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The Morning After: Wednesday October 26th 2016

Lots of Microsoft and Apple news. And fashion.

While you weren't checking email, or sleeping and all that, Apple said its services are making bank despite decreased hardware sales this quarter. Then, the company's new Macbook leaked ahead of the big Apple event later today. Oh, and Silicon Valley held a ridiculous fashion show, as seen above. Today, Microsoft's big Surface event starts 10 AM Eastern time, while Apple's show starts tomorrow at 1 PM ET. Best bookmark those links: it's going to be a busy day.


So that's the new MacBook.Apple announces slower profits, then its new device leaks early

The headline might sound disastrous, but Apple's recent financial result follows years and years of tremendous growth and profit. CEO Tim Cook pointed to its services arm (iCloud, iTunes Music, etc.) to demonstrate recent successes, but the company sold fewer iPhones, iPads and Macs again this quarter. Then its new MacBook model appeared to leak ahead of its grand event tomorrow, replete with port swap-arounds, an OLED task strip and (gasp!) no escape button. There is no escape.


Making shooting things sound like it shouldMicrosoft's research arm helped make Gears of War 4 sound incredible

For 'Gears of War 4', Microsoft-owned game makers the Coalition created a sound production tool called Triton ... with some help from Microsoft Research. Triton creates realistic reverb sounds based on objects inside the game. In fact, the system takes in an entire video game level (spatially and material-wise) and calculates the reverb properties of every material. From there, it applies realistic echo/reflection effects to explosions, bullets and (hopefully) dying alien scum. It sounds pretty good. Literally.


Heads up.Upgrade your car's dash with Navdy's HUD

Heads-up displays are usually the domain of new cars. But after finding crowdfunding success, Navdy lets you add a HUD to any darn car you'd like. The $800 device pairs with Android and iOS devices to offer a floating substitute for your smartphone: turn-by-turn navigation, music controls and notifications for messages and calls are all available, but the peripheral's behaviour with mapping apps still needs a bit of work. Roberto took one for a drive and explains more.


Engage.The occasionally dull sensation of helming a 'Star Trek' starship in VR

While Trekkies can't wait for 'Star Trek Bridge Crew' to land on VR headsets, some may realize they weren't cut out to be the captain of a starship. Devout fan (and Senior Editor) Dan Cooper led a crew of Engadget writers on the virtual rescue mission.


A $15 million ad campaign only does so much.Amazon's fashion fight

Clothing is one of the online retailer's fastest-growing categories, but the haute couture old guard aren't cutting Amazon any slack. Many luxury brands say having full control of the retail experience is paramount. And then there's those counterfeit concerns.


So hot right now.When Silicon Valley does a Fashion Week...

.. of course there's drones.

But wait, there's more...