Gadgetter

Images via Polaroid Polaroid has clicked in a fresh collaboration that lets you snap instant photos with a splash of artistic genius from Jean-Michel Basquiat. Read full article

Image via ColorWare Apple might be beloved for its skeuomorphic design, in which interface objects appear like their real-world counterparts, but the same can’t always be said for its hardware. While the Apple Pencil is a stylus, it doesn’t exactly live up to its namesake or take you back to school. ColorWare, a brand specializing in custom-painted gadgets, is here to put pen to paper. Read full article

[Click here to view the video in this article] Image courtesy of Apple / TBWA\Media Arts Lab Read full article

Image via Xbox Wire Barnacles! Microsoft has just dropped a splashy new addition to its gaming lineup: a special-edition SpongeBob SquarePants Xbox Series X console, taking fans on a nostalgic trip to Bikini Bottom. Read full article

Image via Apple Apple’s popular MacBook Air just got a refresh, packing a faster M3 chip and a few other surprises into its iconic thin and light design. Read full article

Photo 162072137 © Apisorn56 | Dreamstime.com Apple users, ever drifted off to sleep with your iPhone plugged in beside you? You’re certainly not alone. But the tech giant is urging users to rethink this bedtime habit, citing potential safety concerns. Read full article

[Click here to view the video in this article] Video screenshot via Xiaomi Read full article

Images via 158459921 © John Poltrack | Dreamstime.com and President Joe Biden When President Joe Biden decided to tackle the sneaky issue of “drip pricing” head-on, little did he know that a peculiar phone graphic—truly putting the “oval” into the Oval Office—would steal the spotlight. Drip pricing, a tactic where the initial low price of a service gets unexpectedly bloated with added fees at the point of checkout, has been under the Biden-Harris Administration’s microscope. By curbing these “junk fees” that not only surprise consumers but also distort the true cost of services, the government is looking to ensure transparency and fairness. Read full article

Photo 236181943 © Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com Leaping ahead of Apple’s timeline, the AirPods Max have unofficially entered the USB-C era, thanks to Swiss hardware hacker Ken Pillonel, who has ingeniously modified his headphones to include the universally embraced charging standard. Now you can get crafty and fix up a version too. Read full article

Images: Nubia In the dynamic world of foldable smartphones, the ZTE Nubia Flip 5G is making waves. This clamshell-style phone, priced at a competitive $600, is challenging the dominance of premium flip phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. The Nubia Flip 5G, a product of Chinese tech giant ZTE, is not only cheaper than its competitors, but it also offers a unique blend of features that appeal to a wide range of users. With a 6.9-inch internal display and a circular cover screen, the device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. Despite being an older chip, it’s the same one that powers Motorola’s rival device. Interestingly, the Nubia Flip 5G is not just cheaper than other foldable phones, but it also undercuts standard non-folding phones like Apple’s iPhone 15 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24. This aggressive pricing strategy is part of ZTE’s efforts to make foldable phones more appealing to a broader audience. However, the lower price does come with some trade-offs. The Nubia Flip 5G’s outer screen may not be as large as the one on Samsung’s pricier Galaxy Z Flip5. Also, the device has fewer cameras than a non-folding phone, with a 50-megapixel main camera and a 16-megapixel front camera. In conclusion, the ZTE Nubia Flip 5G is a promising sign that foldable phones may become more accessible to shoppers on a budget. But the question remains: Will consumers be willing to compromise on certain features for a more affordable price? What are your thoughts on this new trend in the smartphone market? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/ztes-new-flip-phone-is-cheaper-than-the-iphone-15-and-galaxy-s24/ https://www.pcmag.com/news/zte-targets-younger-buyers-with-sub-600-nubia-flip-5g-foldable https://www.androidpolice.com/nubia-flip-5g-cheapest-foldable-yet-mwc-2024/

