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Merge NFT By Pak Offered By Nifty Gateway Sells For More than $91 Million

Over the course of several months, financial analysts have been talking non-stop about the rising interest surrounding NFTs. Non-fungible tokens can be a difficult concept to grasp given how ridiculously easy it is to reproduce said digital items. Still, it’s not stopping collectors from throwing wads of cash at them. Take for example Nifty Gateway’s latest sale of a virtual asset called Merge.

According to sources, the two-day event saw 28,000 individuals collectively spend a jaw-dropping $91,806,519 for the Merge NFT project. “Pak, the creator of ‘Open Editions,’ returns with a new mechanism,” reads the listing. “You may acquire as many mass units as you desire during the 48 hours sale. You’ll get a dynamic NFT with your accumulated mass.”

As far as the system goes, this could be the closest one can have on a truly unique piece. If the creator’s words are anything to go by, depending on the number of mass units each owner has, what they eventually end up with is a one-of-a-kind digital collectible.

“Code as art. On a global scale,” notes the NFT platform about Merge. “Pak is pushing boundaries and using the infinite canvas of the blockchain and internet to create global scale art that moves minds and bodies.” As you can probably surmise, even the sales pitch seems like a poor attempt to sell something you don’t really need.

Nevertheless, the sale of the Merge shows there’s no getting around it soon as interest regarding NFTs is not dying out anytime soon. In fact, if you own a couple, why not grab something like a visualizer so you can show them off just like a framed piece of art. We’ve featured a couple from Love Hultén – the Dissrup and synth#boi to give you an idea.

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Images courtesy of Nifty Gateway/Pak

December 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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Court Clears Self-Proclaimed Bitcoin Inventor Of Fraud Charges

The cryptomarket craze has grown exponentially over the course of the pandemic. In fact, we regularly observe cryptocurrencies rise and fall so rapidly that even analysts have a hard time speculating. Meanwhile, a recent development is sure to shake up the charts. It seems a court in Miami, Florida finally cleared Craig Wright of fraud charges involving Bitcoin – a lot of it apparently.

The lawsuit details that the defendant and the late Dave Kleiman – a computer security professional – were partners who created and mined Bitcoin. As such, the latter’s brother believes he and the rest of the family deserve a fair share of the collected cryptocurrency.

The dispute reportedly involves 1.1 million Bitcoin which was allegedly mined by a certain Satoshi Nakamoto. According to Wright, he is the man behind it all. His claim has yet to be proven, but the jury’s verdict says otherwise. This implies some form of proof was available.

Cryptocurrency pundits refer to a white paper dated October 2008. Titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,” the author is listed as Nakamoto. Although the findings were in his favor, the so-called inventor of Bitcoin still needs to pay $100 million in intellectual property rights to a joint venture between him and Kleiman.

“This has been a remarkable good outcome and I feel completely vindicated,” said Wright. As of this writing, the value of the 1.1 million Bitcoin he holds amounts to roughly $54 billion. Now that’s certainly a huge fortune to be sitting on. Kleiman’s family were probably hoping for a huge payout. But just like cryptocurrency, it’s always a gamble and unfortunately, luck is not on their side this time.

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Images courtesy of Pixabay

December 10, 2021 / Comments Off

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All Our Favorite Home-Office Upgrades of 2021

This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear rounding up the most notable releases of 2021. For more stories like this, click here.

For plenty of people, 2021 became the year the home office turned from a temporary stopgap to a more permanent proposition, and that means it’s going to need to be kitted out with appropriate gear for the long haul. There was no shortage of work-from-home gadgetry that dropped this year. Here are the highlights.

Twelve South SurfaceSnap

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The SurfaceSnap is a unique and elegant cable management solution. It’s a leather band with button snaps that can be attached to the side or underside of a desk via an adhesive (and it leaves no trace when removed). You can purchase the SurfaceSnap in two different colors, black or grey. ($30 gets you a three-pack.)

Price: $30

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Jabra Evolve2 30

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The Evolve2 30 is a new $100 headset that’s designed for the new breed of mobile workers. The wired headset easily plugs into your laptop or desktop and, thanks to its mic-and-boom, will make you sound significantly better on video calls. There are some on-ear controls for playback, too.

Price: $100

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Satechi USB-C On-the-Go Multiport Adapter

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Satechi is well know for its line of Apple-friendly accessories and its latest addition is a high-end USB-C adapter for a MacBook Pro/Air or iPad Pro/Air. It adds nine ports including three USB-C ports (one for your host connection, which supports USB-C PD charging up to 100W), HDMI and VGA display ports, two USB-A charing ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port and slots for your micro/SD card. It costs $100 but Satechi is running promo now through March 15 — get 20-percent off when using code MULTIPORT20 at checkout (works at both Amazon and Satechi’s website).

Price: $100

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Samsung 2021 External Monitors

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Samsung announced its new line of S6, S7 and S8 high-resolution monitors, with each model supporting HDR 10 technology, vivid colors and a wide 178-degree viewing angle. The S8 is the company’s flagship line of USB-C monitors with its most beautiful display (99% sRGB color gamut), fastest transfer speeds (up to 10Gbps) and up to 90W charging. The S6 and S7 are Samsung’s slightly more entry-level (read: affordable) lines. No pricing or availability information has yet to be announced.

Price: $480+

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Colorful M1 iMacs

Apple

Apple announced new iMacs that are decked out with its M1 processing chip, 24-inch display, a thinner design, a smaller base, a 1080p webcam, improved microphones and better speakers (that support Dolby Atmos). The new iMac will be available in seven new colors, too, including red, white, blue, green, purple, orange and yellow.

Price: $1,499

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Microsoft Modern Webcam

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Microsoft’s newest webcam is a pretty basic option. It supports an HD video (not 4K) and connects to your computer via USB-A (not USB-C). It comes with a privacy shutter and has a built-in LED light that will indicate when it’s on. If you’re looking for a fairly affordable option that will upgrade your laptop or desktop setup, this looks to be a solid option. It will be available this June.

Price: $70

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Anker PowerConf C300 Webcam

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Anker is getting into the webcam market. The PowerConf C300 is a 1080p webcam that connects to your computer via USB-A. The neat thing about it is that Anker has integrated an AI chip that enables what the company is calling “smart framing,” which allows the webcam to keep you in focus as you move around the screen. The PowerConf C300 is available right now.

Price: $130

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Simplehuman Cleanstation

Simplehuman

Simplehuman is best known for its excellent and well designed (and yes, expensive) trash cans, and the company has taken that same ethos and integrated into its first-ever UV smartphone sanitizer. The Cleanstation works kind of like a toaster; you place your smartphone into the top, it automatically lowers, sanitizers and (30 seconds later) rises up a clean smartphone. Its UV light chamber sanitizes all around the smartphone, so you don’t have to sanitize each side separately. And it’s available in three aluminum finishes: brushed, slate or white.

Price: $200

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Nomad Base Station Mini

Nomad

Nomad announced a smaller and more affordable of its Base Station wireless charging pad. The Base Station Mini looks almost identical to the company’s existing wireless chargers — a combination of metal and leather — but it’s only large enough to charge one wireless device at a time. It’s powered by USB-C and as an integrated LED that lights up to let you know when it’s charging. It costs $60, but you’ll need a separate 20-watt USB-C wall adapter to get the most out of it because Nomad doesn’t include one. (Nomad can bundle its own USB-C adapter for an extra $14.)

Price: $70

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SteelSeries Rival 5

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The Rival 5 is SteelSeries’s newest gaming mouse. It’s affordable and versatile, and should be a good fit for most gamers, whether they’re playing Valheim, Fortnite or Minecraft. It has a number of primary and thumb buttons, toggle bars, an RGB-backlit scroll wheel and a DPI switcher. It also has a TrueMove Air optical sensor for accuracy. Its lightweight and ergonomic design should make it comfortable, too. And at just $60, it’s a good chunk cheaper than a lot of other gaming and standard mice (like Apple’s $79 Magic Mouse).

