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Valve announces a $1 million 'CS:GO' art contest
Design a killer weapon skin, and you might earn a cool $100,000.
Virgin Galactic sweepstakes lets you win tickets to space
Virgin Galactic and Omaze are running a sweepstakes that gives the winner two tickets to space.
NASA needs help naming its 'moonikin' Artemis I test flight dummy
NASA is asking for help naming its first (non-human) passenger, or "moonikin" that will fly aboard the Orion capsule.
Adobe digitally recreated Keith Haring’s paint brushes and tools
Adobe digitally recreated 37 brushes inspired by iconic artist Keith Haring.
Airbnb and Bumble push virtual first dates to stay relevant
Airbnb is introducing a collection of Bumble-approved online experiences, and Bumble is kicking off a contest to give away 100 virtual first dates.
Twitch's karaoke competition returns with a record deal prize
Twitch's $20,000 karaoke contest is returning for a second season. The online singing competition for karaoke-style title Twitch Sings is open from today until Monday 5th August. Contestants can submit their audition videos here, and an internal team at Twitch will select the top 15 entrants to compete live over the course of five weeks.
Help NASA name its Mars 2020 rover
NASA's Mars 2020 rover is beginning to take shape. Earlier this month, crews installed some of its legs and six of its wheels. Now, the vehicle needs a name, and for that, NASA is turning to students. Beginning in fall 2019, NASA will run a nationwide "Name the Rover" contest open to K-12 students in the US. The spacecraft will need a name by July 2020, when it's expected to launch.
'Pokémon Go' challenges you to photograph its AR creatures
Now that Pokémon Go has a photo mode, Niantic is encouraging you to use it the best way it knows how: the promise of goodies. It's launching a Go Snapshot Challenge that rewards you for taking photos that include the game's augmented reality critters. A Buddy Challenge category encourages you to take selfies with your favorite creature, a Habitat Challenge asks you to take a picture based on a Pokémon's 'natural' element, and a Go Create Challenge allows more free-form photography.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Shield TV Gaming Edition courtesy of Plex!
This week's giveaway, courtesy of Plex, could put a sleek multimedia machine in your home. Plex's popular grid-view software helps you organize and navigate your files, while giving you access to them on-the-go. The NVIDIA Shield is a cord-cutting Android TV device with 4K HDR output, Google Assistant and GeForce Now game streaming on board. When paired with a Plex Pass, antenna and tuner you can harness OTA live TV with DVR capabilities, putting those shows seamlessly alongside your own library for easy access. Plex lets you access all this content through its app from a computer, mobile device and even supported systems like Sonos or Amazon's Alexa, wherever you go. You can even subscribe to Tidal x Plex to incorporate the streaming service's music into your own collection. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. Two readers will each receive a Plex Lifetime Pass and NVIDIA Shield TV Gaming Edition. Good luck! Winners: Congratulations to Neal V. of Tampa, FL and Gus N. of West Haven, CT!
Engadget giveaway: Win a Samsung Galaxy S10 courtesy of Speck!
Samsung's just finished its recent phone-launch extravaganza leaving several new handsets to choose from. If you're not a fan of super-sized phones like the S10+, but want to spend that little bit extra, you may be angling for the Galaxy S10. It has many of the hallmarks you'd want in a handset: A quality camera, good battery life, a zippy experience and... a headphone jack! It's still a valuable item to be carting along with you on everyday adventures, so slipping it into a protective case like one of Speck's Presidio line is a no-brainer. In fact, Speck has provided us with a Galaxy S10, three of its cases and a GrabTab ($9.95) for one lucky reader this week. The Presidio Grip ($39.95+), V-Grip ($39.95+) and Pro ($39.95+) all have "Impactium shock barrier" drop protection and easy-to-hold exteriors. They're also a slim fit and allow for wireless charging without removing the case. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning Samsung's latest, along with the peace of mind that Speck cases can provide. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Carlos Y. of Canoga Park, CA!
