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With numerous brands, features, and plenty of tech lingo, choosing a TV can be tough, which is why we put together this list of the best models on the market.

Today is a big day for Apple system updates: the company released iOS 17.3 and iPadOS 17.3, alongside more modest watchOS 10.3 and macOS Sonoma 14.3 updates. This iOS update is a modest refresh, so don’t go looking for anything too crazy. There is, however, a new feature called Stolen Device Protection. This isn’t used to locate a stolen iPhone or iPad, but rather to keep the thieves from accessing your personal data.

The feature first popped up in the developer beta of iOS 17.3 and it’s actually pretty handy. If someone manages to steal your iPhone or iPad, and you are updated to OS 17.3, you can lock them out of the system by forcing Face ID or Touch ID access. This works even if they have your passcode, so they won’t be able to put in their own biometrics and lock you out.

The software automatically mandates a one-hour security delay before changing the passcode if the phone or tablet is recognized as being in an unfamiliar location. Stolen Device Protection won’t stop thieves from doing their thing, but it will make things harder for them. The tool’s available for both iPhones and iPads.

The update also brings collaborative playlists to Apple Music, AirPlay hotel support, optimized crash detection and new wallpapers to celebrate Black History Month. It’s not the most robust update in the world, but it’s only been like a month since iOS 17.2 was released.

How do I turn on Stolen Device Protection?

Like other iOS 17 releases, you need an iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max or iPhone XR from 2018, or any version of iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. It also works on iPhone SE second- and third-generation models. As for iPadOS 17.3, a whole bunch of models are eligible for the update, including the iPad Mini fifth-generation and up, the standard iPad sixth-generation and up, the iPad Air third-generation and up and all iPad Pro models. Check your system settings to see if the update is available for download.

You’ll find the option to turn on Stolen Device Protection in the Settings menu, under “Face ID & Passcode.” It’s really just as simple as scrolling down and tapping “Stolen Device Protection,” and watching the “Off” label turn to “On.” There is no other setup required.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-releases-ios-173-which-introduces-the-new-stolen-device-protection-tool-184654922.html?src=rss

Samsung just announced that its self-repair program will now include certain home entertainment devices. The company has developed a range of step-by-step repair guides for various products in the category, in addition to providing genuine replacement parts and repair tools.

This program covers Samsung 2023 TVs, along with their remotes, and monitors released throughout the past year or so. Additionally, the self-repair program now includes the second-generation Freestyle projector and select soundbars. You can pick up replacement parts directly from the company.

Of course, the program doesn’t cover every repair issue. For TVs and monitors, the program only handles issues related to the picture, power, WiFi connection, sound and remote control. For soundbars, the program covers problems related to HDMI and optical connections, power, sound and wireless communication. According to Samsung, most of these issues can be fixed with common tools like a Phillips-head screwdriver.

The company’s been on something of a self-repair spree in recent months. Back in December, Samsung opened up the program to foldable devices, like the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. In the first part of 2023, the company added S22 and Galaxy Book devices to the program, joining pre-existing Galaxy products.

To that end, Samsung just announced a broader assortment of self-repair parts for devices already included in the program. This includes speakers, SIM trays, side keys, volume keys, display assemblies, back glass and charging ports for phones and tablets. Galaxy Book owners can also now conduct DIY repairs to fix the speakers and fan. Meanwhile, rival Apple doesn’t exactly have the best track record in the self-repair movement.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-expands-self-repair-program-to-include-home-entertainment-devices-182215562.html?src=rss

Nintendo is honoring Princess Peach with a set of appropriately colored Joy-Cons. On Tuesday, the company posted on X (Twitter) that a set of pastel pink Joy-Con controllers will launch alongside Princess Peach: Showtime! on March 22.

The pair will be sold for a limited time at the Nintendo Store and “select retailers.” Although the company hasn’t specified how much they’ll cost, $80 — the standard Joy-Con pair going rate— is likely a safe bet.

Nintendo already sells a pastel pink left Joy-Con, paired with a pastel yellow one as part of a batch launched last summer. So, if we’re being technical, the wholly original part of Peach’s long-overdue tribute appears to be half a controller. Engadget reached out to Nintendo to ask if the shade of pastel pink in Peach’s set is identical to the one in the pink / yellow pairing as it appears to be in the promotional images below. We’ll update this article if we hear back.

Nintendo

Of course, the themed Joy-Cons are merely the undercard to the main event of Princess Peach: Showtime! The pseudo-platformer, announced during the September Nintendo Direct, has the perpetual damsel in distress taking heroic center stage in a story about saving a theater (the Hamlet kind, not the Barbenheimer kind) from the villainous Grape and the Sour Bunch.

Peach can wield a ribbon as a whip-like weapon, lent to her by the theater’s guardian, a floating star named Stella. (She may play a similar role to Cappy in Super Mario Odyssey and Prince Florian in Super Mario Wonder). Peach can also draw on her theatrical quick-change abilities to transform into a ninja, swashbuckler, detective, patisserie, cowgirl and Kung-Fu artist — giving the frequent McGuffin in Mario’s stories fun power-ups to counter those of her mustachioed beau.

Princess Peach: Showtime! is available for pre-order now from Nintendo and Amazon. It and the pair of pastel pink Joy-Cons arrive on March 22. You can watch the game’s latest trailer below.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-honors-princess-peach-with-a-pair-of-pastel-pink-joy-cons-174854757.html?src=rss

After a relatively short delay, you’ll soon be able to enter the uniquely strange world of Death Stranding on Apple devices. Hideo Kojima’s walking simulator will be available on iPhone 15 Pro models and iPads and Macs with M-series chips on January 30. This version of the gloomy open-world adventure will run you $40. However, if you pre-order, you’ll save up to 50 percent.

Since this is the director’s cut of Death Stranding, it includes extras not available in the base game. Those include additional locations such as an underground factory, expanded story missions and more ways to help Sam Porter Bridge deliver packages, like a cargo launcher and a stabilizer to prevent the hero of the piece from falling over and losing some gear.

Kojima is far from done with this universe. A sequel is in the works, with rumors suggesting that more details are coming in the next couple of weeks. Kojima Productions has also teamed up with indie film powerhouse A24 to make a Death Stranding movie.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/death-stranding-is-coming-to-select-apple-devices-on-january-30-173544260.html?src=rss

Parrot TDS is finding new ways to keep its code hidden from website owners, researchers have recently warned.

New piece of malware is hiding in cracked macOS software, looking to steal your cryptocurrency.