The Rival 5 is available now.

Price: $60

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Epos B20 Streaming Microphone

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The Epos B20 is the company’s newest USB microphone that’s designed for gamers, streamers and podcasters — or basically anybody who wants a better mic for their work-from-home computer setup. It supports 24bit audio (so you can record in high-resolution) and, conveniently, it comes with a desk stand. It’s compatible with Mac and PC.

Price: $149

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Linedock 16″

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We’ve covered Linedock pretty extensively in the past. The company makes 3-in-1 gadgets (that share the same name) that each work a docking station, a portable power bank and an external hard drive. More importantly, they’re designed to perfectly match and fit under your MacBook Pro. The company’s newest gadget, the Linedock 16″, is designed specifically to match the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which Apple first introduced in late 2019. (Note: the $479 model doesn’t come with any extra storage.)

Price: $479+

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Dell UltraSharp Webcam

Dell

Dell announced a high-end webcam that can work with either Windows 10 PCs or Macs. The UltraSharp Webcam is a true 4K webcam (a rarity) that connects to your computer via USB-C. You can adjust the resolution and the frame rates of the captured video — it can capture 4K at 30fps or 24 fps, and 1080p video at up to 60fps — and it also has some neat AI tricks to keep you in frame and in focus. The only real downside is that, considering its steep price, it lacks a mic.

Price: $200

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Satechi Stand & Hub for Mac Mini with SSD Enclosure

Satechi

This is Satechi’s new stand-and-hub combo that’s optimized for the M1 Mac mini. It has a hidden enclosure for M.2 SATA SSD storage (which all recent Macs have), meaning you can more affordably add storage (rather than buying an external SSD). The stand-and-hub combo sits flush underneath your M1 Mac mini, connects via a single USB-C connection, and adds a bunch of much-need ports, including a USB-C data port (5Gbps), three USB-A ports (5Gbps), both micro SD and SD card readers, and a headphone jack. It’s available right now.

Price: $100

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Plugable USBC-HUB7BC hub

Plugable

This is a first-of-its-kind of docking station. It has seven USB-A ports, all of which can charge and transfer data (up to 5Gbps) at the same time. It comes with USB-A (3.0) and USB-C adapter cable, too, so it can work with a newer USB-C laptop or older laptop with a USB-A connection. And its stackable design means you can add two (or three) in case you (or a classroom) need to charge a bunch of devices simultaneously.

Price: $49

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Kensington StudioCaddy

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The StudioCaddy is neat little charging dock for your various Apple devices. It plugs into the wall for power, and has an integrated charging stand for your iPhone and a wireless charging pad for your AirPods Pro (or AirPods, should they support wireless charging). There are USB-C and USB-A ports on the side of the device to simultaneously charge your MacBook and iPad. And, thanks to its modular design, you can add vertical stands to hold said MacBook and iPad without taking up much desk space.

Price: $179

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Anker PowerExpand 9-in-1 USB-C PD Dock

Anker

Anker’s newest dock supports 60-watts of passthrough charging via USB-C. It can also add a bunch of new ports to your workstation, including USB-A (3x), USB-C (1x), a 3.5mm headphone jack and a Gigabit Ethernet connection. It also has an HDMI port that supports 4K and a DisplayPort port, so it can be used to connect up to two external monitors (although, it can only be used with one external monitor when connected to a M1 Mac). It’s available for purchase now.

Price: $149

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Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

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Samsung announced a beast of gaming monitor this week. The Odyssey Neo G9 is a 49-inch curved monitor that packs a Mini LED backlit panel — the same technology used into Samsung’s high-end line of Neo QLED TVs — to help it get really bright (up to 2,000 nits) and still achieve deep blacks with excellent contrast. It also supports 240Hz refresh rates and 1ms response time. The fact that it packs two HDMI 2.1 ports means that you can hook up the Odyssey Neo G9 to either your PC or a next-gen gaming console.

Price: $2,499

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Logitech Circle View

Logitech

Logitech announced a new smart home camera, the Circle View, that’s designed to work within Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem (in fact, it doesn’t work with any other smart home ecosystem). It’s the next generation version of the Circle 2 and has mostly the same capabilities, such as 1080p video capture, 180-degree FOV, two-way talk, and night vision. The difference is that the Circle View has a completely different design — it’s not modular — and there’s a privacy button on the back that lets you shut off the mic and camera in one fell swoop.

Price: $160

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HP 2021 X-Series of Gaming Monitors

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HP revealed its 2021 lineup of X-Series gaming monitors this week — and there are seven of them. They range in includes 27-inch and 34-inch gaming monitors that have flat and curved screens, screen resolutions that are either 1080p or 1440p, and come in prices ranging from $260 to $460. Each monitor has the same number of ports, support for the VESA mounts (which can be lowered or raised) and a panel with the same peak brightness.

Price: $260+

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Satechi USB-C Clamp Hub

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Satechi’s newest USB-C accessory adds ports to your M1 Mac in a pretty clever way: a clamp. It attaches to the base of the display, right near its rear-port array, and adds six ports — USB-A (3x), USB-C (1x) and SD and Micro SD card readers — while also elevating off of your desk. The other neat thing is that Satechi is making the Clamp Hub in silver and blue so that it will match the colorful M1 Mac. (If you have an M1 Mac with one of the other five colors, you’re out of luck for now.)

Price: $55

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Twelve South StayGo mini

Twelve South

The StayGo mini is a USB-C hub for Apple’s latest iPad Air and iPad Pro, as well as any one of its latest MacBook. It adds USB-A, HDMI (supports one 4K external display) and USB-C ports, the latter for passthrough power, as well as a dedicated headphone jack. It’s essentially a smaller and more affordable version of the company’s StayGo.

Price: $60

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Logi Dock

Logitech

The Logi Dock is Logitech’s newest all-in-one hub for your home workstation. It’s decked out with multiple ports — USB-C (3x), USB-A (2x), DisplayPort and HDMI — and it supports up to 100-watts of passthrough power, which allows it to power up to two external monitors and charge your laptop. However, what makes the Logi Dock really unique is its built-in speaker (along with excellent mics) that are designed to elevate your video conferencing experience. It’s compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs, as well as popular video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. It’s also available in two colors: white or graphite (shown).

Price: $399

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Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Hub

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Plugable announced a neat new hub for USB-C laptops. It adds a number of useful ports and is compatible with many of today’s most popular USB-C standards — most significantly being Thunderbolt 4. The big thing with Thunderbolt 4 is that allows for faster data transfer (up to 40Gpbs), 60-watts of power deliver and support for up to two 4K displays (both over USB-C).

The nicely named “TBT4-HUB3C” hub is available now and is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.

Price: $189

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Plugable UD-3900C

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Plugable’s newest docking station, the UD-3900C, is both powerful and movable. It’s designed for hybrid workers who are used to “hot-desking,” or sitting in a different area of the office each day. The UD-3900C can connect to your laptop via a USB-C or USB-A connection, and it adds a number of ports for your peripherals: HDMI (2x), USB-A 3.0 (2x), USB-A 2.0 (4x), two 3.5mm audio jacks (for a microphone and headphones) and a Gigabit Ethernet port for a wired connection.

The Plugable UD-3900C is available now.

Price: $119

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YubiKey Bio Series

YubiKey

Yubico is one of the best-known makers of physical security keys that plug into your device via USB — you can think of them as a type of two-step verification, but instead of a getting a text message or email with a code you have to plug in the physical security key into your device. The company’s newest series of physical security keys, the YibuKey Bio, take that a step further by integrated another layer of security: an integrated fingerprint reader.

Price: $80 (USB-A model); $85 (USB-C model)

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Satechi Pro Hub Mini

Satechi

The new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros answered a lot fo peoples’ prayers by bringing back a wide variety of ports (something that had been missing for years). And yet, for some people the new port selection might still not be enough. Enter Satechi’s newest adapter. It connects to the MacBook Pro’s USB-C port and adds even more ports, including an Ethernet and USB-A (2x) ports that are still not on the new Pros, while not blocking off the new MagSafe charger.

