Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: Gadgets

  • Make the Most of Your Smartwatch: 6 Essential Features to Know

    Make the Most of Your Smartwatch: 6 Essential Features to Know

    In recent years, smartwatches have become extremely popular, much like smartphones. You can spot these nifty devices on people’s wrists almost everywhere you go. However, many folks who own smartwatches tend to use them primarily to check the time and occasionally explore a few features. Most of the time, the smartwatch screen remains idle. But considering the price of these devices, it’s a shame not to take full advantage of their capabilities.

    smartwatches

    Smartwatches come packed with a variety of features that most users aren’t aware of. To truly make the most of your smartwatch and enhance your daily life, it’s essential to learn about some of its useful functions. By following these tips, you can simplify many of your daily tasks and save time in the process.

    Many budget-friendly smartwatches now offer this crucial feature. These watches come equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to answer phone calls directly from your wrist. This feature can be incredibly handy when it’s challenging to reach for your smartphone.

    With your smartwatch, you can manage your favorite music without touching your smartphone. Smartwatches have wireless music control, allowing you to pause, play, and even change tracks using your wristwatch.

    Smartwatches also offer camera control functionality, much like music control. You can use your smartwatch to remotely press the shutter button on your phone’s camera. This way, you can capture moments without physically handling your phone, especially when it’s on a stand.

    Ever found yourself searching high and low for your smartphone, only to realize it’s hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room? Don’t fret—your smartwatch can help. Many smartwatches come with a “Find My Phone” feature that assists you in locating your misplaced smartphone quickly.

    Smartwatches now come equipped with a valuable feature to measure the oxygen levels in your body. This feature gained popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows you to monitor your oxygen levels without the need for additional devices.

    Alongside oxygen levels, smartwatches can also monitor your heart rate. This is particularly useful for individuals who engage in regular exercise or want to check their heart rate quickly after physical activity. With just a simple click on your smartwatch, you can instantly access your heart rate data.

     

  • Capture the Skies with DJI Mini 4 Pro: Extended Battery Life and More

    Capture the Skies with DJI Mini 4 Pro: Extended Battery Life and More

    DJI, a prominent name in the world of drones, has recently unveiled the DJI Mini 4 Pro, offering drone enthusiasts a more accessible option without compromising on features. Priced at just $759, significantly lower than the DJI Air 3, this drone boasts some impressive qualities that set it apart.

    DJI Mini 4 Pro

    The DJI Mini 4 Pro is equipped with a 48-megapixel camera featuring an f/1.7 aperture. This powerful camera allows for stunning photography and videography with the ability to shoot in 4K at 100fps and 1080p at 200fps. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or dynamic action shots, this camera delivers exceptional results.

    One standout feature of the Mini 4 Pro is its remarkable battery life. With up to 40 minutes of flight time on a single charge, you can confidently explore the skies and capture all the footage you desire. This extended battery life sets it apart from many other drones in its class.

    The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a maximum range of up to 20 kilometers, providing you with the freedom to explore vast areas and capture footage from different perspectives. This extensive range allows you to push the boundaries of your creative endeavors.

    For those who already own the Mini 3 Pro, there’s more good news. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is compatible with the same batteries, making the transition to this upgraded model even more convenient. You can continue to use your existing batteries, reducing the need for additional investments.

    One of the most notable features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system. This cutting-edge technology enhances safety and prevents collisions by providing a 360-degree view of the drone’s surroundings. It detects obstacles from all directions, giving you peace of mind while flying in challenging environments.

    Staying true to the Mini series, the DJI Mini 4 Pro maintains its compact and lightweight design. It’s easy to transport and ideal for adventurers and travelers who want to capture stunning aerial footage without the bulk of larger drones. Its portability ensures that you’re always ready to seize the perfect shot, wherever your adventures take you.

    While the DJI Mini 4 Pro is not yet available in  all countries, we can make an informed estimate based on the current price of the Mini 3 Pro, which is approximately USD 759. Considering its enhanced features and capabilities, the Mini 4 Pro is expected to be in a similar price range, offering incredible value for drone enthusiasts.