Twitch is running a $20,000 karaoke contest
Back at TwitchCon in October, Twitch announced a karaoke game called Twitch Sings. Think of it as SingStar or Rock Band, except you're performing to a real audience. It's still in beta (and should have a proper release soon), though Twitch is already running a contest with a $20,000 prize at stake.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Apple iPad (9.7-inch) courtesy of TurboTax!
This is your annual reminder: It's tax time (assuming things reach normality) so don't forget to do your taxes. One of the most convenient and affordable methods of filing is using an online service like TurboTax. By adding your information, answering some general questions and following prompts, it's easier than ever to get this task completed. Those with more complicated returns or mild paranoia about filing through an algorithmic interface can take advantage of the TurboTax Live service. It connects you to a bonafide tax expert in-person (remotely of course) to help you over any humps and settle your nerves. You can even get started on a mobile device and finish on a PC if you'd like. This week, TurboTax has provided us with an Apple iPad (9.7-inch) to help one lucky reader get the process started at home or on the go. It's also included a code for the TurboTax Live service, so you can get human affirmation and professional suggestions when filing. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this timely and immensely useful prize package. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Steve O. of Mauston, WI!
DNC claims Russians launched more phishing attacks after midterms
The New York Times cites court documents filed by the Democratic National Committee that said it believes a Russian group launched a hacking attempt against it after last year's midterm elections. The lawsuit alleges a conspiracy between President Trump's campaign, Russian intelligence and Wikileaks targeting Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016. According to the NYT, the DNC said "dozens" of email addresses in its organization were targeted by spearphishing, while security firm FireEye linked them to a larger campaign that included thinktanks, public sector, law enforcement and more. While they said a Russian hacking outfit known was APT29, Cozy Bear or the Dukes is likely behind the attempt, it didn't offer a firm attribution -- and we know how tricky those can be. As far as the case itself, some defendants have tried to have it dismissed saying it's just cover for the DNC losing the 2016 election. While that continues to be decided, you probably have security issues of your own to keep an eye on.
PepsiCo is using robots to deliver snacks to college students
If walking to a regular vending machine seems too inconvenient, what if the vending machine came to you? PepsiCo is doing just that at the University of Pacific campus in Stockton, California with robots called "snackbots." Using a smartphone app, students can order quasi-healthy snacks like Baked Lays, Sunchips or a Starbucks Cold Brew (from PepsiCo's "Hello Goodness" vending platform), and have it delivered between 9 AM and 5 PM to one of 50 locations around the 175 acre campus.
Engadget giveaway: Win a security package courtesy of Bitdefender!
Deliveries left out on your doorstep, nocturnal pet activities and network-connected devices open wide to the world for possible hacking or botnet conscription are just some of the reasons Bitdefender has provided this week's giveaway package. The company's Box 2 is at the center, essentially a dual-band router with a specialty in cybersecurity protection. The device can monitor your network traffic for dubious activity, provide a VPN for privacy and protect your devices from malware. Bitdefender's subscription service also provides Parental Control to safeguard children against cyberbullying and online predators. There are a host of ways this service can be a useful line of defense in an increasingly connected age, and once set up, you can worry less about them. All you need to do is head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this package, which includes a Bitdefender Box 2 (with 1-year subscription), Blink 5-camera monitoring system and Ring Video Doorbell 2. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Jason H. of Gowen, MI! (TBC)
Engadget giveaway: Win a Vector smart robot courtesy of Anki!
The Anki Vector is more than a high-tech toy, it's a little AI wonderbot with facial recognition, smart speaker tech and an array of sensors packed into a remarkably lifelike package. This robot should be fun to interact with by asking questions, playing games, checking the weather or taking photos on command. It learns as it goes and can store plenty of faces, so it will recognize familiar ones. Alexa integration is rolling out soon, so you'll also get all of the benefits of an Echo, but with a physically active personality. It's self-sufficient, too. When its battery runs low, it will seek out its charging base and park itself there for a while. This week, Anki has provided three of its Vector robots for a trio of lucky readers. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. Everyone else can still pick up an Anki Vector for $75 off the regular price until December 29th. Winners: Congratulations to Ronald P. of Grover Beach, CA, Andy F. of Germantown, TN and Jay S. of Meridian, ID!