Video screenshot via Nissan Fussy baby on board? Well, Nissan is making a short detour from designing cars to help keep the little ones engaged during rides without screentime. Enter ‘Iruyo’, an interactive puppet built to entertain infants on the go, giving parents the go-ahead to keep their eyes fixated on the road. Read full article

Image via Avenir Telecom An Energizer battery is juicing up the conversation about mobile design right now. However, with great power comes great bulk. Read full article

Image via Samsung Samsung finally showed off its much-anticipated contender in the wearable arena—the Galaxy Ring—at this year’s Mobile World Congress. Primed to challenge the Oura Ring, this tiny titan boasts an array of health-tracking features designed to keep tabs on everything from your sleep patterns to your heart rate variability. This gadget aims to wrap style and substance around your finger, offering a ‘My Vitality Score’ in its Health app to give users a holistic view of their well-being. Read full article

Image via HMD Hiya, Barbie! If you were envious of those whose outfits always matched their dolls, get ready to flip out because the iconic toy phone is expanding from Barbieland to the real world. HMD, the brains behind Nokia phones, has struck a sparkling partnership with Mattel, announcing a blast from the past that speaks to simpler, pinker times. Read full article

Image via Lenovo Lenovo is pulling no smoke and mirrors—but all screen—with what it thinks could be the next big thing in computing. Following its dual-screen notebook that converts into an e-ink tablet, the tech giant unveiled the sci-fi-worthy ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop concept at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Read full article

Image: Framework In the ever-curious world of gadgetry, Framework has made a bold move by introducing a new sub-$500 modular laptop. This laptop, part of Framework’s innovative approach to sustainable technology, is a game-changer in the market, offering a unique blend of affordability and customization. The laptop, known as the Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition, is a barebones configuration that comes without RAM, storage, Wi-Fi connectivity, a power adaptor, or even an operating system—but comes prepackaged with a branded screwdriver. The idea behind this is to allow users to pick the parts they want and install them themselves. This not only provides a cost-effective entry point but also promotes a culture of upgradability and repairability. Despite its lack of certain components, the Framework Laptop 13 is not short on power. It boasts an 11th-gen Intel Core i7 processor with Iris Xe graphics, making it capable of handling basic tasks and some moderate gaming. This makes the laptop a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and tinkerers who have spare parts at their disposal. However, it’s worth noting that these laptops are part of Framework’s B-stock Factory Seconds systems. According to the product description page, “B-stock units contain an original display with slight cosmetic issues: fine lines on the surface that are noticeable from certain angle and/or backlight non-uniformity visible from an angle on a white screen”. Despite these minor imperfections, the laptop’s performance remains uncompromised. In conclusion, Framework’s new sub-$500 modular laptop is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and user customization. It’s a bold step towards a future where technology is not just consumed, but also created by the users themselves. What are your thoughts on this new trend of modular laptops? Do you think the benefits of customization and upgradability outweigh the initial effort of self-assembly? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://frame.work/gb/en/blog/first-framework-laptop-16-shipments-and-a-499-framework https://www.engadget.com/frameworks-new-sub-500-modular-laptop-has-no-ram-storage-or-os-184711789.html https://www.thurrott.com/hardware/298193/framework-announces-a-499-laptop https://www.notebookcheck.net/DIY-Framework-Laptop-13-B-stock-debuts-as-the-brand-s-first-sub-500-offering.806179.0.html

