Apple’s much-anticipated entry into the foldable phone market is generating both excitement and skepticism. Reports indicate that the tech giant plans to unveil its first foldable iPhone in September 2026, aligning with its 50th anniversary. This milestone product, rumored to be part of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max lineup, is expected to merge […]
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Most of us have been there: standing in front of something we absolutely do not need, talking ourselves into it anyway. The Unito x Toyo Coffee Box is that kind of object. It’s a steel toolbox dressed up in leather and felt and wood. It costs $149. It doesn’t even come with the coffee gear. I saw it and immediately wanted one.
Let me back up. The base of this collaboration is Toyo Steel’s Y-350 Camber-Top Toolbox, a piece that has been quietly adored in Japan for decades. Toyo Steel has been making these compact, beautifully engineered steel boxes for years, and they have the kind of loyal following that most consumer products never achieve. They’re practical, they’re durable, and they have this understated industrial charm that design people lose their minds over. The Y-350 in particular has that slightly arched lid, a clean latch system, and proportions that just feel right.
Designers: Unito x Toyo
What Unito, an outdoor goods brand from Thailand, has done is take that already-loved object and rework it into something that sits comfortably at the intersection of camping culture and specialty coffee culture, two communities that have elevated their gear into an art form. They added a leather wrap on the handle, a soft felt interior tray, a wood accent on top, and their own typography to the exterior. The result comes in black, moss green, and white, all three of which look like they belong on a very curated flat-lay photo.
Here’s where I have to be honest about something. The design transformation is, objectively speaking, not radical. Unito didn’t redesign the box. They styled it. That distinction matters to some people, and I get that. A purist might argue that adding a leather wrap and a wood accent to someone else’s iconic product is more decorating than designing. But I think that misses what’s actually interesting here.
The collaboration is really about context. Toyo’s toolbox was built for workshops. Unito has relocated it to the campsite, the rooftop, the weekend market, the kind of slow Saturday morning where you grind your beans by hand and take your time about it. The felt tray organizes your coffee tools. The wood piece sits on top and gives the whole setup a kind of quiet ceremony. The leather handle signals that this is not a box for carrying wrenches anymore. Every material choice is a cue that reframes what the object is for.
That reframing taps into something real about how we relate to the things we own. Coffee culture, especially the third-wave, pour-over, traveling barista kind, has always been about ritual. The gear matters not just functionally but emotionally. Owning a beautiful setup is part of the experience. So a limited-edition box that houses your dripper and your kettle in a well-made Japanese steel case with a leather handle isn’t extravagant; it’s just playing by the rules of a game a lot of people are already playing.
The $149 price point is where people will either get it or not. You’re not paying for engineering. Toyo already handled that part. You’re paying for the curation, the collab, the materials, and the very specific lifestyle signal the object sends. That’s not a criticism; that’s just what premium objects are, and have always been.
What I keep coming back to is how well the two brands actually complement each other. Japan’s quiet precision and Thailand’s outdoor-first sensibility turn out to be a genuinely good pairing. Toyo brings the bones. Unito brings the warmth. The result is a limited-edition piece that feels considered rather than manufactured for a trend cycle. Whether you need it is the wrong question. The better one is whether it makes you want to get outside, make something slowly, and pay attention to the morning. Objects that do that earn their place.
The post The $149 Toolbox That Turned Into a Coffee Ritual Kit first appeared on Yanko Design.
Amazon has today announced it is merging with satellite internet provider Globalstar Inc. to bolster Leo, its Starlink rival. Globalstar isn’t a household name but you do know its work, as it provides Apple’s emergency satellite connectivity for compatible iPhones and Watches. In a statement, Amazon says the deal will grow Leo’s space-based footprint and enable direct-to-device service for its burgeoning satellite network.
An interesting wrinkle is Apple owns 20 percent of Globalstar, which it bought for $1.5 billion in 2024, but that didn’t get a mention. Instead, the release says Amazon and Apple have agreed Leo will “power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models.” And that this support will continue as Leo’s network evolves, as well as collaborating “with Apple on future satellite services using Amazon Leo’s expanded satellite network.”
