Apple’s iOS 18.2 update introduces a range of advanced features aimed at enhancing your iPhone’s functionality and user experience. With a strong focus on personalization and artificial intelligence, this update is set to transform the way you interact with your device, making it smarter, more intuitive, and more responsive to your needs. At the forefront […]
Belkin expands its Apple Vision Pro lineup with a Head Strap and Travel Bag, offering enhanced comfort, protection, and portability for Vision Pro users.
Up until recently, your insurance against a break-in was a Beware Of Dog sign hanging outside your house. We’ve come a long way since then, and it just makes sense to have a camera monitoring your doorstep. Whether it’s porch pirates, thieves, vandals, annoying neighbors, or their rebellious pets, having an eye on your front house helps keep you and your home safe. Pair this with a smart lock and you’ve got impenetrable two-factor home security. That’s just step 1. Step 2 is a little more daunting – choosing the right camera and lock – something that should feel a lot easier if you read on.
If you’re wondering how the Anona Aurora Security Camera stacks up in a crowded market of options like Nest, eufy, and Ring, you’re in for a thorough breakdown. Built with a clear focus on usability and independence, the Anona Aurora promises 4K resolution, long-lasting battery power, always-on recording, and smart AI detection—all features that make it not just another camera but a security asset for your home. Its standout design features and technical perks position it as a strong competitor, especially for those tired of subscription fees and complicated installations.
Designers: Gianni Wang (Aurora Security Camera) & Ella Zhang (Holo Smart Lock)
Anona Aurora Security Camera – 4K Always-Recording, AI-Detection, Zero Fees
Perhaps the biggest driving force behind choosing the right camera is over its video quality. While most cameras on the market max out at 1080p or require higher price points for 2K options, the Anona Aurora stands out with its 4K HDR resolution, offering a clear, detailed view of your surroundings. Unlike standard 1080p cameras common with brands like Wyze and some eufy models, the Anona Aurora delivers eight megapixels, meaning you’ll capture critical details like license plates and distant movements with up to 8x zoom. This clarity proves essential when you need detailed footage that’s sharp and vivid, giving you confidence in knowing your surveillance captures the full picture.
The Anona Aurora also excels in low-light conditions with color night vision, a rarity in its $120 price range. Most cameras rely on monochrome or low-resolution night vision, but the Anona Aurora uses a starlight sensor, an F1.2 aperture, and a 10-LED spotlight to keep color and detail intact in the dark. It doesn’t just “see” at night; it maintains accuracy in varying light levels, making it practical for keeping tabs on wider areas like backyards or driveways, especially after dusk. With this combination, you’ll find it offers superior performance to options from Ring or Nest, which often require additional lighting to achieve similar results.
The camera’s more-than-substantial 10,000mAh battery is among the most robust in the category, delivering up to 180 days (6 months) of power on a single charge, outshining popular cameras like the Google Nest Cam that notably lasts an average of 1.5 to 3 months. Paired with Anona’s 4.8W solar panel, the Anona Aurora effectively becomes a self-sustaining security unit. The solar panel harnesses renewable energy, reducing dependency on power outlets and making it particularly useful for those seeking low-maintenance, long-term installation options.
Using on-device AI, the Anona Aurora can distinguish between people, pets, vehicles, and packages—without monthly subscription fees or cloud dependency, a notable edge over cameras from other brands, where advanced detection features usually come with paid plans. The AI’s precision is impressive, notifying users with alerts tailored to actual events and eliminating false alarms. This technology is local to the device, meaning you’re not reliant on cloud services, which is both cost-effective and faster in delivering real-time updates.
For data storage, Anona skips the subscription model entirely by building 32GB of eMMC storage directly into the camera. This local storage holds around four months of footage, allowing users to review recent events over blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 without paying for cloud access. This also enhances privacy, as footage stays local to the device, giving users complete control over their data.
Additional features like two-way audio, a 10 LED spotlight, and siren give your camera a strategic edge over that Beware Of Dog sign. The two-way audio makes it simple to communicate directly with visitors or delivery personnel, while the siren and spotlight offer an active deterrent against potential intruders. Voice compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant also elevates convenience, letting users check footage or control features with voice commands alone.
Why It’s Noteworthy
The Anona Aurora Security Camera offers advanced security features without breaking the bank. The Anona Aurora Camera, priced at $119.99, brings 4K resolution, on-device AI detection, and long-lasting power with optional solar support—features that often come with a much steeper price tag. A $30 upgrade gets you the solar panel with your Anona Aurora camera too.
