-electric experimental aircraft, the X-57 "Maxwell," on Friday at its lesser-known aeronautics lab in the California desert.
© REUTERS/Mike Blake
NASA test pilot Wayne Ringelberg trains in a flight simulator for NASA's first all-electric plane, the X-57 Maxwell, at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California, U.S., November 8, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Adapted from a Italian-made Tecnam P2006T twin-engine propeller plane, the X-57 has been under development since 2015 and remains at least a year away from its first test flight in the skies over Edward Air Force Base.
But after attaching the two largest of 14 electric motors that will ultimately propel the plane - powered by specially designed lithium ion batteries - NASA deemed the Maxwell ready for its first public preview.
NASA also showed off a newly built simulator that allows engineers, and pilots, to get the feel of what it will be like to maneuver the finished version of the X-57 in flight, even as the plane remains under development.
The Maxwell is the latest in a proud line of experimental aircraft the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has developed over many decades for many purposes, including the bullet-shaped Bell X-1 that first broke the sound barrier and the X-15 rocket plane flown by Neil Armstrong before he joined the Apollo moon team.
The Maxwell will be the agency's first crewed X-plane to be developed in two decades.
While private companies have been developing all-electric planes and hover-craft for years, NASA's X-57 venture is aimed at designing and proving technology according to standards that commercial manufacturers can adapt for government certification.
Those will include standards for airworthiness and safety, as well as for energy efficiency and noise, Brent Cobleigh, a project manager for NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, about 100 miles (160 km) north of Los Angeles.
"We're focusing on things that can help the whole industry, not just one company," he told Reuters in an interview at the research center. "Our target right now is to fly this airplane in late 2020."
The final modification, or Mod IV, of the aircraft will feature narrower, lighter-weight wings fitted with a total of 14 electric engines - six smaller "lift" props along the leading edge of each wing, plus two larger "cruise" props at the tip of each wing.
The lift propellers will be activated for take-off and landings, but retract during the flight's cruise phase.
Because electric motor systems are more compact with fewer moving parts than internal-combustion engines, they are simpler to maintain and weigh much less, requiring less energy to fly, Cobleigh explained. They also are quieter that conventional engines.
One challenge is improving battery technology to store more energy to extend the plane's range, with faster re-charging.
Due to current battery limitations, the Maxwell's design is envisioned for use in short-haul flights as an air-taxi or commuter plane for a small number of passengers. (Additional reporting and writing Steve Gorman in Culver City, Calif.; Editing by Sandra Maler)
AMD is allegedly preparing a next generation GPU code named Navi 23 that's internally referred to as the 'NVIDIA Killer' and it's due to come out next year. We've heard whispers about this Navi 23 GPU in the techsphere as early as back in August of this year, but we've only gotten confirmation that it actually exists about a week ago when it crept up in a Linux code dump.
Thanks to a recent Linux driver we know that Navi 23 is only one of three different GPUs that AMD is building on TSMC's 7nm+ process node and the RDNA2 gaming graphics microarchitecture, the others being Navi 21 and Navi 22.
Based on a number of peculiar patents that AMD has registered as well as whispers in the industry and AMD's own official roadmap, the 2nd generation Radeon DNA architecture is set to be the first from the company to fully support hardware accelerated ray tracing.
However, according to this particular source, only Navi 23 is being referred to internally as the "NVIDIA Killer". That's because Navi 23 is said to be the big Navi GPU that's going to take the competition to NVIDIA in the high-end segment where the RTX 2080 and RTX 2080 Ti currently sit uncontested.
I'd urge caution here though, as this is just a rumor and should be taken with a grain of salt. Companies usually don't refer to one of their products as the competition killer, and on the rare occasion that they do it's often a hit and miss. Big Navi is definitely set to compete and add value to the high-end graphics market but don't expect it to "kill" anything, not yet at least. It's just too early to tell how competitive this GPU is going to be. Especially with NVIDIA's Ampere around the corner, which looks to bring quite a sizable generational leap from Turing.
Based on everything we've been hearing so far Navi 23 is going to be a large GPU that competes in the high-end segment in 2020. It is expected to bring full hardware accelerated ray tracing as well as a plethora of new architectural improvements.