The release adds Leo’s direct-to-device service won’t start until 2028, and the deal itself isn’t expected to close until 2027. That is, of course, unless Amazon doesn’t placate the FCC into extending its deadline to get more satellites into orbit before July 2026. At present, the company needs to have 1,600 satellites in orbit by that deadline, but only expects to have around 700 actually up in the heavens and working by then.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/amazon-buys-the-satellite-internet-company-behind-apples-sos-system-130150744.html?src=rssAmazon has today announced it is merging with satellite internet provider Globalstar Inc. to bolster Leo, its Starlink rival. Globalstar isn’t a household name but you do know its work, as it provides Apple’s emergency satellite connectivity for compatible iPhones and Watches. In a statement, Amazon says the deal will grow Leo’s space-based footprint and enable direct-to-device service for its burgeoning satellite network.
An interesting wrinkle is Apple owns 20 percent of Globalstar, which it bought for $1.5 billion in 2024, but that didn’t get a mention. Instead, the release says Amazon and Apple have agreed Leo will “power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models.” And that this support will continue as Leo’s network evolves, as well as collaborating “with Apple on future satellite services using Amazon Leo’s expanded satellite network.”
The release adds Leo’s direct-to-device service won’t start until 2028, and the deal itself isn’t expected to close until 2027. That is, of course, unless Amazon doesn’t placate the FCC into extending its deadline to get more satellites into orbit before July 2026. At present, the company needs to have 1,600 satellites in orbit by that deadline, but only expects to have around 700 actually up in the heavens and working by then.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/amazon-buys-the-satellite-internet-company-behind-apples-sos-system-130150744.html?src=rss
Apple is reportedly advancing its efforts in developing augmented reality (AR) glasses, a product that could redefine the wearable technology landscape. Expected to debut as early as 2026, these glasses are anticipated to feature Apple Intelligence, the company’s next-generation AI assistant, seamlessly integrating with Apple’s ecosystem. This strategic move positions Apple as a formidable competitor […]
The post Apple Glasses 2026: Everything We Know About the Late-Year Launch and Siri 2.0 appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
GoPro has seen its action camera market share diminish due to strong competition from rivals like Insta360 and DJI of late. Now, the company is fighting back with a new line of flagship cameras called Mission 1, designed to greatly improve the video quality offered by its current Hero 13 camera. The company also introduced a new Wireless Mic system similar to DJI's Mic Mini, along with a point-and-shoot grip and other accessories.
"The combination of our new 50 megapixel one-inch sensor and ultra-efficient GP3 processor sets a new performance bar for compact cinema cameras, enabling resolutions, frame rates, low-light performance, runtimes and thermal capabilities never seen before in cameras this small," GoPro's senior VP Pablo Lema said in a statement.
The new line includes three models: the Mission 1, Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 Pro ILS. All have a one-inch 50-megapixel sensor, new GP3 processor and up to 8K video, but the Mission 1 Pro supports higher frame rates. The Mission 1 Pro ILS (interchangeable lens system) comes with a lens mount so you can use high-quality Micro Four Thirds lenses from the likes of Panasonic and OM System.
The Mission 1 has an updated lens design with a 159 degree native field of view, the widest in its category. It also features a new OLED rear display that's 14 percent larger than previous flagship GoPro cameras, along with bigger raised buttons for easier use with gloves and a removable lens hood to reduce glare and lens flare.
The 50MP 1-inch sensor has large 1.6μm pixels at full resolution or 3.2μm fused pixels when it's in operating at 4K in quad-bayer mode. That allows for higher dynamic range up to 14 stops and improved low-light performance with "exceptional detail in the darkest of shadows while protecting highlight details," GoPro claims. That low-light performance is likely to be better in quad-bayer 4K mode than full resolution 8K, however.
Meanwhile, the new GP3 Processor offers a power-efficient 5nm design that allows "best-in-class resolutions, frame rates and image quality," the company says. Those resolutions include 8K at up to 60 fps for the Mission 1 Pro/Pro ILS models, 4K at up to 240 fps and 1080p at up to 960(!) fps. GoPro also offers 10-bit HLG/HDR and a 10-bit GP-Log2 mode to maximize dynamic range.
The Pro models support 4:3 open gate capture so you can easily reframe shots or export video for different platforms. The Mission 1, meanwhile, captures up to 8K 30 fps, 4K 120 fps and 1080p 480 fps video, along with 4K 120 fps open gate video. You can capture 50MP RAW stills at up to 60 fps burst speeds on all Mission 1 models.