Add Anona’s Holo Smart Lock to the mix and you’ve got yourself a tag-team two-factor system protecting your home. Designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing door setup, the Anona Holo Lock offers multiple access methods, including fingerprint recognition, smartphone control, and even voice activation via Google Assistant or Alexa. Unlike traditional locks, which rely solely on key access, the Anona Holo enables you to manage entry with a tap on your phone or a quick scan of your fingerprint in milliseconds. It’s 2024, fingerprint scanning was great for smartphones – let’s bring it to our homes too. You still have key access, if you’re a traditionalist.
Beyond biometrics, the Anona Holo offers remote control through the Anona app, which allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere. Particularly useful for granting temporary access to guests, service providers, or family members, this feature also lets you monitor and manage access logs in real-time (even without the smart camera). It’s a practical, user-friendly solution for those who frequently need flexible access management without being physically present.
The lock also comes with Matter support, allowing you to use your existing smart home system to control your smart lock without relying on hubs and complicated hardware/software to have devices communicate with each other. Further bolstered by features like auto-lock, door status detection, an (optional) anti-peeping keypad, and enterprise-grade encryption, the lock integrates into your life without adding a hassle or vulnerabilities to your schedule.
Installing the deadbolt lock is simple and rapid, requiring 3 steps that take all of 3 minutes to assemble. The lock runs on 4 AA batteries that offer between 6-8 months of use, and although locks don’t need to brave strong weather and water, the Anona Holo boasts IP65 dust and water resistance.
Why It’s Noteworthy
The Anona Holo Lock, available at $129.99, combines robust encryption, Matter compatibility, and weatherproof durability, offering secure and seamless access control. Aside from using your key, you’ve got biometric unlocking, anti-peep passkeys when paired with a keypad, and even the ability to provide temporary access codes to guests. The Anona Holo has an auto-lock feature, lets you check lock status over your phone, and even monitor access logs, allowing you to enhance home protection without recurring subscription costs… In fact, replace that Beware Of Dog with a Beware Of Tech sign!
Picture this: a warm evening on your balcony, a quiet moment of focus at your dining table, or an impromptu outdoor gathering with friends. What do these scenarios have in common? The need for the best portable lamp that effortlessly moves with you, adapts to your mood, and creates the perfect atmosphere. Meet the “Ichi” Portable Lamp, a masterpiece born from the collaboration between Fujita Kinzoku and TENT Design. With its sophisticated design and practical features, Ichi transforms any setting, bringing warmth and refined lighting that enhances every moment.
Traditional lighting solutions, such as large floor lamps and static table fixtures, restrict mobility and add clutter to our spaces. While candles create a warm glow, they fall short on convenience, and portable flashlights lack both style and elegance. Many so-called portable lamps come with proprietary chargers and short battery lives, tethering you to outlets and leaving you searching for adapters. The Ichi Portable Lamp redefines portable lighting with a sleek, thoughtful design that balances beauty and practical functionality.
Why is this the Best Portable Lamp
Intuitive Lighting Control: The Ichi Portable Lamp offers intuitive lighting control with a simple push on its umbrella-like top, letting you easily cycle through four brightness settings. Whether you need bright light for focused tasks or a soft glow to wind down, it adapts seamlessly to your needs.
Hassle-Free Power: Powered by four standard AA batteries, Ichi provides reliable, hassle-free power without the limitations of proprietary chargers. Its modular design disassembles into three parts, packing down to a slim 20mm thickness, making it a perfect travel companion.
Radiant, High-Quality Light: Beyond practicality, Ichi’s warm, high-color-rendering (CRI 95) LED light creates a radiant, soft glow, enhancing the appeal of food and casting a flattering light on skin.
Craftsmanship: Made with Pride, Built to Last
Every element of Ichi reflects meticulous craftsmanship, from its textured, matte-powder-coated finish to its expertly crafted iron frame. Proudly made in Osaka, it represents a seamless blend of tradition and modern innovation. The microcontroller-driven circuitry, developed in-house at Fujita Metal Manufacturing, ensures long-lasting performance and precision engineering. Owning the Ichi Portable Lamp is an investment in a beautifully designed piece that enhances your surroundings and stands the test of time.
Who is this Lamp For?
Ichi is designed for those seeking adaptable, aesthetically pleasing light to elevate their daily life. Whether you’re a creative who thrives on ambient lighting, a traveler who needs reliable illumination, or someone who values timeless design and thoughtful craftsmanship, this lamp brings light and style wherever you go. Its sturdy iron build, intuitive operation, and refined aesthetic transform any space with grace and purpose.
