The app is getting a “hands-free” mode that can narrate recipe steps.

• A chatbot invented entirely false cargo details about a Chinese vessel
• Armed troops prepared to board the ship before anyone checked the source
• Military aircraft were already active when officials caught the error

A false intelligence assessment nearly triggered a US military invasion of a Chinese vessel after AI-assisted analysis wrongly identified its cargo.

The report circulated during the Iran conflict and prompted preparations to intercept the vessel before officials discovered serious problems with its underlying information.

from the good-deals-on-cool-stuff dept

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Razer has upgraded its Kiyo V2 webcam with the Kiyo V2 Pro, adding 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, a more capable imaging sensor, and several AI-powered features for streamers, remote workers, and creators. Priced at $300, the new webcam is already available through Razer and other retailers.

The upgrade comes as dedicated webcams face competition from compact cameras and increasingly capable smartphone cameras. Razer’s answer is to focus on image quality while adding software features designed to make the camera easier to use without constant manual adjustments.

4K at 60fps is the big upgrade

The Kiyo V2 Pro’s headline feature is its ability to capture 4K video at 60fps. The higher frame rate should result in smoother footage and less motion blur during video calls, livestreams, and other recordings.

Under the hood, the webcam uses Sony’s 8.3-megapixel STARVIS 2 sensor, paired with a lens with an f/1.9 aperture. Razer says the combination is designed to improve low-light performance while also producing a stronger background-blur effect.

Razer has also focused on dynamic range. The company says the webcam can capture ultra-high dynamic range, allowing it to preserve more detail across different lighting conditions. Interestingly, the Pro model has a narrower 86-degree field of view, compared with 93 degrees on the standard Kiyo V2. Razer says the reduction helps maintain image quality at 4K and reduces fisheye distortion around the edges.

AI handles framing and image adjustments

The Kiyo V2 Pro also adds AI features that can take some of the work out of setting up a shot. Its auto-framing system uses intelligent pan, tilt and zoom to keep the user in the frame as they move around.

There is also a one-click output enhancement feature that automatically adjusts exposure, white balance and noise based on the surrounding environment. That could be particularly useful for users who switch between rooms or lighting conditions without wanting to manually tweak camera settings every time.

For users who prefer manual control, the webcam works with Razer Synapse, allowing adjustments to settings including ISO and shutter speed. It can be attached directly to a monitor or laptop using the included clamp, while a universal mount supports tripod setups. Razer has also built in a physical privacy shutter with a camera-shutter-style mechanism.

At $300, the Kiyo V2 Pro is positioned as a premium webcam rather than a basic video-call accessory. It is now on sale through Razer and other retailers.

Nikon used the same 24.5-megapixel backside-illuminated full-frame sensor and EXPEED 7 processor found in the Z5II, then cut the electronic viewfinder so the body could sit flatter, weigh less, and sell for $1,399.95. That price is $450 under the current Z5II list, and a kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lands at $1,699.95. Shipping is set for mid-October, with pre-orders already open and B&H listing an October 15 date. Black and silver finishes are both available, the silver version pairing a light top plate with a dark body.

The C model of Nikon’s camera is based on removing the finder and overall bulk. They call that letter ‘Casual,’ and the result is a relatively compact package that measures 134 by 80.5 by 72 millimeters, barely two centimeters shorter than the Z5 II, and weighs 538 grams on its own, or 620 grams with a battery and memory card jammed inside. The magnesium alloy remains in the stress points where it belongs, weather sealing is retained, and the grip extends far enough down to be secure even when a long lens is mounted. There is now a little light on top of the redesigned top plate to alert people in front of the camera when video is actually being recorded. You compose on a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen that isn’t as sharp as the 2.1 million-dot one on the Z5 II – it has 1.04 million dots – and as a result, you focus on the multi-selector without the use of a separate autofocus joystick.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Double Zoom Lens Kit

• Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF and eye detection AF 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology working temperature range: 32-104°F/0-40°C
• 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF

Despite the more compact body, all of the important tech stayed the same. According to the CIPA 2024 test with a 24-120 f/4 S lens on the long end, five-axis in-body stabilization still achieves 7.5 stops in the center of the frame and 6.0 stops at the edges. Instead of relying on an electronic shutter, you can use a real mechanical shutter, which prevents the rolling shutter from being too severe as compared to other compact full frame devices that solely have an electronic shutter. The mechanical shutter allows you to shoot at a fairly steady 14 frames per second. JPEG files achieve this rate, whereas RAW files achieve 11 frames per second, and High-Speed Frame Capture+ achieves 30 frames per second using the electronic shutter. Pre-Release Capture allows you to capture up to one second’s worth of images before pressing the button, but only for JPEG Large files at regular quality. The natural sensitivity allows you to shoot from ISO 100 to 64,000, with plenty of room to go beyond that. The EN-EL15c battery provides around 350 shots on the back screen, and USB power delivery allows you to keep the camera running for an extended period of time.