Price: $70

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December 10, 2021 / Comments Off

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Want to Buy a Sonos Speaker for Christmas? It Might Already Be Too Late

If you were thinking about buying a Sonos speaker or soundbar as a gift for somebody (or yourself) for the holidays, well, that ship might have already sailed. That’s because due to high demand and well-publicized production delays (for a lot of things, not just Sonos speakers), many Sonos speakers are backordered on its website. This means that if you order now, some might arrive right before Christmas, while others are already slated to arrive just after it.

The prime example of this is the Arc, Sonos’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar, which if you order now — in black — is scheduled to ship on December 31. That’s right, after Christmas. You can order the Arc in white and it’ll ship immediately, but the vast majority of people prefer a speaker or soundbar in black rather than white.

Other speakers that are already backordered on Sonos’s website include the Five, One SL and the Move — all are estimated to ship in the middle of December, which could cut it close if you want it to arrive before the holidays. The only speakers that aren’t backordered are the One, Roam and the company’s new Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Beam (Gen 2).

Sonos One

Sonos

$219.00

Sonos Roam

Sonos

$179.00

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Sonos

$449.00

There are also a few refurbished options, which have the bonus of coming at a discount! The catch is that choice, and supply, are limited and they go very quickly. For the time being, only three things are still in stock:

Refurbished Beam (Gen 1)

Sonos sonos.com

$259.00

Unlike the second-generation Sonos Beam, this does not support Dolby Atmos sound. But it is much cheaper!

Refurbished One (Gen 1)

Sonos sonos.com

$129.00

Sonos has already sold out of refurbished models of the Sonos One in black, but the white version is still in stock.

Refurbished Playbar

Sonos sonos.com

$329.00

You might be thinking, ‘I’ll just order one from Amazon or Best Buy,’ but Amazon’s and Best Buy’s stock of Sonos speakers are already dwindling. Plus there’s the fact that, specifically if you order from Amazon, it is going to charge you a king’s ransom. At the time of writing this article, Amazon is currently selling the Sonos Arc for $1,231 (an up-charge of $332), the the One SL for $268 (an up-charge of $68), and the Roam for $228 (an up-charge of $49). Incredible.

The bottom line: if you want to gift somebody a Sonos speaker or soundbar for the holidays, you should seriously think about ordering it now. The truth is, however, depending on the speaker or soundbar that you want to order, it might already be too late.

If you are committed to getting something Sonos-related, say for people who already have a Sonos speaker system, a great option to buy some accessories like covers, stands or mounts — those are all in stock.

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December 9, 2021 / Comments Off

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Apple Watch Series 8: What We Know So Far

Apple only announced one new smartwatch this fall, the Apple Watch Series 7, which was a bit of a surprise as most expected to also get an updated Apple Watch SE. While that might’ve bit a little bit of a letdown at the time, the good news is that 2022 looks set to be the biggest year yet for the Apple Watch. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the Cupertino giant is working on not two but three new Apple Watch models.

The three rumored Apple Watch models include

a new flagship (the Series 8)
an updated version of the SE
all-new rugged Apple Watch that’s designed for serious athletes

There isn’t a lot of details out there about each of these potential new Apple Watch models quite yet, but it’s expected that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 and next-gen SE will adopt the larger display and more-curved design of the Series 7. To keep the price down on the new SE, Apple will again likely omit some fancy features like the always-on display and some higher-end (like the electrical heart and a blood oxygen) sensors.

As for the all-new ruggedized Apple Watch, Gurman suggests that it could have the flat-edged design that was heavily rumored to be given to the Series 7 before it was announced. This same flat-edged design was given to the latest iPhone 13 models to make them more durable, and Apple could be set to do the same thing with a sport-focused Apple Watch. It’s also likely that this new Apple Watch will have a thicker case to make it more resistant to dings, scratches and other potential mishaps.

As for when these new Apple Watch models could be announced, it’s likely we’ll have to wait until next September (when Apple traditionally announced its new Apple Watch models).

December 6, 2021 / Comments Off

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Cooly: Completely Hands-Free Portable Fan

As this pale blue dot in our solar system orbits around the sun, its axial tilt creates the seasons. Depending on where you are — relative to the planet’s Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere — the temperatures may vary. Although it is easier to keep warm even while outside with the help of layered clothing, the opposite is somewhat more difficult. However, with the help of a gadget called Cooly it shouldn’t be a problem anymore.

Without an air conditioner, there are several ways to beat the heat. You can grab a frozen treat, stay in the shade, drink plenty of fluids, and maybe turn on a fan. As indicated by the latter, this is where the Cooly shines. The concept behind it is already familiar to a lot of folks, which makes it easy to use. Moreover, the stuff it does differently makes it an interesting item to have handy.

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What is the Cooly?

To put it simply, this is a portable fan. However, it is one that provides hands-free cooling wherever you go in a clever fashion. In fact, it will perform this function even while you are engaged in other activities. This versatility is what makes the Cooly an awesome accessory for people who hate being drenched in sweat. Warmer seasons or climates are unavoidable, but we now have an intuitive device to make it more bearable.

How does it work?

As moisture evaporates, it generates a cooling effect. This is exactly what our body does when we are exposed to temperatures higher than usual. The Cooly helps this process along by directly blowing air across a larger surface area, instead of just our head. As such, you can clip it on your belt or pants with the blower facing upwards.

Secure your shirt to the secondary clip and turn it on. As you can see, this is pretty straightforward. Based on the user’s personal preference, they can position it to the sides, front, or back. A good rule of thumb is to direct the air over a part of your upper body that tends to sweat more than the rest. Physics will then take over and keep you cool until the battery runs out.

Technical Specifications And Design

On the subject of portability, the Cooly measures a pocketable 3.03” x 3.97” x 1.41” (W x H x D) and tips the scales at 5.99 ounces. We can’t help but notice the distinct retro aesthetic of its outer shell. You have curves on almost all edges, which gives it a classic streamlined look. You can say that the retrofuturistic theme just works here.

The rear section features the main clip that is color-matched to the outer shell. Meanwhile, the opposite side features a large intake that somewhat resembles a speaker grille. Slightly above it is the smaller secondary clip. Then, right on top is another grille for the blower and an integrated power button just beside it. All of these are in the same shade as the frame.

We have five chromatic options available to choose from. There’s White/Silver, White/Rose Gold, Black/Black, Black/Dark Metal, and Black/Rose Gold. Pick any colorway that suits your tastes since these will easily complement any outfit. Powering the Cooly is a 4,000-mAh battery.

It takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge via its USB-C port but might do so quicker with a fast-charging power adapter. There are three fans speed settings: Level 1 at 16.4 ft/s, Level 2 at 19.7 ft/s, and Level 3 at 24.6 ft/s. It should remain operational anywhere between 2.5 to 6.5 hours according to your usage pattern.

No worries about noise here as it produces a maximum of 76 dB on the highest fan setting. The standard package includes the portable fan, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and an accessory the company calls the Wind Cover. This attachment actually redirects the vent downward so you can let your shirt down over the Cooly and not affect its operation.

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Our Take On The Cooly

We think this evaporating cooling device is essential for people who hate sweating when the heat becomes unbearable. It’s discrete enough to wear under your shirt out in public or even in a room with minimal ventilation. We believe that it will definitely come in handy when you least expect it. Therefore, grab a few and keep them charged. Who knows? Maybe everyone else will be so eager to find out how you stay so fresh at all times. Don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly the most popular guy around.