Which thanks to some recently published patents we know could include:
- Variable rate shading
- More efficient mixed precision compute
- Smarter & faster caches
- Persistent computing & higher instructions per clock
- More advanced voltage regulation for higher clock speeds among a host of other improvements
AMD's CEO Lisa Su confirmed at the company's latest earnings call that the focus with its next generation products next year will be the architecture and not the process node. 5nm is years away from being ready for prime time and 7nm is here to stay for quite a while. AMD is already past the most difficult part of a process transition, that is bringing the first set of products on a new node to market successfully, which the company did with the Ryzen 3000 series and Navi this year.
Engineers can now focus on making bigger architectural changes and that's what we expect to see next year on both the CPU & GPU fronts. Although this means that AMD will not have the same process lead it enjoyed over both Intel & NVIDIA this year. But luckily for the company Navi 10 is a relatively small GPU and there's room to create a much bigger and more powerful GPU still on 7nm technology.
The trick is going to be in managing power to extract as much performance as possible from a defined 250W budget. Navi 10 is already a thirsty GPU for its relatively small size -- It's 251mm² large (RX 5700 XT) and pulls as much power as the 545m² large TU104 (RTX 2080) -- and the real challenge for the red team is going to be in bringing their architectural power efficiency much closer to parity with NVIDIA to have any real chance at competing not just in the high-end but against NVIDIA's new 7nm Ampere graphics card lineup next year.
One thing is for sure, 2020 is going to be an exciting one and we can't wait to see how both the CPU & GPU markets shake up.
| Wccftech | AMD 400 Series | AMD 500 Series | AMD RX 5000 Series | TBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Polaris | Polaris / Vega | Navi RDNA1 | Navi RDNA2 |
| Process Node | GF 14nm LPP | GF 14nm LPP | TSMC 7nm | TSMC 7nm+ |
| Memory | GDDR5 | GDDR5 / HBM2 | GDDR6 | TBA |
| GPUs | Polaris 10 & 11 | Polaris 20, 21, & Vega 10 | Navi 10 & 14 | Navi 23,22 & 21 |
| Year | 2016 | 2017 | 2019 | 2020 |
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The Roku remote is coming to your wrist. The company announced today the launch of an Apple Watch app that lets you control your Roku device, including Roku media players and select Roku TVs, with a tap — just like the Roku mobile app, but sized for your wrist.
Considered the limited screen real estate, the app is fairly robust in terms of its feature set.
In addition to the expected media controls — like the ability to play and pause what you’re watching –, the app also offers a home button, the select button (“OK”), a back button and directional arrows. And it includes a way to launch your favorite channels, which are organized in order of the most recently launched to make them easier to access. That way, if you always watch Netflix, you don’t have to scroll down to find it.
In addition, the tiny remote app includes voice search functionality. To activate, you just tap the voice icon, then say things like “Launch Hulu” or “search for comedies,” or even change sources, like “switch to HDMI 1” for your Roku TV, the company explains. This will work on Apple Watch versions 1 through 5.
And if you have a Roku Ultra or a Roku TV with the Remote Finder functionality which uses an audible chime to locate a lost remote control in the couch cushions, you can also use the Roku Apple Watch app to signal your Roku remote to start making a noise.
All these features will be familiar to anyone who has already used the Roku remote for smartphones, as the Apple Watch app is just a miniaturized version. The only thing it’s missing is the ability to stream The Roku Channels’ free movies, but obviously that’s not a feature you’ll want on your wristwatch. (I mean…right?)
To get the Roku Apple Watch app, you’ll need to download or update your Roku iOS app to the latest version (6.1.3), and the app will appear on your Watch as long as you haven’t disabled “Automatic App Install” in the Watch’s Settings.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
It'll likely be a huge holiday season for the Nintendo Switch, namely because of the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield. Chances are, you have someone on your holiday shopping list who wants a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite (or maybe that person is you). We're here to help you fulfill holiday wishes by rounding up all of the best Nintendo Switch console and accessory deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And as more retailers release their Black Friday ads, we'll include the best discounts here.
Let's break the disappointing news right out of the gate. Judging by the early Black Friday ads we've seen, the Nintendo Switch won't be getting a nice discount or even a particularly amazing bundle this holiday season. Instead, Nintendo has provided retailers with the same Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Switch bundle from last Black Friday. And yes, it still includes the launch model Switch, not the updated Switch with better battery life that hit stores a few months back. While the Switch Lite is prominently featured in ads, so far it's just that: an ad for the $200 handheld-only Switch, with no discount to speak of.
