Camera companies are starting to get the hang of marketing entry-level cameras with features that help beginners take great photos right away. Nikon's $910 Z50 II mirrorless joins that trend with a dedicated "Picture Control" button that produces fun, social media-ready looks. The new model also promises faster shooting speeds than the five-year-old Z50, improved autofocus and better-quality video.
There's no question that the Z50 II is aimed at the creator crowd with a host of new features borrowed from Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic. That starts with the Picture Control button (not a dial) that offers 31 presets like Denim, Toy Camera and Carbon, for both photos and video. It also lets you download "Imaging Recipes" from the Nikon Imaging Cloud, with custom presets for color, brightness, hue and more, à laPanasonic's S9. On the video side, it now offers a Product Review Mode that immediately focuses from a creator's face to a product they hold up, exactly like Sony's Product Showcase feature.
Nikon
At the same time, the Z50 II is surprisingly powerful. You can shoot bursts at up to 30 fps (JPEG only) in electronic mode or 11 fps (RAW/JPEG) with the mechanical shutter. Autofocus has been overhauled to be more responsive and now includes 3D tracking with AI modes for animals, birds and vehicles — along with an auto mode that selects the subject for you.
Video is also much improved. It offers oversampled 4K 30p (no crop) and 4K 60p (1.5x crop), compared to just 4K 30p before. Better still, it now offers N-Log 10-bit shooting compared to just 8-bit with no log on the Z50. That should greatly improve dynamic range and give video shooters more room for creativity in the edit suite.
Steve Dent for Engadget
One downside to this camera is the resolution, which is on the low side in this price range at 20.9 megapixels. It also lacks in-body stabilization, so you'll need to rely on electronic stabilization for video (which adds a small crop) or purchase lenses with built in stabilization (VR, as Nikon calls it). I'm also not a fan of the boring body, but I imagine that Nikon will be releasing a Zfc II later with the same features in a retro design.
Other features include a built-in flash, flip-out display, brighter 2.36-million dot EVF (now 1,000 nits), a single UHS-II card slot, mic and headphone jacks, a tally lamp, waveform display, USB streaming support and a wider ISO range up to 512,000. The Nikon Z50 II is now on pre-order for $907 (body only) or $1,050 with a Nikkor Z 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lens.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/nikons-z50-ii-targets-creators-with-a-dedicated-film-simulation-button-133037492.html?src=rss
The Grok-2 API, developed by xAI, is now available in public beta, allowing broader access for application integration. This API supports both the Anthropics and OpenAI API structures and offers $25 of free credits monthly, facilitating experimentation without rate limits. The API is designed for ease of use in AI coding scenarios, with compatibility for […]
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) represents a frontier in technological innovation, with the potential to transform industries and reshape societies. However, its development is fraught with significant challenges, particularly in the realms of safety and ethics. The recent departure of Miles Brundage, a prominent researcher formerly with OpenAI, has brought these concerns into sharp focus. His […]
When it comes to selecting a Mac Mini, you have a range of options to choose from, including the M1, M2, M2 Pro, M4, and M4 Pro models. Each of these variants offers distinct features and capabilities, catering to different user requirements. However, among these choices, the M4 Mac Mini stands out as a particularly […]
The New York Times Tech Guild asked the publication's readers not to play its games, including Wordle and Connections, in solidarity when it announced that it was going on strike on November 4. Now, the guild has released its own versions of the The Times' games so that readers can still play without crossing its digital picket line. Of course, the workers' versions won't be able to keep your Wordle streak running, but they're pretty much the same games you've been playing on the publication's website.
The guild is made up of over 600 unionized tech workers that include software engineers, product managers, data analysts and designers — the people behind the publication's games, as well as The Times' Cooking app. In the guild's GoFundMe for the strike, it said it's been bargaining for its first contract over the past two years, but the The Times' management "dragged its feet" and even allegedly committed unfair labor practices by implementing return-to-office mandates without bargaining and trying to intimidate members who were going on strike.
The guild explained that it's pushing for The Times to address racial disparities in its workers' pay and to ensure real job security. Apparently, the publication's management had fired someone days before a major brain surgery in the past and had used performance review plans as a pretense to fire employees. The guild is also accusing management of disproportionately targeting women and POCs with its "arbitrary disciplinary process."
PLAYING GAMES: In the great tradition of strike publications, we offer our tech-worker version.https://t.co/L46DXTrDsp
Now you can play and not be a scab. We also want to thank the multitude of @nytimes subscribers who have stopped playing and honored our digital picket line.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/nyt-tech-workers-on-strike-made-their-own-versions-of-wordle-and-connections-130047922.html?src=rss
The latest version of Matter, the open smart home standard that largely hasn’t yet lived up to its lofty promises for seamless device-agnostic integration, is now available. Hardware makers and platforms can integrate Matter 1.4 into their products on Thursday. The new version’s biggest feature may be Enhanced Multi-Admin, which aims to improve interoperability between different device ecosystems.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance, which manages Matter, describes version 1.4 as “a significant step forward in the Matter ecosystem.” It says the update resulted from the coalition’s hundreds of member companies (including Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung) working with thousands of engineers and product experts. Given the platform’s struggles to deliver on its promise of a smooth and headache-free smart home, it could use all the help it can get.