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December 2, 2021 / Comments Off

983

How to Use Bookshelf Speakers With Your Computer

Most computers, be it a laptop or a desktop, don’t have great built-in speakers. That’s why a lot of people opt to buy computer speakers. These are small powered speakers that can plug directly into your computer (via 3.5mm or USB), so they’re easy. That said, you can use other types of speakers, like passive bookshelf speakers, but turning them into computer speakers is a little more complicated.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• a pair of bookshelf speakers
• a computer or laptop
• an external desktop amplifier
• a 3.5mm to RCA cable

The Bookshelf Speakers

Audioengine

Bookshelf speakers are passive speakers (meaning they don’t have built-in amplification) that are typically comprised of two drivers, a tweeter and a woofer (for the high and low frequencies, respectively). Their compact design means that they’re meant to be placed at the height of your ears on a table or a bookshelf. This makes them great computer speakers as well. The above bookshelf speakers are the Audioengine P4 ($249), but you can really use any passive bookshelf speakers in this setup.

The Desktop Amplifier

Audioengine

In a home theater or hi-fi system, which is the traditional place where bookshelf speakers are used, the AV receiver or integrated amplifier is used to drive them. But in a desktop situation, you’ll want an amplifier that can plug directly into your computer (via USB or 3.5mm) and also has RCA connections for your speakers. A good options is the Audioengine N22 ($199).

The RCA to 3.5mm Cable

AmazonBasics

The cable to connect your computer to your external amplifier will most likely be a RCA to 3.5mm jack, which you can pick up for pretty cheap — this one from AmazonBasics costs just $8.

The Final Steps

Once you’ve assembled and connected all three primary components, setting it up is pretty easy. You’ll need to plug in and turn on your external amplifier and then go into your computer’s audio settings and make sure that the output selected is the amplifier rather than your computer’s built-in speaker. And that’s it!

(Keep in mind that if you reboot your computer it make default back to your computer’s built-in speakers, in which case you’ll just need to go into audio settings and switch it back.)

November 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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Gucci And Microsoft Celebrate Their Respective Milestones With This Xbox Series X

Compared to a high-end gaming PC, home consoles are considered more affordable options for folks who want to play video games. Yet sometimes, these systems receive a luxurious makeover as part of a promotion or maybe just to flaunt one’s wealth. For 2021, we’re seeing a high-class partnership between Gucci and Microsoft for an exclusive version of the Xbox Series X.

Late in 2020 and shortly after the launch of Sony’s next-gen PlayStation, Russian purveyor of custom jewelry – Caviar – introduced a gold-clad PS5 dubbed the Golden Rock. In contrast, the new limited-edition Xbox Series X may not be as extravagant, but it’s still exceptional, nonetheless.

Both parties are actually celebrating major milestones this year. The renowned fashion house marks its centenary, while the tech outfit commemorates 20 years of Xbox. When it comes to special versions of their respective gaming platforms, Microsoft edges ahead of Sony.

We recently featured the Halo Infinite Bundle and now we have another, albeit a little classier. The Xbox Series X unit receives a visual makeover with laser-engraved Gucci monogram patterns throughout its shell.

It ships with two Xbox wireless controllers – both with the style label’s latest signature blue and red stripes. These run diagonally across the left thumbstick and D-pad and highlight the co-branding below. Microsoft could have ended it there and fans of the Italian brand would have snapped these up anyway.

However, they’re going for the complete package experience. Each Gucci Xbox Series X ships in a hard case that sports the iconic “GG” monogram. Next, the words “Xbox” and “Good Game” are printed on the top and bottom sides respectively. It also touts gold hardware and yellow leather trims. Flip it open and what greets you is a classy all-green interior.

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Images courtesy of Gucci/Microsoft

November 20, 2021 / Comments Off

995

20 Must-Have Apps for Your iPhone

iPhones are one of the most popular phones on the market, and with good reason, they are easy to use and work well. They can do almost anything and everything you need them to do. One of the best features about iPhones is that there is an app for just about anything you can think of!

So if we told you that you could get apps that help organize your life, apps that made your photos look even better than they already did, or even games that were fun and challenging, would it get your attention? We thought so! Here are 20 must-have apps for your iPhone.

WidgetSmith

There are a lot of widgets that you can download for your iPhone, but WidgetSmith has to be one of the best ones available because it allows you to create your own widgets and customize them how you want them. The possibilities are endless! This app is perfect for people who love their phones but hate wasting time finding new apps or making things work. This widget creator takes all the hassle out of making them yourself.

TikTok

One of the best apps to get if you love taking videos is TikTok. It’s available for download on iOS and Android. If you are big on video editing and adding music to your recordings, this is definitely one of the most fun ones out there. The application allows you to create your own original content with ease to share it however you want with others.

SparkMail

SparkMail is an app that helps you manage your emails from different accounts in one central hub. This app is perfect for those who have a lot of email addresses because it makes it easy to store and organize everything. You can even take notes on the side if you need to too! It’s a great way to make sure everything looks professional and organized, especially if you are going back and forth with clients or colleagues.

Viber

Viber is one of the best messaging apps for iPhone, and it’s easy to see why. If you love sending photos, videos, or just simple text messages, then Viber should definitely download and try out. In addition, the app allows you to connect with anyone else who has a device that supports the app, making keeping in touch easy. Speaking of keeping in touch, this is also a great way to keep up with your loved ones living abroad because you can send them messages for free.

Tinder (Singles Only)

If you love to date and find new people, this is definitely an app for you. Tinder is a dating app that makes finding new people easy and convenient. All you need to do is sign up using your Facebook profile, then swipe right on profiles that look interesting and swipe left on those that don’t. If someone swipes right on you as well, then it’s a match, and they can message you! It’s simple and effective, which means it has to be one of the best apps out there, if not the best dating app out there. However, if regular and traditional dating methods are not for you, there are plenty of dating apps available for people who are looking for something more like sugar daddy apps.

Libby

Many people like to read, and Libby is definitely an app that can help if you’re one of those people. It allows you to borrow ebooks from the library without having to worry about late fees anymore! All you need to do is sign up with a valid email address, search for your local library and start borrowing. In addition, you can download these ebooks, so they are available offline, which means you have plenty of reading material wherever you go. This app is perfect for avid readers who want something affordable and accessible.

Tweetbot

Twitter has become one of the most popular social media platforms because it’s easy to use and free. Tweetbot is an app that allows you to get the whole Twitter experience on your iPhone with ease. You can download this right from your phone store for free, which means you have nothing to lose if you are looking for a new way to keep up with all your friends on Twitter. If you are tired of Twitter’s regular interface, then this is definitely something worth trying out.

Paprika Recipe Manager

There are plenty of recipe apps out there, but Paprika Recipe Manager is definitely one of the best ones. If you love cooking, this app provides a wide variety of recipes for anyone who wants to try new things. It has all kinds of different dishes that you can make, and it even includes nutritional information, so you know exactly what’s going into your food. This helps if you are trying to lose weight or follow certain dietary restrictions because it makes meal planning easier than ever before.

Authy

Do you have a lot of logins for different apps and services? Well, if you do, Authy may be the perfect app for you. This is because it can help sync your logins to all of your devices so that you don’t have to remember every single one. All you need to do is install this app on all of your devices, even your computer, and keep them synced up with ease. So now, when you want to login in somewhere else or use an account on another device, everything should already be there, which makes logging in fast and easy.

Reddit is one of the most popular forums online because it’s easy to use no matter who you are. This allows people from all kinds of backgrounds to join the conversation, which means you get to see new perspectives on important topics. You can use this interface right from your computer, but the app makes it easy to use on the go, so you have more time for yourself when you are not at home. Now just about anyone can get involved with Reddit without having to worry about being overwhelmed.

Microsoft Outlook

Outlook is one of the most popular email apps because it’s easy to use, and it makes staying in touch with family, friends, classmates, or co-workers convenient. Furthermore, you can download this right from your phone store for free, which means you have nothing to lose if you are looking for a new way to keep up with all your emails. In addition, it has several different features that will help you stay organized while on the go, so it’s worth giving a shot even if you think Outlook isn’t really for you.

Venmo

Venmo is a free iPhone app that allows you to make and receive payments from friends. It’s sort of like PayPal but has fewer features. Using Venmo is straightforward; download the app, connect your bank account or debit card, and start making payments. You can use this for all sorts of things, like paying back your roommate’s rent or splitting dinner with friends.