  • Rolex Watches: Where Luxury Meets Durability

    Rolex Watches: Where Luxury Meets Durability

    These days, we don’t need a separate handwatch to keep track of time. A smartphone can do the job perfectly well. Yet, people continue to wear wristwatches, and they come in a wide price range, from as low as BDT 20 to costing millions of dollars. Among luxury watch brands, Rolex stands out as a global favorite.

    Oyster Perpetual

    The Rolex brand’s soaring prices can be attributed to several factors, and it all started with a man named Hans Wilsdorf, who had a deep passion for watchmaking. His dedication eventually led to the establishment of the Rolex brand, which has now become an iconic institution in the world of horology.

    Rolex is a company with a brand value of a staggering 8 billion US dollars. One key reason for the high prices of Rolex watches is the use of 904L grade steel, known for its exceptional durability. This choice of material not only enhances the watch’s longevity but also contributes to the comfortable feel of a Rolex watch when worn on the wrist.

    Additionally, Rolex offers some models crafted from precious metals like gold, although many of these are custom-made to the specifications of wealthy individuals.

    Rolex takes great pride in the craftsmanship that goes into creating its watch dials and bezels. Skilled artisans meticulously finish each watch with the utmost care and precision. Remarkably, Rolex manufactures its watches entirely by hand, eschewing the use of machines or robots in the process.

    This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is backed by rigorous testing. Rolex watches undergo extensive examination to ensure they meet the highest standards, resulting in nearly all watches passing the tests without defects.

    One remarkable testament to Rolex’s reputation in the luxury watch market is the sale of its most expensive watch in 2017, which fetched a staggering $17.8 million.

    For those seeking a Rolex timepiece, the Oyster Perpetual is the most affordable option on the market, priced at 5 lakh 45 thousand rupees. Rolex takes pride in making all its watchmaking tools in-house, reflecting its dedication to precision craftsmanship.

    Furthermore, Rolex invests substantially in research and development, making its research team well-funded and capable of driving innovation in watchmaking.

  • Boult Sterling Pro: Affordable Smartwatch with Blood Pressure Monitor

    Boult Sterling Pro: Affordable Smartwatch with Blood Pressure Monitor

    Boult Audio, a well-known Indian brand, has introduced a new addition to its lineup of smartwatches, the Boult Sterling Pro. This smartwatch offers a sturdy build and includes a feature not commonly found in sub-$150 smartwatches: a blood pressure monitor.

    Boult Sterling Pro

    In terms of design, the Boult Sterling Pro boasts a circular dial with a metallic unibody construction and a durable strap. On the right side of the watch, you’ll find a rotating crown and a physical button, which aid in navigating the user interface. Moreover, this smartwatch has received an IP68 certification, indicating its water-resistant capabilities.

    The device features a vibrant AMOLED display that measures 1.43 inches. With a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and an impressive peak brightness of 800 nits, you can expect clear and vivid visuals.

    Moving on to health-related features, the Boult Sterling Pro is equipped with a comprehensive set of tools. It includes a heart-rate monitor, an SpO2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, a sleep and stress tracker, and a menstrual cycle monitor designed specifically for women. Notably, this smartwatch also includes a blood pressure monitor, which is a valuable addition for health-conscious users. Additionally, it provides reminders for staying active and well-hydrated throughout the day.

    For fitness enthusiasts, the Boult Sterling Pro offers support for over 100 sports modes, making it suitable for a wide range of physical activities. It is compatible with popular health platforms like Google Fit and Apple Health, ensuring you can seamlessly integrate your health data.

    Similar to many smartwatches on the market, the Boult Sterling Pro is equipped with a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling Bluetooth calling directly from your wrist. It offers users the flexibility to make and receive calls without reaching for their smartphones. Moreover, the smartwatch comes with four user interface themes and a variety of watch faces, allowing for personalization.

    The Boult Sterling Pro also includes practical features like “find my phone,” providing an easy solution for locating your smartphone when it’s misplaced. It offers real-time weather updates, making it convenient to stay informed about changing weather conditions. Additionally, it includes an AI assistant for added convenience.

    The Boult Sterling Pro is competitively priced at just $34. This budget-friendly offering comes in two elegant colors: Black and Silver. You can conveniently purchase the Boult Sterling Pro through the brand’s official website or Flipkart, making it easily accessible to consumers.

  • Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance: Potential Game-Changer in DJI Mini 4 Pro

    Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance: Potential Game-Changer in DJI Mini 4 Pro

    The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone made quite an impression when it arrived in May 2023. It was hailed as the best compact drone for most people due to its compact size, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and impressive low-light performance with its 4K camera. The Mini 3 Pro fell into the sub-250g drone category, which allowed it to be flown almost anywhere without restrictions.

    DJI Mini 3 Pro

    Now, it seems DJI is gearing up to introduce a successor, possibly named the Mini 4 Pro. The timing couldn’t be better for DJI, as new US legislation set to take effect on September 16 will require drones weighing over 250g to continuously broadcast the pilot’s and aircraft’s location. If the Mini 4 Pro remains under this crucial 250g limit, owners can fly it without needing to register or identify themselves. Launching the Mini 4 Pro at the end of September, as recently suggested, would align perfectly with this regulation change.

    The expected updates for the Mini 4 Pro compared to the Mini 3 Pro are relatively minor but could include enhancements to the drone’s obstacle avoidance system, improved transmission technology, extended flight time, and the inclusion of DJI’s new RC 2 controller. Let’s dive into what we can anticipate from the upcoming DJI Mini 4 Pro.

    Understanding DJI’s drone lineup can be a bit confusing. Currently, DJI classifies the Mini 3 as its entry-level drone. Above it, you’ll find the Mini 3 Pro and the new Air 3, both labeled as “advanced” drones, while the Mavic 3 Pro sits as the current flagship.

    The Mini 4 Pro is expected to replace the Mini 3 Pro, likely leading to a price cut for its predecessor until stocks run out. Though details are scarce, leaked videos posted on social media suggest that the Mini 4 Pro may feature a more advanced obstacle avoidance system compared to the Mini 3 Pro. This could potentially include omnidirectional avoidance technology similar to the new DJI Air 3.

    While specific details are limited, it appears that the development of the Mini 4 Pro is quite advanced, hinting at a potential release date in the not-so-distant future. While improvements to the camera are always welcome, it’s unlikely DJI will make significant changes here to avoid encroaching on the Air 3’s territory. Similarly, a few extra minutes of flight time would be appreciated, but the Mini 3 Pro already boasts 47 minutes, one minute more than the pricier Air 3.

    Although the Mini 3 Pro was released just 15 months ago in May 2022, DJI has previously launched new models in September, including the Osmo Action 3 camera in 2022 and the Mavic Pro drone in 2016. A 15-month turnaround for the Mini 4 Pro may seem quick, but it’s not out of the question for DJI.

    In terms of pricing, the Mini 4 Pro is expected to cost around the same as the Mini 3 Pro, roughly $759 / £709 / AU$1,119. This would position it neatly between the entry-level Mini 3 at $469 and the more advanced Air 3 at $1,099.

  • Sony’s VR2 Headset: Next-Level Immersive Gaming Experience!

    Sony’s VR2 Headset: Next-Level Immersive Gaming Experience!

    Sony has launched a new Virtual Reality (VR) headset for their PlayStation gaming system. This exciting headset was set to be introduced in 2023, and it comes with some interesting features that gamers will love.

    Virtual Reality (VR) headset

    PlayStation gamers from all around the world had been eagerly waiting for this new VR headset. Sony shared a lot of information about the headset’s specifications, giving gamers a glimpse of what to expect.

    One standout feature of Sony’s new VR headset is its ability to provide stunning 4K resolution visuals. It’s also designed to maintain a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which means that the images will be very smooth and lifelike. Gamers will also have a wide field of view, around 110 degrees, which will make them feel more immersed in the virtual worlds they explore.

    To use the headset, gamers will need to connect it to their PlayStation using a USB C cable. This new VR2 headset will come with support for about 20 games right from the start. Popular games like Horizon and Resident Evil Village will fully support this VR experience.

    Sony has thought about everything when it comes to enhancing the VR2 headset. It’s equipped with a built-in camera that helps with motion tracking, making the gaming experience even more interactive. Gamers will also be pleased to know that they’ll be able to hear the sounds of their surroundings clearly, even when they’re wearing the headset. Plus, they can even share their gameplay with others by broadcasting specific games.

    If you’re lucky enough to own a PlayStation 5 console, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the special features that it offers, such as the Adaptive Trigger and Haptic Feedback. These features will enhance the gaming experience when using the VR2 headset.

