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The US Fair Trade Commission published a paper that found 89 percent of connected devices do not detail how long the item will receive software support. The study examined product websites looking for specifics about how long the company expected to support the device. Within the 11 percent of product sites that shared this information, the review found cases with ambiguous language as well as inconsistencies in where dates were displayed. As a secondary test, the researchers conducted basic Google searches for information about support dates and couldn't quickly find answers for 67 percent of the devices. "Consumers stand to lose a lot of money if their smart products stop delivering the features they want," said Samuel Levine, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the FTC. "When shopping for smart devices, consumers should ask questions and consider how long their product will last." The 89 percent figure sounds like a pretty damning rate, but there is a major caveat to this research. The FTC only looked at 184 products, and they fell across a huge range of categories. The review excluded laptops, personal computers, tablets and automobiles, but any other "connected device" was covered. So while the real percentages are likely hazier than this report suggests, the FTC's point about considering ongoing product support is still a good one. It's becoming more common for smartphone manufacturers to say upfront how long they'll support the device; for instance, Samsung will keep the S24 line updated for seven years. The wave of right to repair laws that have been passed in a few states, most recently in California, could also point toward longer lifespans for hardware. However, that practice clearly hasn't spread to all personal and home tech. Today's paper from the FTC doesn't advise any action on the topic, but it does highlight a need to set expectations around how and when companies will offer support for their software-driven products.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/ftc-warns-that-companies-dont-disclose-how-long-connected-devices-will-be-supported-212432111.html?src=rss
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Noble Audio just announced pending availability of its most advanced earbuds yet. The FoKus Rex5 earbuds manage to cram a whole lot of tech into a small package, with a $450 price tag to prove it. First of all, Noble has installed five drivers into each earbud. This is likely the first time thats ever been done, as the idea of cramming multiple drivers into a tiny earbud is a relatively new concept. Nobles own FoKus Prestige earbuds include three drivers, but certainly not five. Noble Audio The FoKus Rex5 earbuds include a dynamic driver, a planar driver and three balanced armature drivers to extend the frequency range. The company says this particular combination creates an impressive soundstage that effortlessly delivers rich, full bass, detailed mid-tones, and crystal-clear highs across an extended frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz. For the uninitiated, planar drivers provide a more accurate signal through the treble and mid ranges. Dynamic drivers have the power to move a whole lot of air, resulting in an improved bass response. The companys recently-released FoKus Apollo headphones also combine these two types of drivers. These earbuds integrate with a proprietary app and Audiodos personalization software. This lets people create a custom EQ setting based on their hearing, which is then actually uploaded to the earbuds. Of course, the Rex5 buds offer active noise cancellation and multiple transparency modes. Noble Audio As for connectivity, the Rex5 earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint. Theyre also equipped with both aptX Adaptive and LDAC hi-res codecs, along with AAC and SBC. The company says customers should expect five hours of use per charge with ANC on and seven hours when it's off. The earbuds come with a charging case that can power an additional 40 hours of use, with a quick charge feature. The case is also green to match the buds. Noble Audios FoKus Rex5 earbuds are available for preorder right now, with shipments beginning on November 29. As previously mentioned, they cost $450, which is $200 more than Apples top-of-the-line AirPods Pro 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/noble-audio-announces-its-most-advanced-earbuds-yet-with-five-drivers-per-ear-193352556.html?src=rss
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Japan's Fair Trade Commission has conducted a raid on Amazon over antitrust concerns. "There is a suspicion that Amazon Japan is forcing sellers to cut prices in an irrational way," an unnamed source told Reuters. Amazon Japan received an on-site inspection by the regulator today to explore whether the retailer gives better product placement in search results to sellers who offer lower prices. Additional reporting in The Japan Times suggested that this inquiry is focused on Amazon's Buy Box program, which puts recommended items more prominently in front of online shoppers. The publication said that in addition to demanding "competitive pricing," sellers were allegedly required to use Amazon's in-house services, such as those for logistics and payment collection, to qualify for Buy Box placement. The Japanese FTC has not released an official statement about the inquiry. We've reached out to Amazon for a comment. Amazon has also been questioned about anti-competitive behavior around the world. Stateside, both the Fair Trade Commission and the Attorney General of Washington DC have raised similar concerns about Amazon's practices. The company is also expected to face an antitrust investigation in the European Union next year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amazon-japan-hit-with-a-raid-over-antitrust-concerns-191558080.html?src=rss
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