Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: Gadgets

Xiaomi CyberDog 2: The Next Generation of Robotic Innovation

Xiaomi has just introduced the CyberDog 2, a follow-up to the original CyberDog launched in 2021. This new version is a four-legged robotic dog, but Xiaomi has made some significant changes to its design to make it stand out even more than its predecessor.

The first CyberDog was created to resemble Boston Dynamics’ Spot, but the CyberDog 2 has a unique and different look. Its body has been completely redesigned to resemble a Doberman, featuring small ears on both sides of its head. This gives it a more realistic dog-like appearance compared to the previous model.

One noticeable difference is that the CyberDog 2 is now smaller and lighter than before. It weighs only 8.9 kilograms and stands at 36.7 centimetres tall, much smaller than a typical golden retriever. In fact, Xiaomi has demonstrated that the robot can even balance on just one leg without causing damage.

Enhancing its mobility, Xiaomi has equipped the CyberDog 2 with its self-developed CyberGear micro-actuators. These actuators provide greater agility, allowing the robot to perform complex manoeuvres such as continuous backflips and recovering from falls.

The robot also boasts an advanced decision-making system equipped with 19 sensors dedicated to vision, touch, and hearing. These sensors include various technologies like RGB cameras, interactive AI-backed cameras, ToF sensors, LiDAR sensors, and more. The CyberDog 2 is also equipped with microphones and supports the Xiaomi AI voice algorithm.

In terms of intelligence, Xiaomi has given the CyberDog 2 impressive capabilities. It is powered by the NX processor and two co-processors, delivering a computing power of up to 21 TOPS (tera-operations per second).

As for the price, the CyberDog 2 is priced at 12,999 yuan, which is roughly equivalent to around USD 1,790. It will soon be available for purchase in China.

Xiaomi has decided to make the CyberDog 2 open-source in a noteworthy move. The robot’s code, structural drawings, and even programming methods for its various sensing capabilities are available to the public. This open approach allows technology enthusiasts and developers to experiment and tinker with the product, making it an appealing option for those interested in exploring its potential.

August 15, 2023
Potential Rebirth: Rumors of a PSP Resurrection for Modern Gamer

Sony’s PlayStation Portable, or PSP, gained immense popularity upon its release in 2004. While its lifespan was relatively short, lasting about a decade, this handheld device transformed the world of mobile gaming and left a lasting impact on the era of console gaming.

As games became more demanding and required substantial battery power, Sony shifted its focus towards full-size consoles rather than handheld gaming devices. However, a sense of déjà vu might be in store as rumors are swirling about a potential revival of the PSP. Known as “Project Q Lite,” this streaming PSP handheld, designed for PlayStation Remote Play, is anticipated to debut by this year’s end.

It’s important to note that this remote play gadget won’t function as a standalone gaming device or even a cloud gaming handheld device. Instead, it will serve as a platform for streaming your PS5 games. As of now, we can’t confirm this aspect with certainty. While a standalone device provides users with greater freedom, Sony’s intentions remain unknown. It would be more advantageous for the next-generation PSP to possess such capabilities.

This potential development presents us with yet another reason to explore another PlayStation portable handheld that could capture the attention of discerning gamers who prioritize their preferences. The concept render envisions a more ergonomic body design compared to the original PSP’s angular structure. Placing the buttons closer to the upper portion of the device benefits those with larger hands, though it might prove slightly uncomfortable for those with smaller hands. On the other hand, the curved trigger buttons seem to offer ergonomic comfort for both types of users.

While the PSP was a formidable handheld console during its time, an upgraded PSP Pro with enhanced power would be a welcome sight. Such enhancements would lead to improved graphics and gameplay, ensuring the console remains relevant in the future. An upgraded PSP Pro could feature a higher-resolution display, potentially reaching 1080p or even higher, to enhance the visual quality of games.

An extended battery life allowing for several hours of gameplay without constant recharging would also be ideal. Incorporating backward compatibility with PSP and PS Vita games would also be beneficial if it becomes an option. This feature would enable individuals to relish their classic PSP and PS Vita games on a modern console.

August 15, 2023
Xiaomi’s Smart Home Display Pro 8: Future of Home Control

Xiaomi is introducing the Xiaomi Smart Home Display Pro 8, a fantastic addition to their lineup of smart home technology. This new device costs 749 yuan during the pre-sale. It comes with an 8-inch screen that’s really good, showing things very clearly with 1280 × 800 pixels.