The lineup promises excellent battery life thanks to the new Enduro 2 battery, with three-plus hours of 4K 30p recording on a charge. You can use the Hero 13 batteries as well albeit with shorter recording times. The company is also promising faster charging speeds. Thermal performance is solid despite the small size, with 8K 60p capture possible for 37 minutes straight with no airflow, or 74 minutes with airflow (when riding a bike for instance). However, unlike recent rivals, the Mission 1 supports microSD storage but has no internal memory.
Like its DJI and Insta360 rivals, the Mission 1 cameras offer multiple intelligent capture modes, including subject tracking, Dive (underwater stabilization) and Low-Light, along with Slow-Mo, Lapse, Sport POV, Vlog and Open Gate. GoPro action cams generally have excellent stabilization, so it'll be interesting to see if the Mission 1 series continues that trend, especially in low-light conditions.
GoPro isn't skimping on audio either, as the Mission 1 models offer a four-mic system with 32-bit float along with stereo recording and wind noise reduction. You can connect wirelessly to compatible devices via Bluetooth 5.3 or wired mics over USB-C audio.
The Mission 1 Pro ILS appears to be the first action camera with an interchangeable lens mount that's compatible with any Micro Four Thirds lenses and adapters. GoPro's HyperSmooth electronic video stabilization will work with any prime (non-fisheye) lens. It's "the world’s smallest, most rugged and versatile high-speed cinema camera at a fraction of the cost and size of comparable cameras," GoPro said. Most lenses will likely make the camera too heavy and awkward to attach to a helmet or body, but you could certainly mount it to a motorbike, car or other vehicle.
Along with the Mission 1 cameras, GoPro is introducing some new accessories. Key among those is the new Wireless Mic System designed for easy pairing with the Mission 1 cameras, along with DSLRs and smartphones. With a charging case and magnetic clips, it looks a lot like DJI's Mic Mini system and offers 24-bit/48kHz audio with Dynamic Noise Reduction, 150 meters of wireless range, 6.5 hours of run time, adjustable gain and a safety track mode.
Other accessories include a Media Mod kit with a built-in multi-pattern mic and expanded I/O capability including 3.5mm mic and headphone ports, a micro HDMI port and a line-in port for timecode sync. GoPro is also offering a new Point-and-Shoot grip, M-Series ND Filters, a protective housing, a dual Enduro 2 battery charger, Volta battery grip and Light Mod 2 LED light. It's compatible with a GoPro subscription and Quick App, along with GoPro Labs that lets you unlock higher data rates (up to 300Mbps) and over 1,000 complex settings.
The new models will be available individually or in kits, including the Mission 1 Pro Creator Edition bundled with the Media Mod, Wireless Mic System and Volta battery grip. The Mission 1 Pro Ultimate Creator Edition includes those while adding GoPro's Fluid Pro AI gimbal and Light Mod 2. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/gopros-mission-1-offers-8k-60p-video-and-interchangeable-lenses-130018643.html?src=rssThe price of nearly every type of gaming gadget has skyrocketed recently. RAMageddon has caused the cost of memory to double or triple in the last six months, with companies like HP saying that RAM now accounts for more than a third of a new PC’s bill of materials. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S/X and the PS5 have gotten price hikes, and a similar bump for the Switch 2 is starting to look “inevitable.” Even mobile devices are not immune, with Samsung jacking up the cost of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 nine months after release. But with the $350 27-inch QD-OLED (AW2726DM), Alienware hasn’t just created a gaming display that’s an excellent value, it’s made a beacon of hope for anyone looking to upgrade their setup without emptying their bank account.
Unlike some of Alienware’s more expensive displays, the AW2726DM’s design couldn’t be simpler. It sits on a square 8.75-inch base that supports tilt, pivot and height adjustments. Though it does require a little assembly, everything you need comes in the box. Alienware’s monitor arm attaches via a captured thumb tab, while the monitor relies on four screws and a VESA mount that can be connected using the bundled Philips wrench. (Though if you have a proper screwdriver, that would be even better.) Setup only took me a few minutes and after arranging it properly on my desk, the monitor felt quite solid. The only potential drawback is that if you have limited desk space or you’re the kind of gamer that likes jamming your keyboard as close to your monitor as possible, Alienware’s stand might get in the way.