Final Thoughts
The Ichi Portable Lamp blends thoughtful design with practical features, transforming any space into a warm, inviting environment. Say farewell to cluttered, cumbersome lighting solutions and embrace elegant, adaptable illumination that complements your lifestyle. More than just a lamp, Ichi is a statement piece designed to bring light, beauty, and functionality to every corner of your world.
Saudi Arabia is currently constructing a spectacular skyscraper called the Mukaab! The impressive build will adopt the form of a tall cube. It will stand tall at a height of 1,312 feet in the capital of Riyadh. It will also be as long and wide as it is tall and could fit around 20 Empire State Buildings inside of it, according to the Saudi Government’s Public Investment Fund. Bloomberg says it will be the world’s largest building! How incredible!
The exterior will be decorative and intricate, drawing inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture. The interior will occupy a floor space of 2 million square meters. The center will include a massive twisting tower, imagine a large box with another large twisting structure within it. It will also feature a holographic system that will showcase underwater and otherworldly scenes within the cuboidal structure. Currently, there aren’t too many details about this feature, but it does sound quite exciting.
“New Murabba will also construct a temporary bridge that will serve as a critical enabler, connecting the construction site by crossing King Khalid Road,” said developer New Murabba’s press release. “This connection will facilitate ongoing development and pave the way for the initiation of Mukaab piling in the coming months. The bridge is expected to reduce approximately 800,000 truck movements on public roads for earthworks alone, showcasing a positive impact on the surrounding infrastructure. With around 900 workers on-site daily, work is advancing rapidly, bringing the destination closer.”
The excavation work for the Mukaab is almost over, and nearly 350 million cubic feet of earth have been removed. This work needed the usage of 250 excavators every day, and around 400 pieces of equipment to handle all the soil. The construction workers devoted nearly 3 million hours of labor. A bridge is also being built to ensure smooth operation and processes. The Mukaab will complete construction in 2030.
The Magma Ambiance Lamp is a tribute to nature’s raw power, taking inspiration from the magnificent Puu Õõ volcanic cone. With its dynamic yet minimalist design, the lamp encapsulates the essence of an active volcano, allowing users to bring that natural wonder into their homes.
The Magma Lamp draws from the striking image of an erupting volcano, with clean, conical lines that reflect the natural geometry of volcanic cones. Its design focuses on simplicity and fluidity, mimicking the flow of molten lava. The lamp’s adjustable lighting settings further enhance this concept, offering an experience akin to the glow of magma, pulsing and radiating from the center outward.
The design process began with a deep dive into geometric exploration, specifically focusing on conical shapes that evoke the majesty of volcanic formations. The goal was to capture a balance between form and function, ensuring that the lamp’s structure would not only serve its lighting purpose but also stand as an artistic piece in any home. Texture and pattern proposals were equally crucial, with radial patterns expanding from the lamp’s core, visually mirroring lava flowing from a volcanic eruption.
The concept of radial patterns became central to the Magma design. By repeating the pattern outward from the center, the lamp visually simulates the flow of molten rock down a volcanic slope, creating a sense of movement and energy.
The first prototype was crucial for refining the lamp’s size, developing an in-house PCB, and testing color and light intensity. While the battery lasted an impressive 18 hours at maximum brightness, the team saw room for improvement. The next iteration aimed to extend battery life and introduced remote intensity control, scheduled on/off options, and synchronization with other Magma lamps to create cohesive lighting atmospheres across different areas of the home.
Building upon its initial success, the Magma lamp underwent a design evolution. The latest version embraces a bolder, more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining its connection to volcanic inspiration. New textures applied along the neck of the lamp simulate the appearance of erupting lava particles, while intensified textures at the base add a sense of movement and dynamism. The placement of the brand’s logo was intentionally unconventional, keeping the lamp free from visible text and maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
To complement various home interiors, neutral and pastel color options were chosen, ensuring that the Magma lamp could seamlessly integrate into a wide range of settings while still making a bold statement.
The next phase of the Magma Lamp development focuses on integrating smart functionality. The design team plans to introduce mobile app connectivity, allowing users to configure automatic on/off schedules, manually adjust light intensity, and synchronize multiple lamps for a unified experience. Additionally, the battery life will be doubled to provide even greater autonomy, ensuring the lamp can light up your home for extended periods without frequent recharging.
Beyond functionality, the assembly process is also being optimized. The goal is to create a visually clean product with no visible screws or fittings, ensuring that every Magma lamp maintains a polished and elegant appearance.
