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Tag: tech

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’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.

August 24, 2023
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 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.

August 22, 2023
A New Era of Tech: Samsung’s Vision for Foldable Tablets and Laptops

Samsung has already taken the lead in the world of foldable smartphones, and it seems the company is gearing up for the next big step – the launch of foldable tablets and laptops.

Insiders’ reports indicate that Samsung plans to introduce a foldable tablet sometime this year. While the exact release date remains uncertain, representatives from Samsung have indeed confirmed that the company is actively working on developing such a cutting-edge device.

Samsung’s head of the mobile division, Tae Moon Roh (T.M. Roh), shared this information during an interview with The Independent on July 28th. Strangely, it’s only now that his words have gained attention from the media. He stated, “The innovations applied to smartphones will soon extend to tablets and laptops as well. At Samsung, we’re committing significant resources to make this happen.”

According to Roh, Samsung’s approach involves introducing foldable tablets and laptops only when they can offer meaningful advancements to consumers. He emphasized, “A foldable tablet must strike a balance – it should be lightweight and slim for easy portability, yet sturdy enough for worry-free usage.”

Notably, Samsung had previously patented a design for a foldable tablet named the Galaxy Fold Tab. This patent revealed a device featuring a flexible display that can be folded both inwards and outwards.

Samsung’s move into the realm of foldable tablets and laptops marks a significant progression beyond smartphones. The company’s focus on delivering meaningful innovation while maintaining the portability and durability of these devices suggests a new era of exciting and promising technology. As Samsung continues to invest in resources and expertise, the world awaits unveiling these innovative foldable gadgets, which are sure to redefine how we interact with tablets and laptops.

August 20, 2023
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.

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

August 19, 2023
Top 5 Smartphones of 2023: The Ultimate Tech Marvels

In the current smartphone market, the abundance of options can make choosing the perfect device a daunting task. The selection you make should align with your intended usage of the smartphone. This article highlights the top five smartphones available in 2023.

iPhone 14 Pro
Apple’s flagship, the iPhone 14 Pro, stands out as a top choice. Boasting the unique dynamic island feature, it’s the pioneer of the Always On Display. A high refresh rate of 120Hz graces the screen. While lacking in first charging and battery life remaining unchanged, its 48-megapixel camera sensor, complete with a telephoto lens, offers impressive photography capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
A comprehensive package of features characterizes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Blazing fast performance, excellent battery life, and high-quality cameras are its strengths. With a remarkable 200-megapixel camera, it delivers clear imagery, though its low-light selfie performance is subpar.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 caters to different storage needs, available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants. Expect improvements in design and practicality, including a larger cover display. Leaked images hint at enhancements over its predecessor, yet there might still be concerns about the hinge gap.

Google Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 7 strikes a balance between features and value. Its camera quality is satisfactory, complemented by a smooth software experience and a 90Hz refresh rate screen. While charging speed lags and the Face Unlock system could be refined, the device packs a 50-megapixel camera and wireless charging, all at an attractive price point of $599.

Honor Magic 5 Pro
The Honor Magic 5 Pro introduces innovative technology, potentially reshaping the smartphone market. Its iconic design features a bezel-less display with curved corners, encompassing a unique aesthetic. A generous 6.8-inch, 120Hz display incorporates features like Dynamic Iceland and advanced 3D face unlocking. Powered by a 5450 MHz battery and revolutionary silicon carbon technology, it strikes a balance between performance and a lightweight, thin design.

Each of these smartphones offers distinct features and strengths catering to various preferences and needs. Making an informed decision depends on aligning these offerings with your intended usage and priorities.

August 19, 2023
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.

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.

August 16, 2023
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