Image: Xiaomi The tech world is abuzz with the release of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and its Professional Photography Kit. This flagship smartphone, unveiled on February 22 in China and soon globally at MWC 2024, is touted as a game-changer in the realm of mobile photography. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, with prices starting from 6,499 yuan, sports a 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED LTPO display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. The device also boasts a hefty 5,300mAh battery that supports 90W wired charging. The highlight of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is its quad-camera setup, featuring a hefty 50MP 1-inch sensor with Leica optics, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP 3.2x telephoto, and another 50MP 5x telephoto camera. The front boasts a 32MP camera, ready to capture top-notch selfies. Image: Xiaomi The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Professional Photography Kit is a revolutionary accessory that transforms the device into a camera for photography enthusiasts. The kit includes a camera handle, 67mm filter adapter rings, a lens cover, and a lanyard. It connects to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra via the USB-C port, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. The handle also features a built-in 1,500mAh battery and supports 90W wired charging. Image: Xiaomi The Professional Photography Kit delivers a professional camera-like experience. It offers a strong and comfortable grip for one-hand usage. The accessory also comes with new functionalities. It now has a custom dial and a video recording button in addition to the two-stage shutter button and zoom lever. The custom dial can be used to adjust various settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra Professional Photography Kit carries a price tag of CNY 999, and is available in White and Black color options. In conclusion, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and its Professional Photography Kit are set to redefine smartphone photography. But what do you think? Will this new release revolutionize the way we capture moments? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Read more: https://www.mi.com/prod/xiaomi-14-ultra https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3253041/xiaomi-unveils-photography-focused-14-ultra-smartphone-it-aims-take-apple-and-huawei-high-end https://newatlas.com/mobile-technology/xiaomi-14-ultra/ https://www.gizmochina.com/2024/02/22/xiaomi-14-ultra-professional-photography-kit-now-offers-more-functionality/

Image via CMF by Nothing Nothing’s newly minted “accessible” brand, CMF by Nothing, has just teased its latest creations that may be music to the ears of deal-seekers: the CMF Buds and the CMF Neckband Pro. Read full article

The digital music landscape is abuzz with the news that Apple Music is testing a feature to allow playlist imports from Spotify. This development, currently in beta testing on Android, is causing quite a stir among music enthusiasts and is a trending topic online. Apple Music’s potential integration with SongShift, a third-party service that facilitates the transfer of music libraries and playlists between different streaming platforms, is at the heart of this buzz. This feature aims to simplify the process of transferring playlists from platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music to Apple Music. The move is seen as a strategic one, aimed at making it easier for users to switch from Spotify and other services to Apple Music. The integration, if successful, could be a game-changer, eliminating the need for manual playlist rebuilding or the use of sketchy third-party services. However, it’s important to note that this feature is still in its early stages of testing and is not yet fully functional1. Whether Apple plans to bring SongShift integration to Apple Music on iPhone remains to be seen. The possibility of seamless playlist transfer is certainly an exciting prospect for many music lovers. It represents a significant step towards improving user experience and could potentially reshape the dynamics of the music streaming industry. But what are your thoughts on this development? Do you think the ability to import playlists from Spotify will make Apple Music a more attractive option? We’d love to hear your views on this trending topic. Read more: https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/19/apple-music-spotify-playlists-music-transfer/ https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-music-soon-you-could-transfer-playlists-from-spotify-amazon-music-124022000238_1.html https://www.androidpolice.com/apple-music-wants-to-make-it-easier-to-import-playlists-from-spotify/ Top image: Mikhail Primakov | Dreamstime.com

Image: Fujifilm The Fujifilm X100VI, a much-anticipated release in the world of compact cameras, has been making waves online. This sixth-generation model, following the highly popular X100V, is being hailed as one of the best compact cameras ever. But what exactly is causing this surge in interest? The X100VI has managed to retain the retro appeal that made its predecessor a hit, while also introducing significant upgrades. The camera boasts a powerful 40MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5 engine, allowing for up to 11fps burst shooting12. It also features Fujifilm’s best AI-powered subject detection autofocus, capable of recognizing a wide range of subjects from people and animals to various vehicles. Another key feature that has caught the attention of photography enthusiasts is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a first for the X100 series. This, coupled with a 4-stop built-in ND filter, allows for creative slow-shutter-speed handheld shots and improved image quality in low light. Despite these impressive features, the X100VI maintains the compact form factor beloved by street photographers. The 23mm f/2 lens, equivalent to a 35mm focal length on full-frame sensors, remains unchanged. The hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, another hallmark of the X100 series, also continues to be a standout feature. Image: Fujifilm The Fujifilm X100VI is more than just a camera; it’s a testament to Fujifilm’s commitment to innovation while preserving the elements that have made the X100 series so popular12. With its blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology, it’s no wonder the X100VI is trending online. But what do you think? Does the Fujifilm X100VI live up to the hype? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Read more: https://www.fujifilm.com/de/en/news/hq/11133 https://www.techradar.com/cameras/compact-cameras/the-fujifilm-x100vi-is-one-of-the-best-compact-cameras-ever-but-is-it-time-for-a-x100-series-shake-up https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7032129983/fujifilm-x100v-vs-x100vi-differences-upgrade

