The Morning After Weekend Edition
It's time to make a choice.
Letter from the Editor
We're on the precipice of choosing the next President of the United States, and if you're still an undecided voter, let our 2016 Election Guide help inform your selection. While Trump or Hillary is the question most are trying to answer, Devindra Hardawar's interview this week sheds light on third-party, transhumanist candidate Zoltan Istvan and what he learned from the 2016 campaign. What I learned: while the idea that technology and man will merge to make us immortal is an enticing one, it's not an idea most of us feel is worth investing in politically... not yet, anyway.
As the nation ponders the US election's outcome and the implications of its result, a city of the future is being built in Singapore — a place where a far more restrictive political system has enabled the creation of the most technologically advanced metropolis on the planet. The question remains, however, whether the loss of privacy and the opportunity for governmental abuse is worth a more efficient municipal power grid and public transport system.
And if you think you already know the answer, consider the bargain many of us strike with Google and Facebook in exchange for convenience and connectivity with our friends and family. There is a price to be paid to reap the benefits of any new technology.
Apple is dropping prices on USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 dongles
The latest MacBook Pro laptops are going all-in on USB-C, which is great, except for the fact that most Apple owners don't have any compatible hardware. Out of the box, you'll need a new cable or adapter to do something simple like plug in an Ethernet cable, iPhone 7 or USB drive. Apparently responding to the cries of early adopters, Apple announced sizable price cuts on dongles and accessories. The only problem? These price cuts expire with 2016, so if you're planning on an upgrade you may want to order now.
The biggest 'Overwatch' secret is finally out
At Blizzcon 2016, Blizzard revealed a long-rumored new character for its popular team shooter Overwatch: Sombra. Described as a "stealthy offensive infiltrator," she can hack her enemies abilities, drop EMPs and use camouflage — plus she's playable on the show floor. Blizzard also revealed it's working with Google's DeepMind to let the AI play 'Starcraft 2,' it's putting the original Diablo game into 'Diablo 3' and there's a new expansion for 'Hearthstone.'
Tesla's latest addition to the Model S is an all-glass roof
Shopping for a Model S? Take note that the old plain sunroof option is gone, replaced by a new all-glass roof that provides a "nearly seamless view of the sky." The Model 3 will have a similar option when it arrives, but on the larger electric sedan, going glass is a $1,500 upgrade from the base model. Oh, and now its super-speedy Ludicrous Mode is only available on the top-of-the-line P100D.
Engadget's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
Take a look at our biggest guide ever, separated into ten categories, divided further by price. No matter who you're buying for (yes, you can shop for yourself), there's a relatable section, and with 120 items, there's something to fit every budget.
The opening level of 'Battlefield 1' is amazing
Instead of a power fantasy, the latest Battlefield game opens by trying to impress the horrors of war on the player. Empathy isn't a word you'll see in most reviews of shooters, but at least in a small dose, it applies here
Why Microsoft's spatial sound system is essential to the mixed reality experience
Mona Lalwani's trip to Redmond reveals how Microsoft is using precisely-delivered 3D sound to perfect the HoloLens augmented reality experience. It's measuring the distance between your pupils and using one of its six cameras for head tracking to make sure every effect sounds like it's coming from the right place.
Review: Google Home arrives to take on Amazon's Echo
The battle of the Bluetooth speakers has begun. Now that Google Home is in stores, we can properly compare it to Amazon's AI-connected audio device. How does it measure up? Google Assistant and Chromecast are big pluses, however, limited third-party app support and missing features are launch mean it has some catching up to do.
Google reveals unpatched Windows bug that hackers are exploiting
This week the quick disclosure of an exploit targeting Flash and Windows caused friction between Google and Microsoft. The good news for users is that Adobe has already released an updated version of Flash, and anyone running a patched-up version of Windows 10 with a modern web browser should be safe even before Microsoft's patch arrives November 8th.
But wait, there's more...
- The Engadget Podcast Episode 13: Editor in chief Michael Gorman and executive editor Christopher Trout stop by the studio to talk Peter Thiel, Vine and online voting.
- Can't decide between Hillary or Donald? Take a look at Zoltan Istvan, the only candidate (openly) focused on living forever as a post-human species.
- Where do the presidential candidates stand on tech issues? We have all the info right here so you can make an informed vote.
- Inside Singapore's push to become a 'smart city' and what that means for privacy
- Uber's redesigned app focuses on speed and entertainment
The Morning After is a new daily newsletter from Engadget designed to help you fight off FOMO. Who knows what you'll miss if you don't subscribe.
Craving even more? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Have a suggestion on how we can improve The Morning After? Send us a note.