Autofocus in the Z7IIC relies on the same deep learning subject detection as the Z5II, and it holds up down to -10 EV, an impressively low light level. People, dogs, cats, birds, vehicles, and aircraft are all on the list, with Nikon now also throwing in fish as a tenth type to include. This last one needs plenty of light on the subject and is mainly useful in fish tanks and similar setups. In Auto mode the camera can read the scene, set the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus all on its own without needing any extra input. For the first time on a full frame Nikon mirrorless camera, there are 15 scene modes sitting on the dial, and these can be used to shift white balance, brightness and color profiles for portraits, pets, food, nighttime landscapes and other common scenarios. Then theres the Imaging Recipes button which lets you download looks from Nikon’s Imaging Cloud – including film-style treatments – and a Film Grain control that lets you adjust size and strength to your hearts content, even if you’re working on a clip. Product Review Mode does a great job of pulling focus from a presenter to an object held near the lens – its been designed with unboxing and tabletop clips in mind.

Even though the Z7IIC is less expensive than some of Nikon’s high-end models, the video quality appears quite impressive. You get full width 4K UHD at 30p with oversampling, which is usually a plus, but if you want 4K at 50 or 60 frames per second, you’ll have to settle for a DX reduction of about 1.5x in size. If you want the highest frame rates, full HD may run up to 120 frames per second, and the in-camera slow motion is a wonderful touch, allowing you to play back 1080p at 4x or 5x depending on your base frame rate. The internal codec options are also quite extensive, with 10-bit H.265 in MOV files, 8-bit H.264, N-Log, and HLG in MOV files, as well as 12-bit N-RAW transferred to an SD card in NEF format. N-RAW at 4K is limited to 24, 25, and 30 frames per second, and Nikon recommends using a V90 card for this purpose. If you prefer to work with pristine 10-bit 4:2:2 images, you can send them over HDMI. Recording can last for up to 2 hours and 5 minutes, which is handy for those without extra batteries.

Recording also has all of the standard shooting aids, such as a waveform display, zebras, focus peaking, a front REC lamp, and a red border on the screen to help you set up. You may also link the USB-C port into a computer and use the camera as a UVC/UAC webcam for live feeds, which is a useful choice for individuals who enjoy live streaming. The camera also includes ports for headphones and microphones.

The Z7IIC has a slightly less generous approach to storage, with only a single UHS-II SD slot to call on, meaning that if one card breaks in the middle of a job, there is no backup. The lower-resolution screen, the lack of a finder, and the single card slot all point to Nikon cutting expenses to reach a $1400 price point. However, you still get N-RAW, a mechanical shutter, and flagship-class processing, which is a good price. Nikon also designed the camera to operate nicely with tiny Z prime lenses such as the 26mm f/2.8, 28mm f/2.8, and 40mm f/2, with soft bundles expected in the future. SnapBridge 2.14 allows you to send files to your phone and contains a useful camera simulation tool and a few brief training. Nikon Imaging Cloud will handle recipe downloads and file management following the shoot.
[Source]

• The environment, energy costs, quality of life and taxes are all concerns
• Americans are largely split about whether data centers are even good news for jobs
• Negative sentiments are rising across the board regardless of political background

With the US midterm elections around the corner and AI data centers increasingly becoming part of political discourse, new Pew Research Center reporting has revealed Americans’ attitudes toward these facilities have become even more negative as 2026 continues.

Surveying more than 10,500 US adults, the study found only 4% thought data centers are a positive thing for the environment, home energy costs and local residents’ quality of life.

Snoopy and the Fraggles are heading back to Apple TV for a pair of new holiday adventures this winter.

Apple TV is expanding its holiday lineup with new specials starring Snoopy and the Fraggles. Both join a collection of returning seasonal favorites available to stream throughout the holidays.

“Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy”

With the year winding down, the Peanuts gang is on their best behavior. Unfortunately, everyone’s beloved beagle, Snoopy, has landed himself on the naughty list.

Snoopy’s got 12 days to prove that he’s not a bad dog, and along the way he’ll discover that the holidays are about more than just presents. “Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy” will premiere on Friday, November 13.

If you want more time with the Peanuts kids, you’re in luck. Apple TV has a few more holiday specials to check out.

“The Snoopy Show – Happiness is Holiday Traditions” sees Snoopy and Woodstock visit Snoopy’s brother, Spike, for Christmas. Spike makes his return in ““I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown” when he visits the gang to cheer up Rerun.

And, of course, Apple TV is the only place you can stream “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Apple TV subscribers can watch at any time, but Apple is offering a limited-time free streaming window from Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, December 13 for anyone.

“Fraggle Rock: A Holiday Gift”

This all-new musical special from The Jim Henson Company premieres December 4 with a guest appearance by Nicole Scherzinger.

Wembley’s new role as Spirit Captain sends him on a mission to bring holiday cheer to every corner of the Rock. But when the Fraggles swipe a treasured snow globe from Doc’s workshop, Wembley has to set things right and discovers that the best way to spread joy is by helping others.

“Fraggle Rock: A Holiday Gift” premieres on Dec 4 | Image credit: Apple TV

If you’re still itching for even more Fraggle Festivities, you can check out “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock.” The Fraggles’ holiday celebrations hit a snag when just one snowflake falls, and Gobo can’t find the inspiration for a festive new song, sending him to Outer Space in search of some seasonal magic.

