Amazon will start testing ultra-low carbon electrofuels for deliveries in 2023

Amazon is partnering with Infinium to test the use of so-called electrofuels (e-fuels) in its middle-mile diesel fleet, it announced. The company invested in Infinium last year as part of its goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. “We’ve been developin…

Microsoft confirms its recent Series X update lets Xbox One discs be played offline

Xbox’s online DRM has been one of the biggest issues with Xbox Series X consoles, as outages and other issues have left players with no access to purchased games. Another big complaint is that cross-platform Xbox One disc games have been inaccessible offline, even with games that don’t require a connection. Now, a new update means you won’t be forced to do an internet check or download from an Xbox One disc anymore, engineering lead Eden Marie confirmed in a tweet.

Users started noticing the change recently, but it has been in place since the 2206 update earlier this summer, Marie said. “We examined data since Series X|S launch & determined the online compatibility check isn’t needed in the vast majority of cases for Xbox One discs. Some games may still need to be updated online after install to ensure the best experience,” she added.

What was the problem before? The issue essentially revolved around Microsoft’s Smart Delivery system. Previously, when you inserted various types of Xbox One/Xbox Series X game discs on a new-gen console, it wouldn’t install the game straight from the disc — rather, it would install an updated version via the internet. This, despite the fact that Series X consoles are perfectly capable of playing most Xbox One games directly (the main exception being Kinect games).

What this means it that you can now play many games offline that are branded “Xbox One,” “Xbox One/Xbox Series X,” “Xbox Series X/Xbox One” and “Xbox Series X.” However, you can’t play original Xbox or Xbox 360 games without updates, as the data “can’t be used directly,” according to Eden. (Most of this doesn’t apply to the Xbox Series S, of course, because it doesn’t have a disc drive.)

There are a few other exceptions as well. For instance, some disc games known as “stubs,” like Forza Horizon 5 or Halo Infinite, don’t contain the full version of the game — so you’ll need a connection for those. You’ll also need the internet to download the latest versions of games, along with expansion packs, etc. And Series X consoles require an account, so you’ll need to be online at least once to set that up. Still, the update is a good step and means you’ll be able to play a lot more games in the not-so-rare event that Microsoft’s servers go down.

Google’s ‘Nest WiFi Pro 6E’ pricing leaks on retail site

Google’s next WiFi 6E router may have been revealed prematurely via a B&H Photo Video listing, 9to5Mac has reported. The “Google Nest WiFi Pro 6E” is shown available for pre-order at $199.99 in multiple colors, or $299.99 and $399.99 in 2- and 3-packs. No images or other details are shown, including whether it will ship with the “Point” network extenders. 

Google’s Made By Google event takes place on October 6th, with the company set to unveil the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Watch and “additions to the Nest smart home portfolio.” That now seems likely to include the Nest WiFi Pro, which already leaked in an FCC listing that detailed Bluetooth LE and mesh networking. The update to WiFi 6E means that the routers will be less subject to interference than current WiFi 6 models, thanks to an additional 6-7Ghz bandwidth range. 

If accurate, it seems that Google is following the “Pro” naming scheme used on its Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro. It’s therefore likely to sell it alongside the current WiFi lineup which is currently seeing steep discounts — a sure sign of an upcoming product. For instance, the Nest WiFi router is normally $349 for a three-pack but is currently marked down by $150, and the the $100 Google WiFi router is also on sale.

Anker charging accessories are up to 39 percent off for today only

If you’re seeking a wireless charger or other smartphone accessories, now is a good time to stock up. For today only, you can pick up various Anker products at Amazon with discounts as high as 39 percent, including its 622 Magnetic Battery, USB-C to Lightning cables and 533 USB-C Hub with 100W power delivery.

Buy Anker charging products at Amazon

The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) snaps right on to your iPhone 12/13, boosting range by a significant 5,000mAh. It’s relatively thin at 12.8mm, attaches using a super-strong magnet and charges either wirelessly or via the USB-C port and included cable. It also doubles as a kickstand, letting you prop up your phone for video chats, movie watching and more. It’s normally priced at $60, but you can now grab one for $45 for a savings of $15 (25 percent).