At around 4mm thick, the AW2726DM’s panel is exceedingly sleek, though naturally that expands a bit on the lower portion of the monitor where its ports are located. This brings us to one of the biggest differences between Alienware’s budget display and more premium options: limited connectivity. All you get here is two HDMI 2.1 jacks, one DisplayPort 1.4 slot and a 3.5mm plug for audio out. There’s no support for data transfer, power sharing or anything else. Heck, there isn’t even any RGB lighting, which feels weird on a product from Alienware. But given its price, I’m not upset. In fact, it’s actually kind of refreshing. Finally, there’s a handy control stick on the back of the display for navigating its on-screen menu.
The AW2726DM features a QD-OLED panel supplied by Samsung that comes with a QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440) and up to a 240Hz refresh rate. Alienware supports VRR via AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync, though sadly there’s no native option for NVIDIA G-Sync. That means if you have a GPU from Team Green and want to take full advantage of the monitor’s potential, you’ll want to rely on that DisplayPort for optimal compatibility.
Regardless, for a $350 gaming display, the AW2726DM checks all the most important boxes and it looks fantastic. Alienware’s budget monitor showcases the strengths of OLED panels versus LCD, even when compared to Sony’s Inzone M9, which was a much more expensive monitor when it debuted back in 2022. Alienware offers richer colors (it covers 99 percent of DCI-P3), and thanks to its deep inky blacks, contrast is significantly better as well.
The one big drawback is that, with a typical brightness of 200 nits, the AW2726DM is dimmer than more expensive rivals. That means the monitor doesn’t have fancy certifications for stuff like VESA True Black and instead relies heavily on general HDR10. Furthermore, Alienware chose a glossy (and quite reflective) finish that makes colors look even more saturated while improving perceived brightness. The one thing you need to watch out for is glare, especially if your PC or console lives in a room that gets a lot of sunlight. But if you’re like a lot of gamers that prefer to frag at night or in the dark, this may not be an issue.
Outside of gaming, there’s another shortcoming of the AW2726DM. Between its QHD resolution and the arrangement of Samsung’s QD-OLED subpixels, folks with good eyesight may notice a little fringing, especially when compared to higher-res 4K displays. This means some Word docs and web pages may not look quite as sharp as you’d like, but that’s a small price to pay for some of the best visuals you can get on a gaming monitor in this price range.
One of the major concerns about OLED displays when they first hit the market was the potential for burn-in, resulting in permanent damage to the panel from things like static UI elements staying on the screen too long. Thankfully, the AW2726DM comes with a three-year warranty that includes a clause covering burn-in, along with a free panel replacement in case there’s even a single bright pixel. Furthermore, Alienware uses a graphite film heatsink and an AI algorithm to prevent any sort of ghosting from appearing in the first place.
The AW2726DM might not have all the fancy features you get on more expensive monitors, but it’s an excellent example of a no frills gadget done right. You get just enough ports, a straightforward design and a beautiful QD-OLED panel with a solid resolution and refresh rate — all for just $350. It would certainly be nice if it was a little brighter or if text looked a touch sharper, but those shortcomings are pretty easy to live with. For anyone looking to upgrade what might be arguably the second most important part of your gaming setup (your screen is your window into new worlds after all), this display is budget gold.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/alienware-27-aw2726dm-qd-oled-monitor-review-a-budget-pc-gamers-new-best-friend-130000287.html?src=rss
Achieving standout results with Midjourney 8 often relies on crafting prompts that are both precise and visually descriptive. Thaeyne highlights the value of using specific details, such as lighting, texture and style, to guide the model effectively. For instance, a prompt like “sunlit forest with soft shadows” provides clear visual direction, resulting in more refined […]
The post Why Your Midjourney 8 Prompts Are Falling Flat (And How to Fix Them) appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
Artificial intelligence has become the hottest topic in technology news today. It fuels headlines, investment stories, corporate strategy, and public debate in a way rarely seen with any other technology. Every week, it seems like there is a new model, a new partnership, or a new claim about how AI will change the way we […]
The post AI Is Getting the Headlines, but Tokenized Finance Is Starting to Rewire the Back End appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.
Apple’s long-anticipated foldable iPhone is steadily moving closer to becoming a reality. Recent leaks have shed light on its potential design, features, and production progress. Tentatively referred to as the “iPhone Ultra,” this device marks a significant departure from Apple’s traditional smartphone designs. While development is advancing, questions about its release date and final specifications […]
The post Forget the Pro Max: Why the iPhone Fold ‘Ultra’ is Apple’s Real 2026 Flagship appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.