Venmo offers many additional cool features too. For example, you can send ideas on what payment type you want to send next (like picking up the tab at an upcoming happy hour). And if your friend doesn’t have the app installed on their phone, they will be sent a link via email that’ll allow them to pay directly through Venmo’s website without installing anything.

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the most popular map apps out there because it’s easy to use on all kinds of devices. This means that you can use this app right from the phone in your pocket to find exactly where you are going without any hassle. You can even mark specific locations as favorites so they are easier to get to next time or send them to others if someone else needs to be there. Google Maps makes getting from A to B much easier than ever before, perfect for those who are always on the go!

OpenTable

OpenTable is an app that makes it easy for people with busy schedules to enjoy a fine dining experience. It allows you to book reservations at some of the best restaurants in just about any city out there. You can also see the wait times for different places if you are already standing around and need to kill some time before a table becomes available. The OpenTable app makes finding the perfect place to eat quick and easy, which is why it’s one of the most popular out there at this point in time.

Sling

Do you want to watch your favorite TV shows without having to pay for cable? Sling may be just what you need then because it allows you to sign up for their service, including dozens of popular channels that people love. All you have to do is download this right onto your phone or tablet so you can take it with you wherever life takes you. Then when you get home, watch live TV or even go back and watch any show that you missed. This app makes private watching easy, which is why it’s one of the most popular around at this point in time.

Trello

Trello is one of the most popular apps for people who are looking to stay organized because it’s easy to use no matter what your skill level may be. You can create different boards for all kinds of things, whether you are planning a vacation, need to get through your online coursework together, or want an easier way to keep up with work while on the go. Trello makes staying ahead while on the move possible, so if you have been struggling before, maybe it will work out better once you switch over!

Waze

Waze is one of the most popular navigation apps because it’s relatively simple to use, and it features real-time updates that can help you avoid accidents, traffic jams, or other problems. This means you will not be stuck in any one place for too long, so getting where you need to go should take less time than ever before. In addition, you can sign up quickly right from your phone store for free and then spend less time worrying about how late you are running while on the road!

Twitter

Twitter is an app that makes staying connected with friends and being updated about events and news easier than ever before. It allows people to post short status updates about their lives which others can respond to or retweet out into the world. Often, celebrities join Twitter as well, which means you may be able to see some of the latest updates from celebrities close up, no matter where they are in the world. Twitter makes it possible for people to feel like they know someone even if they have never met them before.

Zillow

Zillow is an app designed with real estate in mind, and homeowners will love having this on their phone or tablet. It allows you to check out estimates of your home’s current worth and also lets you explore homes that other people currently own in your area. You can even get a list of agents working near you so that when it does come time to sell, you have all the help that you need right at hand! Zillow helps people who want more from their homes find just what they are looking for.

Google Photos

Google Photos is one of the most popular apps for anyone who loves digital photography or taking pictures on their phones. It allows you to back up your photos in the cloud, so you never lose them, even if your phone becomes damaged with water or breaks altogether. You can also create albums, slideshows, and collages that are easy to share with others who may need a visual reminder of what’s going on in your life. Google Photos takes photo sharing to the next level!

Conclusion

There are so many different apps out there that it can be challenging to find the right ones for you. Hence, this list to help you choose the apps you will love until the end of time! With thousands of apps available these days, no matter your interests, chances are excellent that there is an app out there for it.

November 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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How to Stop Alexa from Asking Annoying Follow-Up Questions

Longtime owners of an Amazon Echo (or any other Alexa-enabled smart speaker) may have noticed that Alexa is asking a lot more follow-up questions than before. And if you just want an answer to a question without having what seems to be a full-blown conversation with Alexa, that can be annoying.

For example, you could ask Alexa about today’s weather and, after answering, it’ll say “by the way” and ask if you’d like to know what the weather is going to be for the next few days. Or if you ask Alexa to set an alarm for the following morning, it might say “by the way” and ask if you’d like to set a morning alarm for the rest of the week.

Again, you might find this helpful. But you might also not. Fortunately there are a few fixes and all you have to do is adjust a few settings within the Alexa app.

How to Turn on Brief Mode on your Alexa smart speaker

Brief Mode is a feature that makes Alexa speak less as well as shorten its responses in general. So, brevity. Here’s how to turn it off.

Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
Select the More (three horizontal lines) tab in the bottom-right corner.
Select Settings.
Scroll down and select Voice Responses.
Turn on Brief Mode.

How to Prevent Alexa from Asking If You’d Like to ‘Try New Things’

The other thing you can do is disable Alexa’s suggestions where it asks (or suggests) if you’d like to try new things. If you don’t want to kill that conversation before it even starts, do this:

Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
Select the More (three horizontal lines) tab in the bottom-right corner.
Select Settings.
Select Notifications.
Select Things to Try and turn both sliders off.

How to Stop Alexa from Asking if You’d Like to Buy Something

Alexa is the mouthpiece for the largest e-commerce company in the word, so it makes sense that it’s going to try to get you to buy things. You can stop Alexa from giving you purchasing advice, fortunately. Here’s how:

Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
Select the More (three horizontal lines) tab in the bottom-right corner.
Select Settings.
Select Notifications.
Select Amazon Shopping.
Scroll down and turn off the option that says “Receive personalized recommendations and deals based on your shopping activity.”

November 16, 2021 / Comments Off

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A Beginner’s Guide to Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program

If you’re somebody who wants to always have the latest and greatest iPhone, you’re probably well aware of the iPhone Upgrade Program. Apple launched it back in 2015 as a way to set up customers with each new iPhone the day it launches while saving some money on it by also trading in their older iPhone.

But how does it work, and is it worth using?

How does the iPhone Upgrade Program work?

If you’re new to the iPhone Upgrade Program, you simply order your new iPhone through it: here. You select which of the four new iPhones — iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max — that you want, as well which color and storage configuration, and then you choose how you want to pay for it. You can pay the full price of the iPhone in one quick hit or you can pay over the course of 24 months.

If you’re already a part of the iPhone Upgrade Program, all you have to do is sign into your account and when order the new iPhone model, after you choose your carrier (or lack there of) there’s an option that asks if you’re part of the upgrade program. You then follow the instructions and finish your order. A separate box with then be shipped to your house, and you’ll have up to two weeks (14 days) to use the included shipping label to return it back to Apple.

Should you pay for the iPhone monthly or in full?

When ordering through the iPhone Upgrade Program, you have two choices of payment: either up front and in fall or over a 24-month period of time. Here’s what you need to know:

Option #1: Pay for the iPhone in full

If you pay for the new iPhone in full up front, you then own it. And then in 12 months time when the new iPhone comes out, you can then trade in last year’s iPhone to Apple and then they’ll deduct the trade-in value from from the price of the new iPhone. The trade-in value of your old iPhone will vary on the model you have (and condition it’s in), but it’ll typically be between 40% to 50% of what you paid for it.

For example, if you bought an iPhone 12 for $799, it’d have a trade-in value of approximately $450. So when you upgrade to the iPhone 13, Apple will subtract the $450 off of the $799 price tag. This means that over the course of owning the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13, you’ll have paid about $1,148.

Option #2: Pay for the iPhone over 24 months

If you don’t want to pay the full price of the iPhone up front, you have the option to pay for the iPhone over a 24-month (two-year) period. The monthly cost will vary depending on which iPhone model you choose — ranging from $29/month for the iPhone 13 mini to $46/month for the iPhone 13 Pro Max — and it means that when the new iPhone comes out the following year, you’ll have paid for half of the cost of your current iPhone.

When you trade in your current iPhone for the new model, you’ll then switch to a new 24-month cycle of fees to start paying off your new iPhone. The end price ends up being comparable but not quite as good compared to if you bought the iPhone out in full.

