Netflix will let you give shows ‘Two Thumbs Up’

There’s a big difference between merely liking a show and it being your all-time favorite. Netflix’s recommendation algorithm will now be able to distinguish between the two. The streaming service is adding a “Two Thumbs Up” option to its rating system. Viewers will notice the new option starting today, right next to the traditional “Thumbs Up and “Thumbs Up” icon across all devices.

How do you know whether a show or movie deserves one or two “Thumbs Up”? If you liked the genre or style of a show and want to see similar titles, a single thumb is a safe bet. For example, giving a single thumbs up to a show like Russian Doll means you’ll see more mystery or dramedy shows with a woman as a leading character. Liking a show like Midsomer Murders means Netflix will serve you up even more British detective dramas.

But when you throw out a “Two Thumbs Up”, Netflix’s suggestions will become even more tailored to actors or specific creators. “…A Two Thumbs Up tells us what you loved and helps us get even more specific with your recommendations. For example, if you loved Bridgerton, you might see even more shows or films starring the cast, or from Shondaland,” said Christine Doig-Cardet, Netflix’s director of product innovation in a blog post. 

Netflix’s thumbs-based rating system has had its fair share of critics in recent years. The platform replaced its five-star rating system in 2017, much to the chagrin of armchair movie critics everywhere. As one Redditor points out, it’s hard to know what to rate a mediocre film from a director you normally love. Viewers worried that giving a “Thumbs Down” to a less-than-stellar show from a favorite genre could throw off Netflix’s algorithm. One example could be zombie fans who don’t like the movie Zombieland, or fans of Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy who didn’t care for Waking Life. Hopefully the new addition to Netflix’s rating system will lead to more well-tailored suggestions. Or at least less bad ones. 

Sonos bought a startup that made a light-powered Bluetooth speaker

Sonos has acquired Mayht, a Dutch startup best known for co-creating a Bluetooth speaker powered by light. Mayht specializes in an audio technology called Heartmotion. The company claims to have reinvented “the core of speaker driver” to allow for spea…

Fitbit will roll out a passive heart rhythm monitoring feature after getting FDA approval

The Food and Drug Administration has given Fitbit the green light to monitor users’ heart rhythms in the background. A new photoplethysmography (PPG) algorithm can passively check a user’s heart rhythm while they’re still or asleep. If the tech detects signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib) — a type of irregular heart rhythm — it will alert the wearer. Fitbit parent Google submitted the algorithm to the FDA for review last month.

Fitbit previously received FDA clearance to use electrocardiogram (ECG) tech in 2020’s Sense Smartwatch. However, that method requires users to run ECG tests manually. Google notes that AFib can be difficult to detect as episodes can be sporadic and pass without any symptoms. Monitoring heart rhythms in the background could improve detection. AFib affects more than 33.5 million people, and those with the condition have a higher risk of stroke.

In May 2020, Fitbit conducted a study of the PPG algorithm which lasted over five months and had more than 450,000 participants. It found that the algorithm correctly identified AFib episodes 98 percent of the time. Google used ECG patch monitors for confirmation.

Fitbit will soon roll out the background heart rate monitoring and Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications features in the US. They will be available on “a range of heart-rate enabled devices.” Apple Watch 4 and later can also passively monitor heart rhythms for signs of AFib. While neither company’s devices can make a formal diagnosis, they could prompt wearers to consult a doctor for advice should they detect possible AFib.

Lincoln teases its first EV concept

Lincoln is finally ready to say more about its electrified future. Ford’s upscale badge has teased its first EV concept ahead of an official unveiling on April 20th. The company didn’t offer much beyond a brief peek at the vehicle’s outlines, but did say in a statement that the concept would serve as an “inspiration” for EVs arriving soon.

The automaker previously said its Zephyr Reflection concept sedan would serve as an aesthetic reference point for future EVs. The teaser you see here isn’t a one-for-one match (the logo on the side isn’t present on the Reflection, for example), but the sloping roof line suggests Lincoln is happy to borrow some design cues.

The Lincoln brand is expected to electrify its full lineup by 2030, with half of its vehicles producing zero emissions by 2025. This includes an electric version of the Aviator SUV. The concept’s imminent debut isn’t a surprise, then — the company has just eight years to dramatically expand its EV selection.