That doesn't mean there won't be great deals on Switch accessories, though. In fact, we've already seen countless accessories featured in the various Black Friday ads that have dropped, and you can expect even more accessory deals as retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and GameStop release their Black Friday ads. And if Best Buy's ad is any indication, there will also be some seriously awesome Switch game deals.
This Switch bundle was offered in 2018, and on the surface, it's a pretty good deal. You get the Switch and an awesome game that regularly goes for around $50 these days. However, please note this isn't the updated Switch with better battery life; it's the launch model. If you love Mario Kart and aren't concerned about the longer battery life, this is a solid offer; otherwise, you may be better off just buying the newer model for the same price and waiting for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to go on sale. We're highlighting Best Buy's bundle here because the retailer is throwing in a screen protector, but expect this bundle to be available at most major retailers as it's an official Nintendo offer. Perhaps one smart retailer will throw in more than just a screen protector.
If you're not eager to grab Nintendo's official bundle, we know Kohl's will have its own bundle that does, in fact, feature the updated Switch with better battery life. For $320, you'll get the Switch, a carrying case ($20 value), and the popular PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock ($25 value). The real draw here is that you'll get $90 Kohl's Cash to spend in the weeks following Black Friday.
An extra pair of Joy-Con controllers normally sets you back $80, and even though you get "two" controllers, that's still pricey. Thankfully, Switch Joy-Cons will be on sale for $60 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target this Black Friday. You can choose between neon red/blue or gray.
Like Joy-Cons, Switch Pro controllers are expensive, but there are some reasonable third-party options like PowerA's lineup of wired controllers. Using the same layout as the Pro controller but with a slightly smaller form factor, PowerA's wired controllers are pretty darn good and come in three awesome designs: Zelda, Super Mario, and a Pikachu-yellow Pokemon theme. All three will be discounted to $15 during Best Buy's Black Friday sale.
While the Poke Ball Plus initially launched as an alternative controller for Pokemon: Let's Go, it will also be compatible with Pokemon Sword and Shield, allowing you to "hold" one of your Pokemon and take it with you on the go (presumably to rack up experience points or earn extra items). However, it won't function as a controller for Pokemon Sword and Shield the same way it did for Pokemon: Let's Go. The Poke Ball Plus also comes with Mew, a mythical Pokemon that can be transferred into Pokemon: Let's Go. The accessory is normally $50, but all the major retailers will have it for $20 during Black Friday.
If you're buying a Nintendo Switch this holiday season, you should be in the market for a case, too. This starter kit comes with a carrying case, USB-C cable, silicone Joy-Con covers, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. It'll be discounted to $15 at Best Buy.
For those who like traveling with their Switch (and who doesn't?), a car charger is a great accessory to have. This Insignia pack comes with a car charger, a USB-C cable, and an extra AC adapter. Having a second AC adapter is handy, as you won't have to unplug your AC adapter from your dock every time you want to take your Switch on a trip.
We’re nearly two months out from the launch of Apple Arcade, and things haven’t slowed down much: excellent new games from well-known creators still regularly hit the subscription service. The latest is Guildlings, a quirky fantasy adventure game developed by some of the minds behind Threes and The Misadventures of PB Winterbottom, which launches today. The RPG takes place in a world that blends high fantasy with modern day YA tropes; the creators describe it as “a world of wizards and Wi-Fi.”
Here’s how the creators describe what you’ll actually be doing in the game:
Leverage your Guild members’ abilities in playful turn-based combat, using unique powers tied to each party member’s personality and mood. Keeping your team happy will make your journey easier, but sometimes a little drama will take the story to interesting (and hilarious) places!
Guildlings also features controller support, and the developers say it’s playable in both portrait and widescreen modes. What’s available now is described as “chapter one,” so if you like what’s there, it appears there is more in the works.
It’s also the latest release in what’s becoming a trend of surprise launches on Apple Arcade. Back in October, for instance, Apple quietly released excellent new games from the creators of Neko Atsume and Machinarium. Apple Arcade was already a good deal at launch, and it just seems to keep getting better.
Guildlings is launching at a busy time — Death Stranding also comes out today, and there’s a brand-new Pokémon adventure next week — but the developers say it only lasts around five or six hours, making it an ideal weekend distraction.