For example (and using the same example as above), if you bought an iPhone 12 for $33.29/month and then you decided you wanted to upgrade to the iPhone 13 when it came out after 12 months, you would’ve paid about $399.48 for the iPhone 12 and then you’d switch to paying $33.29/month for the iPhone 13. For the sake of this argument, say you decide to not upgrade to the iPhone 14 and pay out the full 24-month payments, you would’ve paid a total of about $1,198 for the two iPhones.

This means that in the long term, the Upgrade Program is a slightly better deal if you pay the full price of the iPhone rather than monthly installments.

If you’re the type to lust after each new iPhone on launch day, Apple’s upgrade program may be for you.

Tucker Bowe

The Pros of iPhone Upgrade Program

There are a couple big advantages to buying a new iPhone through Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program.

First and most obviously, it guarantees that you’ll almost get half of what you paid for your older iPhone. If you were to trade-in your old iPhone to Apple and you weren’t part of the Upgrade Program, they’d offer you significantly less. Tech hardware depreciates quickly.

The second big advantage to using the iPhone Upgrade Program is that it includes a two-year AppleCare+ warranty and it will cover up to two accidents. For instance, if you drop your iPhone and crack the screen or bust a button, then Apple will repair it for free (or a small fee).

Just because you sign up for the Upgrade Program doesn’t mean you have to upgrade your iPhone every year. For example, if you have an iPhone 12 and weren’t blown away by the iPhone 13, you can wait and by the following year you’ll own the iPhone 12 outright (because you’ll have paid off the 24-month subscription fees) and your AppleCare+ would have expired, so you’ll want to upgrade. You won’t get quite as much in trade-value now that your iPhone 12 is two-years old (when the iPhone 14 comes out), but you’ll still get a good deal.

Why you might not want to join the iPhone Upgrade Program

The main reason why you would not join the iPhone Upgrade Program is if you’re not somebody who needs the latest and greatest iPhone every year. The reality is that the iPhone Upgrade Program gets you a good deal, but it’s still expensive. And the majority people don’t get a new smartphone every year. In fact, it’s common for people to hold onto the same smartphone for several years before upgrading.

The other downside is that the iPhone Upgrade Program locks you into a 24-month subscription — unless you want to upgrade to a newer iPhone after 12 months. So, if you decide you want to get the newest Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy smartphone and return your iPhone midway through your payments, you’re out of luck.

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November 16, 2021 / Comments Off

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The LAVO Bike From Studio MOM Might Be The First-Ever Hydrogen E-Bike

Most of the commercially available transportation platforms are likely running on battery-electric systems. Hydrogen-electric models are still playing catch-up due to several factors such as supply and production but is growing, nonetheless. To encourage more companies to adopt this clean source of energy, Studio MOM is developing the LAVO Bike.

This cool project’s goal is to showcase the versatility and safety of hydrogen fuel cells over lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, electric bikes are quickly becoming the ride of choice for urban commuters, which is why the Dutch design team is coming up with a new type of zero-emission two-wheeler.

Meanwhile, LAVO will be lending its technology to power the motors and more. The company is already offering green energy storage systems that use solar panels and water to produce hydrogen. With this in place, owners can conveniently recharge spent tanks at home and swap in full ones for their next trip.

Instead of a regular e-bike, Studio MOM proposes a configuration that allows users to haul more cargo. Given that a full hydrogen tank is lighter than a standard rechargeable battery, the LAVO Bike can carry more refills. This allows owners to benefit from a longer range and never rely on the power grid.

From a configuration standpoint, the LAVO Bike uses a hub center steering setup. The frame is reinforced at the front to support heavier loads. Studio MOM notes that this modular machine will have parts that connect just like LEGO blocks. Currently, there is little information about the rest of the components, but it should be the world’s first hydrogen e-bike once it’s commercially available.

Learn more

Images courtesy of Studio MOM

November 11, 2021 / Comments Off

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DJI’s Flagship Mavic 3 Takes Flight With Awesome Upgrades Perfect For Content Creation

DJI has been revving up its marketing push this final quarter with awesome new hardware. So far, we’ve covered a couple and are now ready for another. The Chinese brand and its diverse lineup of products enjoy worldwide recognition for quality and functionality. To bolster its roster of imaging tools is the Mavic 3.

These days, the use of commercial drones for aerial photography/videography is on a steady rise. DJI has managed to best its competitors by catering to various consumers based on their budget. It is now the go-to brand among professionals. The Mavic 3 showcases the very best of DJI with the tagline: “Imaging Above Everything.”

The manufacturer is granting its latest flagship a series of improvements over the outgoing version. Nonetheless, existing owners of the Mavic 2 can still hold off from its purchase if they are willing to wait for what the 2022 model might bring to the table. Still, the upgrades are certainly too enticing to overlook.

What it offers over the previous generation makes it very difficult to ignore. The Mavic 3 boasts a larger sensor – a 4/3” CMOS over the 1” CMOS of the Mavic 2. Flight time has been bumped up to 46 minutes. Meanwhile, transmission distance extends to 9.32 miles (FCC) and 7.46 miles (CE).

DJI also ensures that users get the most intuitive experience with the Mavic 3. Obstacle sensing keeps it safe from collisions, while object tracking helps keep your subject in focus. Finally, the Advanced RTH (Return to Home) feature will now plot the best flight path that conserves battery when you recall the drone.

Purchase now

Images courtesy of DJI

November 11, 2021 / Comments Off

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What Is Advanced Safety System Recalibration and Why Do You Need It?

Most cars today have advanced safety systems to keep you (and your car) safe on the road. These systems create a safety net around your car to help reduce the risk of collisions through the use of forward-facing cameras. Attached to the windshield, these cameras enable advanced safety features to aid drivers on the road — features like automatic braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and more. But what happens when you have to replace your windshield due to cracked glass? What steps need to be taken to ensure you stay safe?

What most people don’t realize is that if you have to replace your windshield, the forward-facing camera attached to it must be recalibrated in order for the safety features to continue working properly. So where do you start? And how do you know if the work has been done correctly?

Safelite

The technicians at Safelite Autoglass® are experts in recalibration and have everything you need to know about what it is and why it’s an important step in the auto glass replacement process. They have the knowledge, skill and tools to do the job — all you have to do is set up an appointment.

There are two types of recalibration: dynamic and static. Some cars require a combination of static and dynamic recalibration. Dynamic recalibration requires the technician to drive the vehicle at a set speed on well-marked roads while they recalibrate the safety system. For static recalibration, many vehicles require the controlled environment of a shop for the process to be executed properly. It requires the vehicle to be parked facing a mounted target image. The technician then makes sure the camera sensors line up with specific points on the target.

Safelite

Regardless of the method required, you need a trusted recalibration expert to ensure your advanced safety features are operating at peak performance. When scheduling with Safelite®, you’ll be notified if your vehicle’s safety system needs to be recalibrated after your replacement. A certified Safelite® technician then completes both the replacement and the recalibration service in the same appointment. Safelite® even provides proof of recalibration once your service is complete.

Safelite® takes the guesswork out of recalibration and makes sure your car gets the expert attention it needs. Your car will be ready to safely take you on your next adventure in no time.

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November 11, 2021 / Comments Off

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Use Google Maps? Here’s How to See the Fastest Possible Route

Earlier this year, Google announced a bunch of new features that would be rolling out to Google Maps. Some of those features — like crowd information for public transit (so you can see if a certain train/bus/subway is going to be jammed or not) and the ability to see the weather and air quality of your destination before you get there — arrived months ago. But some of them, like the new eco-friendly routing, just recently rolled out. And the latter is kind of a big deal for everybody who uses Google Maps as their go-to navigation app.

The idea behind the new eco-friendly routing feature is a good one as it has sustainability in mind and it’s part of Google’s new initiative to fight climate change. Here’s how to works:

When you type in a navigation route, Google Maps will select the route with the lowest amount of carbon emissions, so long as it doesn’t affect the ETA of your journey too much. According to Google, this eco-friendly routing “has the potential to prevent over one million tons of carbon emissions per year — that’s the equivalent of removing over 200,000 cars from the road.”