If you’re tired of losing iPhone charging cables and just want to get a bunch of them, Anker’s USB-C to Lightning cable is available in a five-pack for $37, or 38 percent off the regular $60 price. For that, you get two 3-foot cables, two 6-foot cables and one 10-footer, each compatible with USB-C chargers up to 87 watts. They also allow you to connect your iPhone to a Mac for seamless sync and charging.

And if it’s a hub you’re after, Anker’s 533 8-in1 USB-C Hub is a solid option. It offers 100W power delivery, 4K 60Hz HDMI, USB-C 3.2 10 Gbps, two USB-A 3.2 10 Gbps and SD/microSD UHS-1 ports. That makes it ideal for connecting all types of accessories to MacBooks or certain iPad Pro models, while not taking up a lot of desk space. It’s on sale for $56, which is a full $24 (30 percent) off the normal price. If you’re interested in any of these, act soon, because it’s strictly a one-day sale.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Anker charging accessories are up to 39 percent off for today only

If you’re seeking a wireless charger or other smartphone accessories, now is a good time to stock up. For today only, you can pick up various Anker products at Amazon with discounts as high as 39 percent, including its 622 Magnetic Battery, USB-C to Lightning cables and 533 USB-C Hub with 100W power delivery.

Buy Anker charging products at Amazon

The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) snaps right on to your iPhone 12/13, boosting range by a significant 5,000mAh. It’s relatively thin at 12.8mm, attaches using a super-strong magnet and charges either wirelessly or via the USB-C port and included cable. It also doubles as a kickstand, letting you prop up your phone for video chats, movie watching and more. It’s normally priced at $60, but you can now grab one for $45 for a savings of $15 (25 percent).

If you’re tired of losing iPhone charging cables and just want to get a bunch of them, Anker’s USB-C to Lightning cable is available in a five-pack for $37, or 38 percent off the regular $60 price. For that, you get two 3-foot cables, two 6-foot cables and one 10-footer, each compatible with USB-C chargers up to 87 watts. They also allow you to connect your iPhone to a Mac for seamless sync and charging.

And if it’s a hub you’re after, Anker’s 533 8-in1 USB-C Hub is a solid option. It offers 100W power delivery, 4K 60Hz HDMI, USB-C 3.2 10 Gbps, two USB-A 3.2 10 Gbps and SD/microSD UHS-1 ports. That makes it ideal for connecting all types of accessories to MacBooks or certain iPad Pro models, while not taking up a lot of desk space. It’s on sale for $56, which is a full $24 (30 percent) off the normal price. If you’re interested in any of these, act soon, because it’s strictly a one-day sale.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

Boom’s supersonic jet is facing a lack of interest from engine suppliers

Boom recently lost its jet engine partner for the Overture supersonic jet, and other major engine manufacturers aren’t interested in the project either, Insider has reported. After Boom signed an “engagement agreement” with Rolls-Royce for supersonic jet engines back in 2020, the latter announced last week that it had left the project. Now, other major jet engine manufacturers including Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation, Honeywell and Safran Aircraft Engines have told FlightGlobal they’re not currently interested in supersonic aircraft.

Boom said that the project is still on track, though, and that it will soon announce an engine partner. “We can reconfirm our intention to announce Boom’s selected engine partner and transformational approach for reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable supersonic flight, later this year.” Boom told Insider. The company has 20 airplanes on order from American Airlines and 15 from United. It plans to build build a factory in California and start flying passengers by 2029.

For its part, Rolls-Royce said that “after careful consideration… [we] have determined that the commercial aviation supersonic market is not currently a priority for us and, therefore, will not pursue further work on the program at this time.”

After careful consideration, Rolls-Royce has determined that the commercial aviation supersonic market is not currently a priority for us and, therefore, will not pursue further work on the program at this time.

There are a limited number of other manufacturers capable of developing a supersonic jet engine, and all of the biggest ones said that it’s not in their plans. Honeywell, Safron and GE shut down the idea, while Pratt & Whitney stated that supersonic travel is “tangential” to its business.