What’s cool about it is that you can adjust the screen to make it more comfortable to look at. You can change how it stands, from 90° to 120°. It also has a big battery that can last for a long time – up to 15 hours! So, you can control your smart home things without worrying about the battery running out.

The Xiaomi Smart Home Display Pro 8 works together with the MIUI Home system, which makes controlling your smart home easy. It has a main screen that shows everything about your home, like lights, temperature, and more. You can even control curtains and stuff from there.

The best part is, even if the internet stops working, you can still control things using the Xiaomi Central Gateway. This means your home will always be smart, even if the internet isn’t working. It’s important to stay connected, and this device can connect with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other things like that.

You can use this device with lots of smart things – more than 3,000 of them! And if you have old things at home, this device can make them smart too. It’s like magic!

If you’re worried about privacy, don’t be. There’s a switch to cover the camera, so nobody can see you if you don’t want them to. You can also watch fun stuff on this device, like shows and videos. It’s like a little TV in your home.

So, Xiaomi made this Smart Home Display Pro 8 to make your home smarter and your life easier. It’s like having a super smart helper in your house!

August 9, 2023
Capture the Unseen: The Canon MS-500’s Nighttime Superpowers

The world is getting ready for a groundbreaking camera called the Canon MS-500, and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. This camera is super special because it can see in the dark like a superhero, but it comes with a big price tag. Back in April, Canon gave us a sneak peek of this amazing camera. They said it’s the first-ever camera with a super-duper sensitive sensor called the SPAD. This sensor is like a magic eye that can see even when it’s really, really dark outside.

Imagine this: the camera has a sensor that’s like a tiny detective. It counts every particle of light, which we call photons, that comes into it. Other cameras just look at the total light, but this one is like a photon counter. It’s like counting raindrops during a drizzle. And guess what? This sensor can even see when there’s only a teeny-tiny bit of light, like a single firefly in a huge dark field. That’s pretty amazing, right?

Now, this camera is going to be like a superhero’s sidekick in places where security is super important. Think about big ports where ships come and go, important buildings, and even borders. These places need really good cameras to watch over them day and night. And the MS-500 is here to save the day (and night) with its super vision. It can see things even when it’s so dark that you can’t even see your hand in front of your face!

But that’s not all. This camera is a team player. It can wear special lenses that help it zoom in really far, like a bird with binoculars. And when you put those special lenses on, something magical happens. You can capture colorful videos of things that are miles away, even when the sun takes a nap.

Now, let’s talk about how this camera makes pictures. You know how your camera at home takes pictures when you press the button? Well, the SPAD sensor in this camera is like a super-fast button-presser. It takes pictures so quickly and so clearly, even when it’s as dark as your room when you turn off the lights. It’s like having a superhero camera that never misses a moment, even in the middle of the night.

But wait, there’s more! The clever folks at Canon made sure this camera is ready for anything. They know that sometimes the air gets a little fuzzy, especially at night. So, they added special powers to the camera. It’s like putting on glasses that make everything sharp and clear. They even made a special mode called CrispImg2 that makes sure your pictures look awesome, even if the air is being a bit wobbly.

And guess what? This camera isn’t just a smarty-pants, it’s also a creative genius. It lets you make your own picture styles. So, if you want your pictures to look super colorful or extra sharp, you can tell the camera how to do it. It’s like having a chef that cooks exactly the way you like.

Now, let’s talk about the big number – the price. This superhero camera, the Canon MS-500, is going to be ready for action in September. But here’s the thing: being a superhero doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to save up $25,200 to have this amazing camera by your side. It’s like buying a super cool car, but instead, you’re getting a camera that can see in the dark and capture moments nobody else can.

August 3, 2023
Compact Camera, Expansive Potential: A Review of Insta360 Go 3

has become quite popular among people who make videos and take pictures. They started with small cameras that could capture everything around them and then moved on to even smaller cameras called Go cameras. They recently added a smartphone stabilizer to their collection too. Now, they’re going back to their tiny camera line to introduce the all-new Go 3. This camera has some great improvements in its camera part, and the way it charges has been completely changed too.