The problem is that eco-friendly routing is turned on by default — meaning there’s a good chance that Google Maps isn’t navigating you on the fastest possible route. And that’s a problem for people who value speed (and time) over everything else. Fortunately, you can easily turn off eco-friendly routing. Here’s how:

How to turn off eco-friendly routing in Google Maps

Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone.
Select your profile (image) in the top-right corner.
Select Settings in the drop-down menu.
Select Navigation.
Scroll down and toggle off where it says “Prefer fuel-efficient routes.”

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November 10, 2021 / Comments Off

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AirPods Pro Not Working? Apple Might Replace Them for Free

If your AirPods Pro don’t sound quite right — specifically, you hear a crackling or static sound or if the noise-canceling or transparency modes aren’t working as great as they’re supposed to — then you might be able to get them fixed. Or Apple could send you a brand-new pair. And it won’t cost you a penny.

This is because Apple has a repair program that’s specifically designed around AirPods Pro that are experiencing sound issues. The repair program was announced last year (in October 2020) and, at the time, it covered AirPods Pro for up to two years after the original purchased.

However, as of last month (October 2021), Apple quietly extended this warranty to three years. This means that if you were one of the first people to buy AirPods Pro (first released in October 2019), are they are just starting to not sound great, you still have a year to get them fixed.

If your AirPods Pro are experiencing the aforementioned sound issues, you have three ways of getting them fixed. You can:

Apple will examine the AirPods Pro prior to fixing/replacing them to make sure it’s a sound issue rather than something you’ve done to break them; i.e if you’ve left them out in the rain or dropped them too many times, then they will won’t be eligible for the repairs program.

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November 5, 2021 / Comments Off

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FaceTime on Your iPhone Just Got a Cool New Feature

If you have an iPhone (or iPad) and you’re frequent FaceTime caller, the newest software update — iOS 15.1 — just delivered a really cool new feature. It’s called SharePlay and it allows you to share your screen and audio with the other people on your FaceTime call. This is really neat because it allows you and the other people on your FaceTime call to watch shows together and have live music listening sessions. You can also play group games or even exercise with the other people on your FaceTime.

How to use SharePlay when on a FaceTime call

If your iPhone (or iPad) is running iOS 15.1 (or iPadOS 15.1), using the new SharePlay feature is super simple. (Please note, in order to use SharePlay, all other people in your FaceTime have to be running iOS 15.1 or later as well.) Here’s what to do:

Open the FaceTime app.
Start a FaceTime call be selecting the New FaceTime button in the upper-right part of your screen.

Once you’re in the FaceTime call (and invited other people), tap the SharePlay icon on the far right of the dropdown menu at the top of the screen.

Select Share My Screen.

That’s it! If another person in the FaceTime wants to use SharePlay to share their screen, all they have to do is select the SharePlay icon. And if you want to end SharePlay to stop sharing your screen, but not end the FaceTime call, all you have to do is tap the SharePlay icon and then select End SharePlay. It’s really quite simple.

Which apps work with SharePlay?

As you probably could’ve guessed, SharePlay opens up a can of worms in terms subscriptions. So, the first thing to note: everybody on the FaceTime needs to be a subscriber to the service being SharePlay-ed (and they need to have the app downloaded and be logged in). If not, then that person will not be able to see what’s being SharePlay-ed, but the other people on the FaceTime who are subscribers will.

Also, not every streaming app works with SharePlay right now, with the most notable absentees being Spotify, Netflix and YouTube. We’ve rounded up the most popular apps that are compatible with SharePlay, below.

The below list of apps that work with SharePlay was last updated: November 4, 2021.

Popular Video Services for Movies, Shows and Sports:

• Apple TV+ (here)

• Disney+ (here)

• ESPN+ (here)

• HBO Max (here)

• Paramount+ (here)

• Pluto TV (here)

• Showtime Anytime (here)

Popular Music Streaming Services:

• Apple Music (here)

• SoundCloud (here)

• Vinyls (here)

Popular Apps for Games, Workouts and Entertainment:

• Apollo for Reddit (here)

• Apple Fitness+ (here)

• Heads Up! (here)

• MasterClass (here)

• Night Sky (here)

• TikTok (here)

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

November 4, 2021 / Comments Off on FaceTime on Your iPhone Just Got a Cool New Feature
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Can a $150 Tube Amp Stand Up Against the Top Audio Systems?

I have a few music tracks that are my go-to tunes when evaluating stereo systems. They’ve risen to the top not because they test different sound qualities specifically, or because they reflect any show-offy declarations of musical taste, but because they’re just great songs — ones that I’ve listened to thousands of times throughout my life. I know them intimately and can spot playback distinctions like an owl catching a flicker of movement from a mouse buried under 10 inches of snow. Plus, I never tire of them, and when I listen I focus on the delivery, not my fickle reactions to the music itself.

Monoprice 25 Watt Stereo Hybrid Tube Amplifier

Monoprice monoprice.com

$109.99

Auditioning the Monoprice Stereo Hybrid Tube Amp via such perennial favorites presented a special challenge. The shelf system is a 25-watt tube amp system that also has Bluetooth, so you can feed it from your smartphone or tablet. That makes it a hybrid system, using a solid-state power amplifier but a tube pre-amp. The tricky part in evaluating it is identifying what’s making the music sound so: Is it the four vacuum tubes making it sound a certain way, or the speakers and cables, or the fact that it’s streamed through the ether via Bluetooth? The only option in critical thought is to go with your gut, and the only way to find out is to fire up those tubes.

I did so in my den, a smallish room with wooden walls — about the perfect size for shelf systems. If you’re new to the idea of vacuum tubes, they predate more efficient solid-state transistor amplifiers, which are driven entirely by electrical signals, and are effectively the mechanical equivalent in terms of boosting signals and powering speakers. Though outdated by decades, they’re thought by audiophiles to generate a warmer, more realistic sound by virtue of their mechanical operation, especially when the sound is delivered via lossy Bluetooth. They give back the more subtle audio signals that Bluetooth strips away.

I had to keep reminding myself that the entire system was an unbelievable bargain.

Having a hybrid system such as this amplifier permits modern audio sources to pair with the vacuum tube. When you turn it on, simply pair your device with the system and select your track. The tubes glow orange, as does the VU (volume unit) meter on the front. The amp looks retro, particularly with the aluminum cages protecting the vacuum tubes while showing them off. You have the option of cable inputs for audio source, and there’s a headphone jack, as well, so you’re able to control those variables as you like. (You can also upgrade the speakers.)

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I cycled through my tracks and found the system to be much warmer within all of them than my go-to, and much more expensive, shelf system, the Joey Roth Ceramic Speaker and Subwoofer ($1,095). The Monoprice system did more with less, generating robust sound at high volumes through relatively small speakers, though having the subwoofer helped, too, of course. The tube amp also created a more intimate audio experience that, while not as crisp as my go-to Roth system, was exceptionally satisfying and enjoyable. And, naturally, the benefit seemed to match with the song — the more vintage Goo Goo Dolls and Queen sounded slightly better on the tube amp, while Lady Gaga and Maroon 5 tracks favored the Roth system. The Monoprice, notably, was also far better than any other Bluetooth speaker or shelf system that I can think of at this price point. I tried the same tracks in a portable BT speaker and a more mainstream shelf system, and the Monoprice’s sound was significantly better. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that the entire system cost so little — an unbelievable bargain for such a classic experience.

Aesthetically, the amp will look great on your shelf, with its tubes, piano-black shell and silver faceplate. The build quality is solid, but not as polished as pricier vacuum tube units targeted toward the audiophile crowd. The faceplate has some rough edges, the bass and treble dials aren’t nearly as smooth-turning as higher-grade equivalents, and the illuminated VU meter looks a bit chintzy, even as it sits there bouncing happily away to the beat of “Bad Romance.” There’s also a persistent hum emanating from the Monoprice when powered on, but that’s part of the tech — and the charm. Vacuum tubes hum, and this one hums along pretty damn well.

