Amazon dips into wearables with smart ring and glasses

On top of introducing the Echo Buds, Amazon ventures further into the realm of wearables with new experimental, limited-volume hardware. There's the Echo Frames and the Echo Loop. The Frames are Alexa-enabled glasses that will not have a camera or smart display but will feature microphones and a speaker. Meanwhile, the Loop is an Alexa-enabled ring that has two built-in mics and a tiny speaker as well. Both products will be released in the US on an invite-only basis later in the year. 

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Amazon introduces Echo Buds

Amazon takes a stab at creating its AirPods competitor with the Echo Buds. Announced at its event in Seattle, the wireless earbuds feature dual drivers and offer active noise cancellation thanks to the help of Bose. You just need to double-tap the earbuds to activate the noise cancellation. Like regular Bose headphones equipped with noise cancellation, the Echo Buds feature a Passthrough mode, allowing you to hear the outside world. 

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Google promises better privacy protection for Assistant

Google faced significant backlash earlier in the year when it was discovered that human workers listened to audio recordings from Google Assistant users. According to the company, the practice helped improve speech technology. But users weren't convinced with the argument, especially with reports that it could capture personal conversations as well. Google wants to convince the public that it has put in place privacy-related improvements for its virtual assistant.

The company emphasized that it isn't retaining audio recordings by default. Users are asked to opt in to the Voice and Audio Activity (VAA) program when first setting up Assistant. And now existing Assistant users can review this VAA setting. Google said the human review process will resume after you confirm your preference. Google said in its blog post, "We won't include your audio in the human review process unless you've re-confirmed your VAA setting as on."

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'Civilization VI' heads to the PS4 and Xbox

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are the latest consoles to get Civilization VI. Firaxis Games is keeping things fresh and bringing the 2016 civilization-building game to both consoles on November 22nd. Aspyr Media will be handling the port for the PS4 and the Xbox. According to a Sony blog post, the controls and user interface are "optimized for a controller experience." They didn't mention if the game gets a PC-syncing feature for importing saves like on the Nintendo Switch. But the port coming to the PS4 will include free Nubia + Khmer and Indonesia Civ & Scenario packs.

The base game will retail for US$59.99 (around CA$80). Take-Two will offer the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm DLCs as a separate bundle for an extra US$49.99 (around CA$65).

Source: The Verge