The Insta360 Go 3 is a really small action camera that you can put in many different places. It’s great for taking interesting pictures and videos. While it doesn’t have the best video quality like 4K, and it’s not as powerful as some other similar cameras, it has a really cool tool called the Action Pod. This tool helps you control the camera in a special way and makes shooting really fun. You can take unique pictures and videos you can’t easily do with other cameras.

You can buy the Insta360 Go 3 from their website or from big online stores. It starts at $380 for a version with 32GB of storage, and there are also versions with 64GB and 128GB of storage for $400 and $430.

The main purpose of the Insta360 Go 3 is for action, just like its name suggests. It works like a typical action camera, which can be both good and not so good. For example, the lens it uses can make things look really curved, which some people like for action shots. But the camera’s sensor is not very big, similar to what most smartphones have, so it doesn’t do well with small details or when it’s not very bright. The videos can also look too sharp.

However, if you’re using it for action during the day, these things might not matter much. What’s great is how small and light the camera is. You can wear it or attach it to almost anything with the right accessory. This makes it easy to use when you’re skiing, running, or climbing. You can even put it in small spaces to take cool shots, like inside a glass or behind a microwave (just don’t turn it on).

The Action Pod is really helpful for making vlogs and creative shots. It has a screen you can flip, and you can see what the camera sees on your phone.

Some features, like the flip screen, need to be fixed a bit using the app on your phone or Insta360 Studio on your computer. If you’re unsure how to take a picture or video, you can use FreeFrame mode and fix it later.

The sound quality is pretty good, and while it might not be as good as a special microphone, it’s okay for most people who make vlogs. The camera is set to reduce wind noise, which is good, but it didn’t work well when I was jogging. You can also change how it captures sound depending on where you are.

Keeping the camera steady when you’re moving fast is important, and Insta360 made it really stable with something called FlowState Stabilization technology. There are different levels of stabilization, but using Insta360’s apps gives the best results. Still, if the camera moves a lot, there might be some shaking in the video.

Something to be careful about is that the camera can get hot. It’s normal for small devices like this to get warm when they’re working hard. It might take about 15-20 minutes before it gets hot, but it’s slower than another camera that got really hot in just 4-5 minutes. It’s a good idea not to use the camera for too long without some air around it.

August 2, 2023
Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus: Upgraded Smartwatch with Apple Watch Ultra Design

Fire-Boltt, a brand known for its smartwatches, has recently introduced a new model named Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus. This latest offering from the homegrown brand bears a striking resemblance to the highly popular Apple Watch Ultra, a product from the tech giant Apple. It is not the first time that Fire-Boltt has taken design cues from Apple’s wearable devices; they have previously launched smartwatches with similar looks.

The Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus is an upgraded version of the original Gladiator, unveiled in December of the preceding year. Building on the success and feedback received from its predecessor, the brand has incorporated several enhancements and improvements into the Gladiator Plus.

One of the key highlights of the Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus is its design, which closely resembles the Apple Watch Ultra. This resemblance is evident in the sleek and compact rectangular form factor, the placement of the buttons, and even the strap options. The smartwatch features a high-quality display, which is likely to provide users with a visually pleasing and immersive experience. The touch interface is expected to be responsive, making navigation through various functionalities smooth and effortless.

In terms of features, the Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus is likely to be packed with various capabilities that cater to fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals. It is anticipated to have multiple fitness tracking modes, enabling users to monitor their physical activities such as walking, running, cycling, and more. The inclusion of a heart rate sensor might enable users to keep track of their heart health and optimize their workouts accordingly.

Moreover, the smartwatch is expected to offer sleep tracking functionality, helping users gain insights into their sleep patterns and quality. This information can be invaluable in promoting better sleep habits and overall well-being.

The Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus may also incorporate smart notification features, allowing users to receive alerts for incoming calls, messages, and app notifications directly on their wrists. This convenience can be especially handy during workouts or when users don’t want to be constantly checking their smartphones.

Connectivity options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are likely to be available in the smartwatch, facilitating seamless pairing with smartphones and enabling the synchronization of data with compatible apps.

Battery life is always a critical factor in smartwatches, and it is anticipated that the Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus will come with a robust battery, ensuring prolonged usage without frequent charging.

Like most smartwatches, the Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus is likely to be compatible with Android and iOS devices, widening its appeal to a broader audience.