    As of now, Sony hasn’t revealed the price of the headset, but with all these exciting features, it’s sure to be a hot topic of discussion among gamers. The wait for this new VR experience is almost over, and soon players will be able to dive into virtual worlds like never before.

  • Nokia Introduces Clever Corteca Software for Better Home Internet

    Nokia Introduces Clever Corteca Software for Better Home Internet

    Nokia has introduced a new software called Corteca, designed to improve internet connections at home. This software is clever and works in the cloud as well as at your home. It helps internet providers make customers happier, earn more money, and save on costs.

    Nokia

    Nokia’s new software also comes with a store full of apps that can make money, and it works together with other software makers. Nokia is the first company to offer this solution using open-source software and industry rules. This solution is great for working with different brands of equipment.

    This software package has three main parts: a smart controller that works in the cloud (Corteca Cloud), a place where you can get different apps (Corteca Applications), and software for devices like routers and Wi-Fi extenders (Corteca Device Software). It’s important to note that Nokia had already created a Wi-Fi Cloud Controller before, so the new part of this announcement is the app store.

    Nokia has been working on Corteca for a while because they know that Wi-Fi can sometimes be slow and frustrating. The app store in Corteca will let internet providers earn more money from their networks by offering new services like better gaming, parental controls for kids, firewalls to protect from online threats, VPNs for security, and SD-WAN solutions for businesses.

    Ever ever since it was started using Nokia Beacons, people’s home Wi-Fi has been really good, solving all the problems. we wish more people could get Nokia beacons too. When you look at the graphics and features of Corteca, the Nokia Pure design style that accidentally came out in March 2023 fits really well.

     

  • USB-C Phone Accessories for 2023: Enhance Your Smartphone Experience

    USB-C Phone Accessories for 2023: Enhance Your Smartphone Experience

    The era of USB-C has arrived, bringing with it a wave of versatile and efficient accessories to complement your smartphone. Gone are the days of multiple USB connectors; USB-C has become the standard for most modern smartphones, including the best models on the market. Let’s delve into the realm of the best USB-C phone accessories that can elevate your mobile experience.

    USB-C

    USB technology has come a long way since its inception in the ’90s. With the emergence of USB-C, a transformation has taken place over the past few years. With the exception of Apple, almost every smartphone on our list of best devices features USB-C connectivity. Let’s explore the realm of USB-C phone accessories that can amplify your smartphone usage.

    Gone are the days of juggling between various USB connectors like microUSB, Mini USB, and more. The universal adoption of USB-C has simplified the landscape. Beyond its role in charging, USB-C offers a plethora of possibilities. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 10 exceptional USB-C accessories that can seamlessly integrate with your smartphone.

    USB-C isn’t a new USB standard; instead, it’s the latest type of USB connector that has revolutionized the tech industry. Its reversible design sets USB-C apart, allowing for easy plug-in regardless of orientation. Moreover, USB-C cables support bidirectional charging, meaning your smartphone can charge a peripheral device and vice versa.

    While USB-C itself isn’t inherently faster than previous USB versions, most USB-C cables are equipped with USB 3.1 technology, offering twice the speed of USB 3.0. The introduction of USB 4 has further elevated the capabilities of USB-C.

    USB-C isn’t limited to charging; it also supports concurrent power and video transfer. Recent advancements have enabled audio transmission as well. Furthermore, USB-C seamlessly integrates with high-speed data connectivity standards like Thunderbolt 3 and 4, enabling the use of large 4K screens for power and display purposes.

    Universal USB-C Desktop Charging Dock
    Enhance your device’s functionality with a charging dock that accommodates any USB-C-equipped device. This dock facilitates simultaneous charging and data sync, making the most of USB-C’s capabilities.

    Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C
    Experience rapid charging with Anker’s PowerCore+. This power bank boasts a high-capacity 20,100mAh cell, ensuring multiple charges for your smartphone.

    USB-C to Micro-USB Adapter
    This small but essential adapter allows you to connect microUSB devices to your USB-C-enabled gear. It supports USB OTG technology and offers rapid charging and data transfer rates.

    USB-C Car Charger
    Upgrade your car charging experience with a USB-C car charger that plugs into your vehicle’s 12V port. Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A outputs, it even features a built-in 3000mAh battery for backup charging.