Pratt & Whitney cited efficiency as an issue for supersonic jets, and other manufacturers said they’re focused on reducing fuel-burn. That’s the primary direction for the industry right now, given criticism of air travel’s contribution to global warming. In addition, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently bashed supersonic travel, noting in a report that it would use 7-9 times more fuel per passenger, per kilometer, than subsonic jets. 

Boom has said that it would offset its carbon output through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). However, the ICAO report said that would be a poor use of scarce SAF fuels, given the high fuel burn compared to a regular jet. It also noted that “the high cruise altitude of supersonics increases the residence time of emissions significantly.”

Uber now offers EV rides in 25 cities

Uber has expanded its Comfort Electric service “nationwide” to 24 US cities, letting users request rides in all-electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It also expanded to Vancouver in British Columbia, which has the highest sales rate of zero-emission vehicles in North America.

Comfort Electric launched last May in several cities as part of the Uber Comfort service. That allows riders to request extra legroom and other high-end features for a 20-40 percent premium over Uber X trips. It’s separate from the Uber Green service, which gives drivers an extra fee for electrified vehicles. Uber Green allows both EVs and hybrids, though, while Comfort Electric is limited to EVs.

Uber said that its partnership with Hertz “helped pave the way for the expansion of Comfort Electric, with more than 25,000 drivers renting a Tesla.” Last year, Hertz announced that it would order 100,000 Teslas, and shortly afterwards, said it would make up to 50,000 of those available for rent solely to Uber ridesharing drivers in the US.

The service is now available in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore-Maryland, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, NYC Suburbs, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St Louis, Vancouver (Canada) and Washington, DC — up from 11 cities previously.

The expansion looks like a small step in Uber’s goal of becoming a zero-emissions platform in the US and Canada by 2030. It has promised to spend $800 million to help drivers transition to all-electric vehicles by 2025. California will require ride-hailing services to be all-electric by 2030, and other states like New York also plan to ban sales of gas-burning cars. 

Microsoft Teams has been storing authentication tokens in plaintext

Microsoft Teams stores authentication tokens in unencrypted plaintext mode, allowing attackers to potentially control communications within an organization, according to the security firm Vectra. The flaw affects the desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux built using Microsoft’s Electron framework. Microsoft is aware of the issue but said it has no plans for a fix anytime soon, since an exploit would also require network access.

According to Vectra, a hacker with local or remote system access could steal the credentials for any Teams user currently online, then impersonate them even when they’re offline. They could also pretend to be the user through apps associated with Teams, like Skype or Outlook, while bypassing the multifactor authentication (MFA) usually required. 

“This enables attackers to modify SharePoint files, Outlook mail and calendars, and Teams chat files,” Vectra security architect Connor Peoples wrote. “Even more damaging, attackers can tamper with legitimate communications within an organization by selectively destroying, exfiltrating, or engaging in targeted phishing attacks.”

Attackers can tamper with legitimate communications within an organization by selectively destroying, exfiltrating, or engaging in targeted phishing attacks.

Vectra created a proof-of-concept exploit that allowed them to send a message to the account of the credential holder via an access token. “Assuming full control of critical seats–like a company’s Head of Engineering, CEO, or CFO — attackers can convince users to perform tasks damaging to the organization.”  

The problem is mainly limited to the desktop app, because the Electron framework (that essentially creates a web app port) has “no additional security controls to protect cookie data,” unlike modern web browsers. As such, Vectra recommends not using the desktop app until a patch is created, and using the web application instead.

When informed by cybersecurity news site Dark Reading of the vulnerability, Microsoft said it “does not meet our bar for immediate servicing as it requires an attacker to first gain access to a target network,” adding that it would consider addressing it in a future product release. 

However, threat hunter John Bambenek told Dark Reading it could provide a secondary means for “lateral movement” in the event of a network breach. He also noted that Microsoft is moving toward Progressive Web Apps that “would mitigate many of the concerns currently brought by Electron.”