While the Fire-Boltt Gladiator Plus may share similarities with the Apple Watch Ultra, it is essential to recognize that it comes from a homegrown brand. Supporting indigenous products can be seen as a way to bolster local businesses and contribute to the growth of the domestic technology sector.

July 30, 2023
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro: The Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

Once upon a time, OnePlus started making affordable smartphones, but over the years, they have expanded their product range. While smartphones remain their main focus, they now offer a few other items and even venture into entirely new product categories.

One such example is the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, a mechanical keyboard created in collaboration with Keychron, a well-known brand among keyboard enthusiasts.

The OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro aims to provide users with a premium typing experience while embodying the unique “OnePlus experience.” It was initially announced in February and is now available for purchase.

This keyboard boasts an aluminum build and comes in a stylish gray and red color scheme, featuring a transparent volume knob in one corner. There are two variations available: Winter Bonfire, which has PBT plastic keycaps and tactile switches, and Summer Breeze, with “marble-mallow” keycaps and linear switches.

As with other Keychron keyboards, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro employs a double-gasket design with hot-swappable switches, allowing users to customize their typing experience.

Keychron is widely recognized as one of the top keyboard manufacturers, with some of their models even making it to the list of the best mechanical keyboards to buy. Hence, the OnePlus Keyboard is expected to uphold the same level of quality.

However, it is worth noting that this product is more suitable for fans of the OnePlus brand and smartphones, as it pays homage to the OnePlus aesthetic. While it is likely to be an excellent product overall, it is primarily designed to resonate with OnePlus enthusiasts.

If the color combination of red and gray appeals to you and you find this keyboard to be your style, you can purchase it directly from the OnePlus website, starting on July 26th.

The Winter Bonfire version will be priced at $219, while the slightly more premium Summer Breeze, featuring linear switches, will cost $239. So, if you’re interested in this unique OnePlus keyboard, head over to their website and get ready to elevate your typing experience with style and precision.

July 26, 2023
University of Texas Scientists Develop Innovative Mattress and Pillow Set to Improve Sleep Quality

A group of scientists from the University of Texas has recently introduced a revolutionary mattress and specially designed pillow that can aid individuals in falling asleep more quickly, offering a potential solution for those suffering from long-term sleep problems. The unique mattress primarily utilizes a combination of heating and cooling techniques to create optimal conditions for achieving restful sleep, targeting individuals who struggle with late-night sleep disturbances caused by smartphone usage.

The researchers found that manipulating the body’s internal sensory sensors can facilitate the process of falling asleep. Their findings were published in a research paper in the Journal of Sleep Research, which detailed the outcomes of a study involving 11 participants who tested the innovative mattress and pillow set. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the sleep aid.

During the experiment, the participants were instructed to go to bed two hours earlier than their usual bedtime and utilize the specialized mattress and pillow. The researchers observed the impact of the new sleep system on their sleep quality and patterns. The findings provided valuable insights into the efficacy of the mattress and pillow set.

By employing heating and cooling mechanisms, the mattress and pillow create an optimal sleep environment. Temperature regulation helps relax the body, promoting a sense of calm and comfort. This, in turn, aids individuals in falling asleep more quickly and achieving a deeper, more restorative sleep.

The innovative sleep system offers potential benefits for individuals who struggle with chronic sleep issues. Long-term sleep problems can have a detrimental effect on overall health and well-being. The development of this mattress and pillow set represents a significant step forward in addressing these issues and improving sleep quality.

The researchers envision their creation as a potential solution for individuals who find it difficult to fall asleep due to prolonged exposure to smartphones and other electronic devices. The blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to unwind and prepare for sleep. By providing a comfortable and conducive sleep environment, the mattress and pillow set can counteract the negative effects of smartphone usage and promote healthier sleep habits.

July 9, 2023
Is the Google Pixel Tablet Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

The Google Pixel Tablet is an Android-based tablet from Google, and it comes with a Charging Speaker Dock that transforms it into a smart display with improved speakers and Nest Hub-like features. The tablet is powered by custom Tensor G2 silicon and features a 10.95-inch LCD display, front and rear 8MP cameras, and a 7,020mAh battery.