Image: Bose The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are making waves in the online world, with their innovative design and high-quality sound. These earbuds, unlike any other, literally clip onto the side of your ears. They feature an open design with micro speakers that fire sound into your ears while still allowing you to hear what’s happening around you. This unique design is what sets them apart and has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are not just about functionality, they also score high on the style quotient. Their polished, soft edges and a brushed metallic finish give them a fashionable look, making them resemble more of a fashion accessory than traditional audio wearables. They are compatible with accessories like glasses, hats, and jewelry, without any interference. This blend of fashion and functionality is another reason why they are trending online. With a price tag of US$299, the comfort, sound quality, and unique design seem to justify the cost for many users. They are comfortable to wear, provide very good sound for open earbuds, and have good voice-calling performance. In conclusion, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are trending online due to their unique design, high-quality sound, and stylish appearance. They represent a daringly different approach to earbud design that has captured the attention of the online community. But the question remains, are you ready to embrace this new trend and try these innovative earbuds? What are your thoughts on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/bose-ultra-open-earbuds-review-daringly-different/ https://www.pocket-lint.com/bose-open-ultra-earbuds-review/ https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/bose-ultra-open-earbuds/

Photo 79835272 © Prykhodov | Dreamstime.com Apple has recently decided to put a lingering legal challenge behind it by agreeing to a US$35 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit. This case centered around claims that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models were plagued by audio issues, attributed to a faulty chip within the devices. Read full article

Image courtesy of Casio Casio is winding back the clock to celebrate a monumental milestone, marking 50 years since the debut of its beloved timepieces with the launch of the TRN-50, a modern homage to the pioneering Casiotron QW02. Read full article

The online tech world is abuzz with the latest comparison made by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, between the Meta Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro. Zuckerberg’s bold statement that the Meta Quest 3 is “the better product, period” has stirred up a lively debate among tech enthusiasts. Zuckerberg’s comparison was not without basis. He highlighted several areas where he believes the Quest 3 outperforms the Vision Pro. For instance, he pointed out that the Quest 3 offers a more impressive interactive software library than the Vision Pro. He also criticized the Vision Pro for its design issues, such as being heavier than the Quest 3 and not being suitable for wearing glasses. Moreover, Zuckerberg emphasized the superiority of the Quest 3’s combination of hand tracking and physical controls. He also hinted at the possibility of bringing back eye tracking, which was introduced in the Quest Pro, to cheaper headsets. However, the debate is far from over. While Zuckerberg’s arguments are compelling, some tech enthusiasts argue that the Vision Pro has its own strengths. For instance, the Vision Pro takes the lead in the software area of video. The trending topic of Mark Zuckerberg comparing Vision Pro and Quest 3 has certainly sparked a lively discussion in the tech community. But what do you think? Does Zuckerberg’s comparison hold water, or do you believe the Vision Pro has its own merits that were overlooked? Share your thoughts! Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/13/surprise-mark-zuckerberg-thinks-quest-3-is-better-than-vision-pro/ https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/mark-zuckerberg-thinks-the-meta-quest-3-is-better-than-vision-pro-and-hes-got-a-point

Image via Xbox Wire Microsoft is elevating the game experience, quite literally, with what it’s calling the “world’s first floating Xbox controller” to mark the release of Dune: Part 2 on March 1. Read full article