DoorDash adds a cheaper DashPass plan for students

DoorDash is courting students with a cheaper DashPass subscription. The DashPass for Students plan costs $5 per month, which is half the cost of the regular DashPass. The annual student plan costs $48. There’s a free 30-day trial as well. All undergraduate and graduate students at accredited US colleges and universities are eligible to sign up.

Those who do will get benefits such as no delivery fees on food and grocery orders above the minimum spend, reduced service fees, five percent credit on eligible pickup orders and exclusive promotions and menu items. For a limited time, DashPass members can order Buffalo Wild Wings’ new Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho Wings.

DoorDash cited a study that suggests 70 percent of US college students order from a food delivery app each week. They do so four times per week on average. Around 27 percent spend more than $100 per week on food delivery, and nearly three quarters say they’re more likely to place orders while studying for finals or midterms. Signing up for DashPass for Students could help them save on delivery and service fees — as long as their preferred restaurants are served by DoorDash.

The regular DashPass has more than 10 million members. DoorDash is likely hoping that students who sign up for the cheaper plan will move on to the regular subscription after they graduate.

DoorDash adds a cheaper DashPass plan for students

DoorDash is courting students with a cheaper DashPass subscription. The DashPass for Students plan costs $5 per month, which is half the cost of the regular DashPass. The annual student plan costs $48. There’s a free 30-day trial as well. All undergraduate and graduate students at accredited US colleges and universities are eligible to sign up.

Those who do will get benefits such as no delivery fees on food and grocery orders above the minimum spend, reduced service fees, five percent credit on eligible pickup orders and exclusive promotions and menu items. For a limited time, DashPass members can order Buffalo Wild Wings’ new Doritos Flamin’ Hot Nacho Wings.

DoorDash cited a study that suggests 70 percent of US college students order from a food delivery app each week. They do so four times per week on average. Around 27 percent spend more than $100 per week on food delivery, and nearly three quarters say they’re more likely to place orders while studying for finals or midterms. Signing up for DashPass for Students could help them save on delivery and service fees — as long as their preferred restaurants are served by DoorDash.

The regular DashPass has more than 10 million members. DoorDash is likely hoping that students who sign up for the cheaper plan will move on to the regular subscription after they graduate.

Sega says its ‘Super Game’ project is actually multiple AAA titles

Sega has revealed more about its mysterious “Super Game” project, and it’s more complex than you might have suspected. As VGC and Kotaku note, Sega executive VP Shuji Utsumi used an interview on its Japanese recruitment page to explain that Super Game is actually “several titles” in progress within the same framework. He and fellow leaders were shy on many details, but vowed that these would be blockbusters that ventured “beyond” the conventional game experience.

That might include some trendier technology. Producer Masayoshi Kikuchi said in the interview that it was “natural” to expand into areas like “cloud gaming and NFT.” This wasn’t a definite commitment to using either tech and comes soon after Sega acknowledged a public backlash to NFTs. However, Sega recently registered a “Sega NFT” trademark in Japan — it’s at least open to the idea of offering digital collectibles.

Sega unveiled a partnership with Microsoft last year to use the Azure cloud platform for Super Game development. However, this doesn’t necessarily hint at game streaming plans. Sony, for instance, used Azure to help build its online infrastructure.

Super Game might not pan out for a while. Parent firm Sega Sammy said in November 2021 it might invest the equivalent of $882 million into the project over the next five years. You won’t necessarily have to wait that long for the first products, but it’s clear Sega treats Super Game more as a strategic bet than a short-term fix.

Microsoft’s spring sale knocks up to $200 off the Surface Laptop Go

Microsoft is ushering in the spring season with a new sale that discounts Surface devices, Xbox games, accessories and more through April 21st. A bunch of Surface gadgets are hundreds of dollars off right now, including the new Surface Pro X that’s down to $700 for the base model, but you’ll find an even better deal on the Surface Laptop Go. The entry-level Windows notebook is up to $200 off, so you can grab the model with a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $700. The base configuration is $150 off, too, bringing it down to $400.

