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Alipay+ and Meizu smart glasses can now make paymentsWith QR and voice payments, your face might be the new walletMakers say these are the first truly smart glasses for real-world transactionsThe idea of leaving home without your phone and still being able to buy a coffee may seem far-fetched, but this is what Alipay+ and Meizu are promising.Alipay+, a global wallet gateway service operated by Ant International, recently completed what it describes as the world’s first real-world e-wallet payment via an augmented reality glass.The transaction was carried out using AlipayHK and Meizu’s StarV Snap glasses in Hong Kong.Smart glasses meet voice and QR technologyThe smart glasses allow payments via QR scans or voice commands, made possible by Alipay+’s AI features such as intent recognition, voice interface, and voiceprint authentication.Meizu’s hardware supports these features with optical waveguide displays, noise reduction microphones, and integrated cameras.The system also supports NFC-based cards and QR payments via Alipay+’s broader technology suite.“The offline payment function of smart glasses launched overseas by Meizu and Alipay+ has set a new technological benchmark for the industry,” said Peng Guo, General Manager of the XR Division of Meizu.“The innovation in the payment scenario has enhanced the practicality and appeal of smart glasses and also promoted the progress and development of the AR glasses industry. We hope this function will bring more convenient experiences to users.”Yet, for all the innovation, it’s fair to ask who this is for, as while the technology could appeal to early adopters and tech enthusiasts, it may be a harder sell for ordinary people.Nevertheless, Jiangming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer of Ant, claims, “…smart glasses will rapidly transform into the next-gen personal device like the mobile phone.”That’s a bold claim, particularly considering smart glasses haven’t yet found a place in the average consumer’s daily life.The best secure smartphone or even the best smartphone for business struggle to combine convenience with data security.Smart glasses add another layer of complexity, particularly around public use, user interface, and reliability.That said, the smart glasses' payment function may be more of a novel feature than an essential one, but it undoubtedly expands what wearable tech can do, even if it’s not quite ready to replace your phone just yet.The rollout to Alipay+ global partners is expected later in 2025.You might also likeWhy 2025 will be the year of the AI smart glassesMeta AI's experimental new smart glasses can see everything you doDon't wait for Google's Android XR smart glasses – here are two amazing AR glasses I’ve tested

A Google email about Gemini privacy is causing quite the stir. The alarm came from a change in what the chatbot can access when your history is turned off. However, the update's implications are far less sensational than initially feared.

Here's the heart of the email that set off the hubbub in the otherwise sleepy summer tech press. "Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off." (Emphasis is ours.) The email also noted that the change starts rolling out automatically on July 7. So, that bold part sounds pretty bad, right? Gemini is just rifling through our texts, no matter what we say??!

In this case, the change is no more concerning than, well, anything else AI companies do with your data. Before this update, Gemini's Apps Activity Setting had to be on to use those extensions. If you wanted to let Gemini handle tasks like making calls or sending texts, you need to save your conversations. If not, you couldn't use Gemini's Phone, Messages, WhatsApp or Utilities extensions.

In other words, you had to store your chats on Google's servers to get Gemini's full power. (Google still stores them for 72 hours even when it's off. But that mandatory period has been in place since Gemini was still called Bard.) That also meant your interactions could be used to train Google's AI models.

What's happening now appears to be better for privacy. Now, you can leave the chatbot's history off and still use those features. You still don't have to use the extensions. If you do, Google won't train on them or store them for more than three days if your Apps Activity is off.

Google

The update is likely a case of Google paving the way for Gemini to replace Google Assistant on Android. (That happens later this year.) Those are the kinds of tasks a phone's default assistant will need to handle. Gemini is already the de facto assistant on Pixel handsets.

In a statement sent to Engadget, Google helped to clarify the confusion. “This update is good for users: they can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like send messages, initiate phone calls, and set timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, their Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models. As always, users can turn off Gemini’s connection to apps at any time by navigating to https://gemini.google.com/apps.”