Monoprice 25 Watt Stereo Hybrid Tube Amplifier

Monoprice monoprice.com

$109.99

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November 1, 2021 / Comments Off on Can a $150 Tube Amp Stand Up Against the Top Audio Systems?
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The Best Tablets of 2021

Tucker Bowe

Tablets sit in kind of a weird middle ground. They’re bigger than smartphones with most of the same capabilities, and they’re smaller than laptops with not quite the same computing power.

But a dedicated non-phone device for browsing the web, doing art, or sharing with the kids still has a place in the digital ecosystem — the trick is just figuring out exactly what you want it for. Do you just want a bigger screen to browse the web, stream movies or use as an e-reader? Or do you need a tablet that comes with a stylus that allows you to illustrate, take notes or sign documents?

After you know what you want to use the tablet for, you then need to decide what type of tablet you want to buy — aka what ecosystem do you want to live in. For example, do you want a tablet that works seamlessly with your other other Apple or Samsung devices?

Finally, then you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend as well as how small or large of a tablet you want to buy — these two factors go hand-in-hand. You might also need to consider that most tablets don’t come with a lot of accessories, such as a case, keyboard, mouse or even stylus; so you might plan on spending extra for those.

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Best All-Around

Apple iPad mini (2021)

The newest iPad mini ditches the old design of its predecessors and adopts the fuller-screen and squared off sides of the higher-end iPad Air — in fact, the iPad mini is effectively a shrunk-down version of the iPad Air. It has Touch ID integrated into the power button, supports the newest Apple Pencil and has a USB-C port for fast-charging and fast data transfer. It’s a more expensive than the entry-level iPad, but you get so much more and it’s a form-factor that will stay cool for years to come. The only real downside (other than price) is that, because of its size, the new iPad mini is not compatible with Apple’s fancy Magic Keyboard.

Best Upgrade

Apple iPad Pro (2021)

The iPad Pro is primarily designed for creative professionals, but it’s across-the-board upgrades in display and processing power make it a good upgrade pick even for the non-artistically-inclined. It’s available in two different models, 11-inch and 12.9-inch, which are identical except for their size and displays. Both are decked out with Apple’s M1 chip, a new Thunderbolt USB-C port and they support 5G. The big difference is the 12.9-inch model has a significantly nicer display; specifically, it’s a Liquid Retina XDR display that’s made of over 10,000 mini-LEDs, and it promises a significantly better (read: brighter, more vibrant and with contrast) picture. Like the 2020 models, the new iPad Pros have a 120Hz display to help draw more accurately with the Apple Pencil (the iPad Air’s display maxes out at 60Hz). It also has a dual-camera system and a LiDAR sensor, which helps the iPad Pro shoot improved low-light photos and have enhanced AR capabilities; and it has a similar front-facing system as the latest iPhones, meaning you can unlock the device via Face ID.

Best Budget

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021)

The Fire HD 10 is the most advanced tablet that Amazon currently makes — and yet it still costs well under $200. It’s available in two different models, Fire HD 10 and the Fire HD 10 Plus, with the latter model having a few extra features, such as more RAM, support for wireless charging and a more premium finish. Both models of the Fire HD 10 have a 10.1-inch display, which is a slightly bigger and brighter than the Fire HD 8’s display. And compared to the previous generation Fire HD 10, the 2020 models have slimmer bezels, more RAM and, again, their display is a little bit brighter. They also have a front-facing camera that’s better positioned for video calls.

Apple iPad 10.2-Inch (2021)

The 10.2-inch iPad is by far the most popular tablet that Apple makes. It has a nice display, a long battery life, a powerful processor and runs iPadOS, same as Apple’s higher-end tablets. But the biggest drawback of this entry-level iPad is that it has an outdated design. It’s the only current iPad that still has an actual Home button (with Touch ID) and charges via Lightning (instead of USB-C). It also still supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, which is good but doesn’t magnetically clip to the top of the iPad for easy storing/charging/pairing like the second-generation stylus. All-in-all, it’s the best bang-for-your-buck iPad that Apple makes.

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)

The Fire HD 8 is one of the best affordable tablets you can buy. It’s slightly bigger and more expensive than Amazon’s Fire 7, but it’s also better in a lot of key areas. It has a higher-resolution HD display, a larger battery and, yes, a longer battery life. The other big difference is that the speakers are infinitely better on the Fire HD 8. Instead of Fire 7’s single rear-firing speaker, the Fire HD 8 has a stereo speaker setup that also supports Dolby Atmos — movies and music are going to sound way better, especially if you don’t use headphones. It’s an excellent spare tablet, or one for the kids.

Apple iPad Air (2020)

Apple radically redesigned the iPad Air in 2020, making it very similar to the new design of the high-end iPad Pro. In fact, the iPad Air looks and feels nearly identical to the 11-inch iPad Pro. It’s a little smaller (at 10.9-inches) and has slightly larger bezels, but the main differences lie mainly in the display and camera systems. The iPad Air lacks the high-refresh rate display (maxing out at 60Hz) and has a single-lens rear camera. It also has Touch ID integrated into the side power button, and doesn’t support Face ID. Effectively, the iPad Air is a great tablet for whoever wants the high-end look and feel of the iPad Pro, but doesn’t need some of its more unique and expensive features.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ (2020)

The Galaxy Tab S7+ is Samsung’s high-end tablet that’s really designed to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s iPad Pro line. It has a beautiful 12.4-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful Snapdragon 865+ chipset, a wonderful-sounding speaker that supports Dolby Atmos, and a high-end dual rear-camera system. Samsung includes its stylus, the S Pen, in the box and at no extra cost. If you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and you’re looking for a high-end tablet that will fit into the same suite of apps Samsung services.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 (2020)

Released in late 2020, the Galaxy Tab A7 is one of Samsung’s newest tablets. It’s also designed as essentially a more entry-level alternative to the Galaxy Tab S7+. It has a less powerful Snapdragon 6622 processor, a smaller (10.4-inch) display doesn’t get nearly as bright, and a single rear-camera system. The other big tradeoff is that the Galaxy Tab A7 does not support the S Pen, so you shouldn’t get this if you want to use a stylus to take notes or draw.

Amazon Fire 7 (2019)

Amazon makes some of the best budget tablets that you can buy, and the Fire 7 is the cheapest of the bunch — it costs less than $50. It gets its name from its 7-inch display, but when compared to Amazon’s more expensive tablets, it really comes down to hardware. The Fire 7 is very similar to the Fire HD 8, but is just a little bit smaller and lacks that same HD display. Other than that, it has pretty much all the same capabilities. You can use it to stream shows or music, or use it as an e-reader. If you have a Fire TV, you can also use the Fire as a remote control.

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November 1, 2021 / Comments Off on The Best Tablets of 2021
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This Trick Makes iCloud+ Pay for Itself

With iOS 15, Apple is rolling out its handy Hide My Email feature to millions of iPhone owners, a service which automatically creates unique email addresses that forward to your main inbox, so you can get emails without having to give out your real address.

It’s designed to protect you from information harvesting but as one Redditor has realized (and graciously shared): it’s also a gateway to extra new-customer trials and discounts.

Because Hide My Email generates a random Apple address, using the feature to make new accounts on websites where you already have one can result in a particularly useful combination of factors: a new member discount + emails that still come to your normal inbox.

There are a few catches. First, some services may be able to tell you aren’t a new customer based on your payment information, or may (understandably) stop offering these discounts to these types of email addresses. Second, Hide My Email requires iCloud+, which isn’t free. But the lowest iCloud+ tier costs just $1 a month in the United States, enough that a couple new member discounts can almost certainly cover the cost.

Is this the intended use of this feature? Of course not! Will retailers start putting checks in place to prevent this kind of … advanced couponing? Quite possibly! But that’s bound to happen no matter what you do. Is it something you wanna do? That’s up to you, but it can certainly save you a buck or two.

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