Buy Surface Pro X at Microsoft starting at $700Buy Surface Laptop Go at Microsoft starting at $400Shop spring sale at Microsoft

While you can spend $700 and get either the Surface Pro X or the Laptop Go, we think the latter is the better option. The Surface Pro X is a gorgeous machine, but we found that buggy software held the 2-in-1 back from being truly great. While the Laptop Go has its compromises, it makes a great basic notebook thanks to its stellar hardware and speedy performance. Coming in at 2.45 pounds, the Laptop Go is lighter than its predecessor and looks sharp with its anodized aluminum top portion. Its 12.4-inch touchscreen gives you just enough room to multitask easily and its 3:2 aspect ratio makes it better for reading long articles and documents. 

All of the Surface Laptop Go configurations run on Core i5 processors, which means you’ll get solid CPU performance regardless of the one you pick. We recommend opting for a model with 8GB of RAM because it’ll serve you better over time than a measly 4GB will. As far as other features go, you’re getting a 720p webcam, a fingerprint-toting power button, one USB-C port and one USB-A port on the Laptop Go. Microsoft didn’t pack this machine with a lot of extra perks because it’s designed to be an affordable Surface option — just good enough to give those with basic needs a solid laptop experience, and it does deliver on that.

Xbox players can also save on individual titles thanks to this sale, along with subscriptions to Game Pass. You can join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for only $1 for your first month, and the sale price applies for PC Game Pass, too. Discounted games include Red Dead Redemption 2 for $24, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War for $35, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for $10 and BioShock: The Collection for $10.

Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at Microsoft – $1Subscribe to PC Game Pass at Microsoft – $1Shop Xbox games at Microsoft

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Apple TV 4K with 64GB of storage falls back to an all-time low

The price of the Apple TV 4K with 64GB of storage has dropped back to the lowest price we’ve seen for the device to date. It’s currently available for $170 on Amazon. That’s $29 less than the regular price, and the best deal we’ve seen for this version of the set-top box since December.

Buy Apple TV 4K (64GB) at Amazon – $170

While there are far less expensive streaming devices on the market, we think Apple TV 4K is the best premium option around. It has support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, and it runs on an A12 Bionic chip (which is also used to power the third-gen iPad Air and iPhone XS). You can use AirPlay to share video, photos and more from your other Apple devices to your TV. There’s the option to see a live feed of HomeKit-enabled cameras and to control smart home devices through Apple TV 4K.

Of course, the main reason most folks will pick up an Apple TV 4K is so they can watch shows and movies. The device supports a plethora of streaming services, including Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Disney+, Sling TV, Hulu and Twitch.

You’ll get three months of free access to Apple TV+ if you pick up the device. The service has an increasingly impressive collection of original shows and movies, including sitcom and Emmy powerhouse Ted Lasso, sci-fi office thriller Severance and CODA, the first movie from a streaming platform to win the Oscar for Best Picture. You’ll also be able to play Apple Arcade games through the device and there’s support for Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music.

What’s more, Apple TV 4K comes with a revamped Siri Remote. It has a redesigned, touch-sensitive directional pad that makes navigating menus a breeze. You can use the voice assistant to play a specific show or movie or display a list of options for your favorite genre.

YouTube says picture-in-picture will hit all iOS 15 devices in the coming days (updated)

If you don’t yet have YouTube picture-in-picture on your Apple device, you will soon (but not as soon as you’d think — read the update below). YouTube has told users PiP should be available “in a matter of days” across all devices running iOS 15 or later. As with other apps that support PiP on iOS, this will let you keep a floating video window pinned to your screen while you shift your focus to other activities.

The feature has been a long time in coming. YouTube said it was first rolling out PiP to Premium subscribers in June of last year, with plans to eventually bring the perk to all viewers. Some users found workarounds (such as using the mobile website) shortly after Apple enabled PiP with iOS 14, but that functionality quickly disappeared.

YouTube is relatively late when Disney+, Netflix, Twitch and others enabled PiP within months. Nonetheless, it remains a large upgrade. You won’t have to confine yourself to YouTube’s app just to catch up on your video queue, and it should be that much easier to use the service as a jukebox without subscribing to YouTube Music.

Update 4/11 2:50PM ET: YouTube tells Engadget the post accidentally referred to picture-in-picture for YouTube TV, not regular YouTube. It’s still testing PiP on iOS with Premium members, and all US users should have access “soon.”