So, this appears to be a storm in a teacup among a tech press eager for something interesting to cover during slow season. But you know what? I'm cool with that. It's good to be concerned about AI privacy. You’d better be if you’re using these services. If some of our competitors jumped the gun in declaring this an emergency when it wasn’t, well… that's much better than shrugging these things off.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/what-do-googles-gemini-privacy-changes-actually-mean-200819778.html?src=rss

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Walmart has confirmed that the Switch 2 will be available on its site tonight at 9PM ET, but the first hour of availability will only be open to paid Walmart+ members. So, in order to potentially add the new Nintendo console to your cart, you'll need to be a full Walmart+ member (free trial members aren't eligible).

The good news? That privilege will only cost you $13 per month (or $98, if you want to take the plunge for a full year). That's not bad when you consider that opting for the Switch 2 from third-party retailers on Walmart will set you back almost $800. And in addition to granting early access to hard-to-find items like the Switch 2, Walmart+ includes several perks including free delivery (including grocery and pharmacy items), discounts on gas purchases and even a complementary Paramount+ subscription.

Walmart

Walmart will be offering both the baseline $449 Switch 2 and the $499 Mario Kart World bundle. If you're interested in taking the plunge, we'd recommend getting the Walmart Plus sign-up out of the way now, and then returning to the site 10 minutes before the clock hits 9PM (6PM Pacific). Of course, you can wait around to see if any are still available by 10PM, but we wouldn't hold our breath.

If you're looking for other Switch 2 vendors, check out our full Switch 2 retailer roundup.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/the-switch-2-is-coming-to-walmart-tonight-at-9pm-et--but-theres-a-catch-203129228.html?src=rss

Google’s new Gemini Robotics On‑Device AI model lets robots run entirely offlineThe model can learn new tasks from just 50 to 100 examplesIt adapts to different robot types, like humanoids or industrial arms, and could be used in rural homes and hospitalsFor years, we've been promised robot butlers capable of folding your laundry, chopping your onions, and essaying a witty bon mot like the ones in our favorite period dramas. One thing those promises never mention is that accidentally unplugging your router might shut down that mechanical Jeeves. Google claims its newest Gemini AI model solves that problem, though.Google DeepMind has unveiled its new Gemini Robotics On‑Device AI model as a way of keeping robots safe from downed power lines and working in rural areas. Although it's not as powerful as the standard cloud-based Gemini models, its independence means it could be a lot more reliable and useful.The breakthrough is that the AI, a VLA (vision, language, action) model, can look around, understand what it’s seeing, interpret natural language instructions, and then act on them without needing to look up any words or tasks online. In testing, robots with the model installed completed tasks on unfamiliar objects and in new environments without Googling it.That might not seem like a huge deal, but the world is full of places with limited internet or no access at all. Robots working in rural hospitals, disaster zones, and underground tunnels can’t afford to lag. Now, not only is the model fast, but Google claims it has an amazing ability to learn and adapt. The developers claim they can teach the AI new tricks with as few as 50 demonstrations, which is practically instantaneous compared to some of the programs currently used for robotic training.Offline robot AI That ability to learn and adapt is also evident in the robot's flexible physical design. The model was first designed to run Google’s own dual-arm ALOHA devices, but has since proven capable of working when installed in far more complex machines, like the Apollo humanoid robot from Apptronik.The idea of machines that learn quickly and act independently obviously raises some red flags. But Google insists it's being cautious. The model comes with built-in safeguards, both in its physical design and in the tasks it will carry out.You can't run out and buy a robot with this model installed yet, but a future involving a robot with this model or one of its descendants is easy to picture. Let’s say you buy a robot assistant in five years. You want it to do normal things: fold towels, prep meals, keep your toddler from launching Lego bricks down the stairs. But your other child wanted to see how that box with the blinking lights worked, and suddenly those lights stopped blinking. Luckily, the model installed in your robot can still see and understand what those Lego bricks are and that you are asking it to pick them up and put them back in their bucket.That’s the real promise of Gemini Robotics On‑Device. It’s not just about bringing AI into the physical world. It’s about making it stick around when the lights flicker. Your future robot butler won’t be a cloud-tethered liability. The robots are coming, and they are truly wireless. Hopefully, that's still a good thing.You might also likeAdding Google Gemini to Samsung's Ballie AI robot sounds impressive, but I'm not sure it mattersMeta AI researchers give robots a sense of touch and we're getting all the creepy feelsRobotic AI performs successful surgery after watching videos for training