    Kanex USB-C to HDMI 4K Adapter
    Easily project your content on a 4K screen using this straightforward adapter. Just plug it into your USB-C port and connect it to a display via HDMI for an enhanced visual experience.

    As USB-C becomes the standard, embracing its versatility is essential. From charging to data transfer and audio/video capabilities, USB-C phone accessories have unlocked new dimensions of smartphone usage. Whether you’re looking to charge on the go, connect peripherals, or enhance your multimedia experience, USB-C accessories are here to transform the way you interact with your smartphone.

  • C41 vs ECN-2: Surprising Similarity in Results for Kodak Vision3 250D Film

    C41 vs ECN-2: Surprising Similarity in Results for Kodak Vision3 250D Film

    Using analog photography for most of my Street Photography has been my preference, with a digital camera being my backup choice only during rainy weather. Typically, I favor black and white film, but this summer, I felt a strong urge to capture the vibrant colors of the season with color film. As I looked to buy color film, I noticed that the prices had significantly increased compared to when I started shooting film four years ago. The cost of around £12 for a single roll of 35mm color film was disheartening.

    Kodak Vision

    However, a turning point came when I stumbled upon a valuable piece of information while reading ‘Old School Photography’ by Kai Wong. The book revealed that Cinestill 800T was essentially Kodak Vision3 500T film, a motion picture film with its ramjet layer removed. Eager to explore this further, I searched online and found that in the UK, individuals were respooling this film from bulk rolls and selling 36-exposure 35mm cassettes for about £7. This revelation was exciting because it meant I could shoot color film at a cost comparable to black and white.

    But there was a slight complication. Kodak Vision3 film requires the ECN-2 development process, different from the standard C41 process. The ECN-2 process was less common, resulting in higher development costs and longer turnaround times. Additionally, the film had a ramjet layer that needed removal for it to be developed using C41, a process known as cross-processing.

    Curious about the differences between developing Kodak Vision3 film using ECN-2 and C41, I experimented. I purchased two rolls of Kodak Vision3 250D film and loaded one in each of my Pentax MX cameras with the same lens. I captured the same scene in London using the same settings for exposure. The objective was to have a direct comparison between the two processes. The challenge was to develop the film using C41 without the ramjet layer and see how it compared to the ECN-2 results.

    After experimenting, I sent one roll to a lab for ECN-2 development and developed the other roll myself at home using the C41 process after removing the ramjet layer. The results were enlightening. The photos developed using C41 were slightly yellowish compared to the ECN-2-developed ones. They also appeared more contrasty with some loss of details in highlights. However, the results were surprisingly similar after making minor color corrections while scanning the C41-developed negatives. The color correction shifted the yellow hue towards magenta, making the photos less warm and matching the ECN-2 results closely.

    Source: 35mmc

  • Discover the World of Heat with an Arduino Thermal Camera

    Discover the World of Heat with an Arduino Thermal Camera

    Ever seen those inexpensive telescopes at the store? They come in fancy boxes with stunning pictures, usually from powerful telescopes like Hubble. However, what you see through them is often quite different. That’s a bit like what happens with [upir’s] Arduino thermal camera project. It’s important to take a closer look at this project because it mixes images you’d expect from an 8×8 sensor with pictures from a much better camera.

    thermal camera

    The actual project is quite cool. It brings together a cheap 8×8 infrared (IR) sensor and an 8×8 LED panel to create a basic but functional thermal camera.

    He makes good use of existing libraries, explaining how and why he chose them and made some necessary changes. One interesting part is when he demonstrates plotting HSV values to the LED array instead of the typical RGB values.

    The rest becomes relatively simple once you have code ready to read the sensor and control the LEDs. However, just like the dime-store telescope, you shouldn’t expect astonishing results. Nevertheless, you probably have most of the necessary components lying around, except for the $20 sensor.

    Around the ten-minute mark in the video, he showcases the same sensor in a commercial module that enhances resolution on an LCD screen. While still basic, he quickly reviews a commercial camera that can be plugged into your phone. (Feel free to skip the video beyond this point if you do not like subtle advertising.) We’ve actually discussed that camera before, as well as some of its competitors. While any of those options will outperform the 8×8 Arduino camera, they’ll also be pricier and won’t provide the satisfaction of building it yourself.