The Magma Ambiance Lamp is a remarkable blend of natural inspiration and cutting-edge design. It brings the captivating energy of a volcanic eruption into the home, with smart features and a design that elevates any interior space. As it evolves, the Magma promises to continue providing not just light, but a transformative ambiance, creating warm and connected atmospheres that reflect the beauty and power of nature.
We’re in a new age of AI now. Google has an AI video maker available on select Workspace editions.
Google Vids runs on Google’s AI model Gemini to create workplace and marketing videos from Google Drive files and descriptions. You can either start a video from scratch or use a pre-made template to get a first draft going. There’s even a “Help me create” option in which Gemini can suggest scripts to get you started on your video.
You aren’t just limited to what’s in the templates. Google Vids allows you to use your own photos and videos. It also has a virtual recording studio so you can add your own photos and videos, record videos of yourself or just make audio tracks of your voice to accompany your video.
Google announced its new AI video making feature in April using the Gemini AI model. Google Vids doesn’t make videos from the ground up like Runway’s Gen-2 or OpenAI’s Sora that created one hell of a creepy Toys ‘R Us origin story movie. Google Vids creates a slideshow of sorts using different types of media and compiles them based on the content of the source documents or the suggestion you type into it. As Google Vids is part of Google Workspace, you can collaborate on a video project in real time with other team members.
Google Vids is coming to Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus members.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-vids-ai-video-maker-is-rolling-out-to-most-workspace-tiers-223647949.html?src=rss
We’re in a new age of AI now. Google has an AI video maker available on select Workspace editions.
Google Vids runs on Google’s AI model Gemini to create workplace and marketing videos from Google Drive files and descriptions. You can either start a video from scratch or use a pre-made template to get a first draft going. There’s even a “Help me create” option in which Gemini can suggest scripts to get you started on your video.
You aren’t just limited to what’s in the templates. Google Vids allows you to use your own photos and videos. It also has a virtual recording studio so you can add your own photos and videos, record videos of yourself or just make audio tracks of your voice to accompany your video.
Google announced its new AI video making feature in April using the Gemini AI model. Google Vids doesn’t make videos from the ground up like Runway’s Gen-2 or OpenAI’s Sora that created one hell of a creepy Toys ‘R Us origin story movie. Google Vids creates a slideshow of sorts using different types of media and compiles them based on the content of the source documents or the suggestion you type into it. As Google Vids is part of Google Workspace, you can collaborate on a video project in real time with other team members.
Google Vids is coming to Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus members.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/googles-vids-ai-video-maker-is-rolling-out-to-most-workspace-tiers-223647949.html?src=rss
Voice assistants have a reputation for finicky activation, such as responding to their prompts that are spoken in an ad. Apple may have a fix for that in the works. 9to5Mac spotted this element in the tvOS 18.2 beta. A part of code called AdBlocker appears to use the Shazam API to match audio captured by a device's microphones against audio fingerprints downloaded from Apple. When there's a match, the usual Siri trigger command is disabled. In theory, this means Apple could have devices not react to the "Hey Siri" prompt when it's spoken as part of the company's keynote presentations or TV advertisements.
The publication only found this feature in the current developer beta of tvOS, which it suggests means that HomePod smart speaker will be the first device to potentially ignore those "Hey Siri" commands. However, iOS 18.2 is also in developer beta and is bringing more Apple Intelligence features to Apple's smartphones, as well as possibly integrating ChatGPT subscriptions with Siri.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/siri-might-ignore-commands-spoken-in-apple-commercials-soon-220855324.html?src=rss
Voice assistants have a reputation for finicky activation, such as responding to their prompts that are spoken in an ad. Apple may have a fix for that in the works. 9to5Mac spotted this element in the tvOS 18.2 beta. A part of code called AdBlocker appears to use the Shazam API to match audio captured by a device's microphones against audio fingerprints downloaded from Apple. When there's a match, the usual Siri trigger command is disabled. In theory, this means Apple could have devices not react to the "Hey Siri" prompt when it's spoken as part of the company's keynote presentations or TV advertisements.
The publication only found this feature in the current developer beta of tvOS, which it suggests means that HomePod smart speaker will be the first device to potentially ignore those "Hey Siri" commands. However, iOS 18.2 is also in developer beta and is bringing more Apple Intelligence features to Apple's smartphones, as well as possibly integrating ChatGPT subscriptions with Siri.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/siri-might-ignore-commands-spoken-in-apple-commercials-soon-220855324.html?src=rss