Demodex blepharitis impacts an estimated 25 million people in the U.S., yet many have never heard of it. In partnership with Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, "CBS Mornings" explores the connection between eye health and overall well-being, and looks at the new FDA-approved drug XDEMVY used to help treat the disease. Sponsored by "XDEMVY. Rx only. Visit and ask your doctor if XDEMVY is right for you. Yuna Rapoport, M.D. is a paid spokesperson for Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The most common side effect in clinical trials was stinging and burning in 10% of patients. Other side effects in less than 2% of patients were chalazion/hordeolum and punctate keratitis. Please see additional important safety information at bit.ly/XDEMVY-ISI and full prescribing information at bit.ly/XDEMVY-PI and available at XDEMVY.com. XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25% is indicated for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.

Liquid Glass is a huge new change coming to iOS 26. (Apple)

It's true: Apple's iOS 26 (not iOS 19) is coming your way this fall with some cool new features you'll want to try. Here's what we're excited about: the iPhone is finally getting a fresh home and lock screen redesign dubbed Liquid Glass, a look and feel that will extend across all of Apple's upcoming operating systems. The overhaul was one of several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple's software suite, all of which were showcased during the company's WWDC keynote on June 9. If you're a developer, you can check out the iOS 26 beta 2 now; the public beta coming in July.

After overpromising on AI plans at WWDC 2024, Apple kept its iOS roadmap focused more on basic quality of life improvements this year. There are multiple useful additions coming to the Phone and Messages apps on your iPhone, for instance: Apple execs outlined the ability to weed out spam texts or other unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. Plus, a treasured feature that we took for granted is coming back (hint: it's in the Photos app).

Keep reading to check out the most notable features coming to your iPhone this fall, according to Apple. Also, make sure your iPhone is eligible to download the iOS 26 update (thankfully, most recent models are).

What is iOS 26?

While the current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, Apple is skipping the numbering ahead to iOS 26 later this year. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems will be released in late 2025, they're all designated "26" to reflect the year ahead.

It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year — the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing.

So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a "new translucent material" since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see. While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some — including Engadget's own Devindra Hardawar — like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

That said, as of the newly released iOS 26 beta 2, Apple has already incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: Liquid Glass was designed to make all of Apple's OSes more cohesive. Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic will look with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

Phone app redesign: You'll finally be able to scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.

Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 is bringing the ability to have a conversation via phone call or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends will soon be able to create polls in group messages for deciding things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

Photos tabs are back: For anyone who's still frustrated with the Photos changes made last year, you'll be happy to know that your tabs are coming back. Library and Collections will have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for.

Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS — iPhone XR, XS and XS Max — won't be compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible for the iOS 26 update.

iPhone SE (second generation or later)

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 16e

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Not listed here are the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or maybe iPhone 26?) that are all but certain to be announced and released in September.

When will the iOS 26 beta be available?

The iOS 26 public beta will become available in July via the Apple Beta Software Program. If you're not already a member, you'll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Just visit beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. It's free.

Once you're in and the beta is available, you can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

A word of caution: Don't sign up with your main iPhone unless you're OK with any risks that occur with using an OS that isn't finalized.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

iOS 26 will be released to the public this fall. It usually comes in September, within a week of the Apple iPhone event. Last year, it rolled out to iPhone users on September 16 — exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced.

If you're more interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming, here's everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework.

Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/apple-released-ios-26-beta-2-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iphone-operating-system-135749886.html?src=rss