The base model of the Pixel Tablet with 128GB storage is priced at $499 in the US, while the 256GB storage variant costs $599. In the UK, it is priced at £599, and in selected European markets, it is priced at €679. You can purchase the Pixel Tablet from the Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers.

The Pixel Tablet was tested for two weeks, with the review unit purchased by Android Authority. The unique feature of the tablet is its dock, which enhances its functionality as a smart display. However, the dock is the main reason to consider buying the tablet, as it offers a better speaker and a pseudo-Google Nest smart display experience.

When attached to the Charging Speaker Dock, the Pixel Tablet provides a room-filling audio experience. The dock holds the tablet securely with strong magnets, but it loses its functionality when separated from the tablet. The tablet itself has a Google aesthetic with soft-touch aluminum and slim bezels around the screen, making it suitable for both portrait and landscape orientations. The LCD panel is decent for a tablet and provides a good smart display experience.

In terms of performance, the Tensor G2 chip offers enough power for everyday tasks without any issues. However, the tablet’s screen refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, which can make the overall performance feel sluggish compared to other devices with higher refresh rates.

The Pixel Tablet provides the full Pixel experience on a larger screen, running on Android 13. It offers Google apps, Pixel-specific features, and a Material You design. However, some apps may not be optimized for the larger screen, and the absence of an official stylus or keyboard attachment limits their productivity potential.

While the Pixel Tablet aims to excel in smart home integration, its Hub Mode falls short compared to dedicated Nest Hubs. It lacks features like Continued Conversation support and multiple Voice Match users. However, it performs well for basic tasks that require an interface, and the dock-centric setup ensures the tablet is always charged and ready to use.

The battery life of the Pixel Tablet is standard, lasting around 10 hours with typical use. The cameras on the tablet are average, with both front and rear shooters being 8MP and limited to 1080p/30fps video recording.

The Google Pixel Tablet caters to a specific niche, offering a hybrid experience as a portable slate and a smart display. While it may not match the performance and features of other Android tablets or provide a complete Nest Hub experience, it is a suitable option for those on a budget seeking a basic smart display and a user-friendly Android tablet.

July 9, 2023
Top 5 Noteworthy Smart TVs: Exploring the Best Features and Options

The demand for smart TVs in the current market is undeniably on the rise. These televisions offer a wide range of features and applications, allowing users to enjoy various channels and access popular streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix. In this article, we will delve into the details of some noteworthy smart TVs available in the market today.

One notable option is the Samsung QN90BAK, a 75-inch QLED Ultra HD TV. Powered by Samsung’s Tizen operating system, this TV boasts a stunning 4K display with a refresh rate of 100 Hz. It offers an immersive audio experience with its 4-speaker system and supports Bluetooth audio with Q-Symphony technology. Additionally, it comes with convenient features like a smart remote control and auto power-off. The inclusion of AI upscale and quantum matrix technology further enhances picture quality, making it a compelling choice for consumers.

Another impressive option is the Vu Masterpiece Glo, a 75-inch QLED Ultra HD TV. Similar to the Samsung model, this TV features a 4K display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, ensuring smooth and vibrant visuals. Its 4.1 speaker system with 100-watt output, in-built subwoofer, and support for Dolby Atmos delivers exceptional audio quality, bringing movies and TV shows to life.

Xiaomi’s Mi Q1 is another contender in the 75-inch QLED Ultra HD TV segment. Running on the Android TV platform, this smart TV offers a 120 Hz screen refresh rate and a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. It is equipped with a quad-core processor and Mali G53 GPU for seamless performance. With six speakers and Dolby audio support, users can enjoy immersive sound quality. Multiple HDMI and USB ports provide convenient connectivity options for external devices.

The Blaupunkt 75-inch QLED Ultra HD TV is another worthy consideration. Featuring a screen resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, this 4K smart TV offers 60 watts of sound output through its four speakers. With built-in Wi-Fi, users can easily connect to the internet and access popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+Hotstar, and Prime Video, expanding their entertainment options.

Lastly, there is IQ-IT’s ROYALTY 75-inch QLED Ultra HD TV. This smart Android TV offers a 4K resolution with a screen refresh rate of 60 Hz. It comes equipped with two Dolby Atmos speakers for immersive audio. With three HDMI and two USB ports, users have ample connectivity options to connect their devices and enjoy their favorite content.

July 8, 2023