Engadget giveaway: Win a Smart Light Starter Kit and Home Max courtesy of Google!
If you haven't dabbled in the smart home sector yet, but would like to enjoy some of the perks without investing big bucks, the new made-for-Google Smart Light Starter Kit from GE is tailor-made. This package includes a Google Home Mini and a GE-C Life smart bulb, both of which can talk to each other by Bluetooth, obviating the need for any hubs. It's that easy to set up voice-controlled ambiance with any of the Google Home smart speakers. Plus, since the Home devices are WiFi connected as well, you can remotely control your lights. Additional bulbs can be added without too much cost and if you purchase one of the Google/GE kits between November 22nd and 26th, there are some major discounts to be had at the Google Store. This week, Google has provided us with a Smart Light Starter Kit for two lucky readers, along with a super-sized Google Home Max so you can really crank up the tunes. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to four chances at winning one of these Google smart home packages. Good luck! Winners: Congratulations to Jesse D. of Antioch, CA and Antonio P. of New York, NY!
Engadget giveaway: Win a DiskStation DS718+ courtesy of Synology!
Cloud data storage services are ubiquitous nowadays, but imagine the savings, security and ownership benefits of hosting your own server. Synology's DS718+ 2-bay unit is a good jump off point if you want to get your own network attached storage (NAS) system going. It has an intuitive interface and it's scalable, letting you increase capacity up to around 100TB using an expansion unit with extra drives. The DS718+ gives you a portal to all your files whether you're around the house or on the go. You can schedule automatic backups of all your devices, access all your original files and even stream high-quality media with support for 4K. If you've got a home security setup, you can avoid even more fees by hosting and managing your own surveillance backups. This week, Synology has provided us with one of its DiskStation DS718+ setups to get one lucky reader started. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this NAS starter system to take control of your own world of data. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Scott W. of Memphis, TN!
Engadget giveaway: Stay protected and connected courtesy of Kaspersky Lab!
Kaspersky Lab, has been a familiar name in infosec for quite some time, uncovering malware and espionage tools all along the way. These finely honed skills are also available to help everyday people protect their data and manage their digital lives. The Kaspersky Security Cloud for both individuals and families can cover multiple devices with real-time security alerts, password assistance, parental controls and more. This week, the company has put together a package of devices to keep you charged up, backed up and secure wherever you go. This includes a portable generator, power bank, 3TB portable hard drive, a Kaspersky Lab backpack and a one year subscription to Kaspersky Security Cloud Family (covering 20 devices). All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning this protected and connected package. Winners: Congratulations to Mike S. of Metairie, LA and James B. of Shiprock, NM!
Engadget giveaway: Win an iPhone XS courtesy of Speck!
In case you've been living under a rock, Apple just launched its new iPhone XS line. It's their best iPhone yet, and costs a pretty penny, so Speck has jumped in to save the day for one lucky reader this week. The mobile case and accessory company has given us a 64GB iPhone XS, along with a trio of its protective, IMPACTIUM-laden Presidio exteriors. Drop-tested from 8-10 feet up, these will help keep your handset safe and sound when gravity pulls off the inevitable. Speck's Presidio V-Grip helps you keep the phone in your hands, while the Presidio Pro's anti-microbial coating and soft-touch exterior keep your iPhone snug. If you want your case to keep a low-profile, the Presidio Stay Clear shows off the phone's style in a sleeker form factor. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning one of Apple's latest handsets and matching set of Speck's protective cases. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations to Gustavo S. of Lawrenceville, GA!