If you haven’t tried it out yet, Apple TV offers a free, three-month trial when a first-time watcher buys a qualifying device, such as an iPhone. There is also a free seven-day trial, after which the monthly cost is $14.99 or $119.99 per year.

London hosted Bentley’s first fully electric production car yesterday. Torcal joins Continental GT, Flying Spur and Bentayga as a fourth model line, a five meter SUV built, engineered and finished in Crewe for 2028 model year sales that begin next year. Long wheelbase, short overhangs and a proud front give it upright presence without the height of a Bentayga. Surfaces stay relatively clean so the rear haunches can do the talking, a shape designers call a resting beast.

An illuminated diamond pattern has been placed directly behind a see-through cover where a grille used to be, in a reference to the old Continental T. The car’s back is finished off with slender tail lights and a shield motif. The new, somewhat rounder Bentley badge has made its debut appearance on a normal production car. The standard wheels on the base model are 21 inches, while the S has 22 inches. The car’s length is 196.2 inches, its width is around 79.4 inches, and its height is just shy of 66 inches, all on a 119-inch wheelbase shared with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. The boot size is 460 liters, including a helpful 90 liter front storage area.

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The interior retains the same winged dashboard theme as other Bentleys, but with a new twist, including a curved OLED screen unique to this model, as well as an augmented reality head-up display and facial recognition that simply loads the driver’s settings for them. There are still physical knurled switches and those gorgeous re-interpreted bullseye vents, so you don’t have to constantly reach for the glass to make minor adjustments.

The front seats can be adjusted in 16 different ways and include heat, cooling, adjustable bolsters, and a massage. The back seats have a three-seat bench that folds up neatly using an electric motor. Four radar sensors can open and close the doors automatically. The roof’s optional Frosted Diamond glass can be changed from clear to frosted, and the materials used include Responsible Wool Standard Merino fabric developed with Fox Brothers, Ombré Walnut made from up to a thousand layers of recycled off-cuts and paper, some Sunburst Aluminum, fifteen different shades of olive tan leather, and matching Dinamica.

Under the bonnet (hood), there are two permanent magnet motors, one for each axle. The Torcal model has 821 PS and 1,194 Nm, or 810 horsepower and 881 pound feet in American terms, and claims to be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. However, the Torcal S stands out with its launch control, which produces 888 PS and 1,350 Nm, or 876 horsepower and 996 pound feet. It can accelerate from zero to sixty in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 162 mph. Why these numbers? The Bentley team stated that they chose them because most owners find even quicker launches uncomfortable.

The battery pack underneath contains 192 lithium ion pouch cells that work together at 800 volts, for a net capacity of 113 kWh with a ten-year, 100,000-mile warranty. In the actual world, that equates to up to 375 miles on the WLTP cycle. American EPA data are still pending, but they are anticipated to be in the 300 to 320 mile range. A suitable charger can provide 400 kW peak DC charging, ten to 80 percent in 16 minutes, or around 100 miles in 7 minutes. The US models come with a NACS charging port.

Fully active suspension makes its debut on a Bentley. The car’s adaptive two-valve dampers can independently lift and lower each corner of the vehicle while also generating anti-roll forces, eliminating the need for standard anti-roll bars. Furthermore, the computerized all-wheel steering can move the rear axle up to 5 degrees and manages to reduce the turning circle to a fairly small 11.1 meters, which is presumably a good benefit given how long the thing is. The standard brakes measure 420 mm up front and 370 mm at the rear, but those feeling particularly flush can upgrade to carbon-silicon carbide discs measuring a monstrous 440 mm and 410 mm respectively. To make parking just as effortless, 25 radars, cameras, and sensors let the Torcal handle parking, remote maneuvers, and reversing largely on its own. Depending on the market, towing capacity comes in at around 2,700 kilograms, while curb weight sits at approximately 6,150 pounds.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What about the sound?” Fortunately for you, that’s been taken care of. Engineers went out and recorded some drums, viola, and bass guitar, which were then mapped onto the engine’s torque and speed, giving the cabin a bit of a beat that can be turned off if you don’t like it. They even used a hammer on leather for those nice indicator clicks and interface chimes. The crystal glass chimes are a great addition, however. They also have four Experience Modes, Bentley, Comfort, Sport, and Refresh, which will all arrange the lights, climate control, airflow, and digital displays in a nice bit of harmony, and because you can never have enough, you can also add the optional Naim audio, which throws some 28 speakers and 1,780 watts at you, along with some seat shakers and Dolby Atmos for good measure. If you don’t want to go all out, you can settle with the regular 16-speaker, 620 watt system.

So, how much are they asking? According to rumors, the base model should cost around £165,000, while the S variant will cost a tidy £200,000. I’m betting it’ll only cost you a little more in the States, with the base model starting at roughly $230,000 and the S approaching $270,000, depending on all the options you throw on that is. That’s still a rather eye-watering amount of money, but it’s a lot cheaper than some of the other Bentleys on the market. Unfortunately, the first manufacturing run will be manufactured in Crewe with a long number of UK suppliers, so it will be a truly homegrown affair. The first client vehicles are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2027.