One of the new highlights, Enhanced Multi-Admin, strives for less setup when connecting to multiple ecosystems (like Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Alexa). Matter 1.4 only requires user consent once. After that (at least in theory), new and existing devices will connect to multiple ecosystems without making you approve the same device for each additional platform. If hardware manufacturers implement the feature without issues (again, a big ask based on Matter’s rocky first two years), this could improve on a big pain point and move the platform’s big promises of seamless integration closer to reality.
The update also opens the door to Matter-certified routers and access points that securely store your Thread protocol credentials. The Alliance says the networking hardware will “provide the foundational infrastructure of smart homes by combining both a Wi-Fi access point and a Thread Border Router, ensuring these ubiquitous devices have the necessary infrastructure for Matter products using either of these technologies.”
Following the addition of basic energy management features in version 1.3, Matter 1.4 expands on that with support for new device types. Solar panels, batteries (including battery walls, storage units and Battery Energy Storage Systems), heat pumps and water heaters can now work with the standard. In addition, it now covers Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). So, EV owners can use the management features to specify when they want their car to be charged, choosing times based on convenience or cost.
Matter 1.4 also adds protocols to lengthen battery life for low-powered devices like switches, buttons and sensors that only connect intermittently. More flexible automation options for products like in-wall switches that control lights, fans and other non-smart appliances are also on the menu. This addresses yet another pain point in previous versions, which treated all of these device types as “lights.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/matters-latest-version-will-try-to-smooth-out-the-smart-home-platforms-rough-edges-130003372.html?src=rss
Navigating the world of Excel can sometimes feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with the XLOOKUP function, only to be met with a chaotic spread of data spilling across your spreadsheet, you’re not alone. This “array of arrays” issue is a common conundrum that can […]
In the world of technology, AI has been consistently making innovative and significant strides. It has positively impacted multiple domains including the creative industry. AI tools aren’t just novelties for creative professionals, they serve as transformative instruments that elevate productivity, precision, and creativity. We have curated five innovative AI tools and gadgets that are handy for creative professionals.
These AI tools offer innovative solutions that enhance productivity, creativity, and precision. Whether you are a musician, designer, digital content creator, or global communicator, these tools provide invaluable support in your creative endeavors. As AI technology continues to advance, the possibilities for creative professionals are boundless, promising a future where creativity and technology go hand in hand.
1. ASUS ProArt PZ13
Say hello to the ASUS ProArt Pz13 – a 2-in-1 tablet designed to meet the demands and requirements of creative professionals. The PZ13 is tailored for designers, artists, streamers, and writers who need portability and performance. This sleek device is equipped with a detached keyboard cover and kickstand, ensuring you can use it in different environments.
The PZ13 is amped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus – an octa-core processor that balances performance and power efficiency, making it perfect for creative tasks. It is amped with a robust feature set including a 70Wh battery, IP52 dust and water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H certification.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ProArt PZ13 can seamlessly integrate AI features into the creative workflow, thereby improving productivity, and supporting new forms of artistic and creative expression. It also includes a Neural Processing Unit and integrated graphics processor which enables the tablet to deal with complex creative tasks with ease.
The PZ13 is a powerful sidekick for content creators, as it also features a lightweight design and long battery life, allowing creators to work virtually from anywhere. This makes it a flexible and valuable purchase for creatives who are always on the move, enabling them to capture and execute ideas wherever they may be.
What we like
Lightweight and compact design for easy transport.
Enhances creative processes with integrated AI capabilities.
What we dislike
It may not be able to match the performance of more powerful devices.
2. AIMake
AIMake is a generative AI tool designed especially for industrial design applications. It provides a prompt-based interface that allows users to effortlessly and easily create graphical outputs. It is great for working on 2D printing, laser-etching, engraving, or embossing, as it offers a streamlined solution to bridge the gap between concept and execution. It provides a choice between 70 different styles.
The platform is designed to meet a whole bunch of design needs and requirements, ranging from ready-to-print logos to editable SVGs for screen-printing and low-relief 3D engravings. AIMake is a versatile and invaluable tool for professional creators and DIY lovers, as it helps them bring their creative visions to life.
AIMake’s ability to democratize and simplify the design process makes it invaluable. It leverages AI, to cut down the need for extensive technical expertise, helping you focus on the creative aspect of your project. It features an intuitive prompt-based design system that helps users generate complex designs with a simple text description.
AIMake is integrated with DesignFind, an asset marketplace, offering users access to a whole range of free and paid project files from creators around the world. This helps build a collaborative and interactive environment where designers can share ideas and inspire one another. This elevates the platform’s utility even more.
What we like
Features an intuitive prompt-based interface that simplifies the design process.
Supports various output formats and styles.
What we dislike
It may not offer a lot of control over the finer and more intricate design details.
3. ROLI Airwave
Meet the ROLI Airwave – an impressive tool that harnesses the power of AI to completely rejuvenate music education and production. It isn’t an ordinary instrument, it is a comprehensive music-learning ecosystem powered by ROLI’s Music Intelligence (MI) platform. It merges AI with advanced vision and voice technology, providing an immersive learning experience that is interactive, intuitive, and fun.
It functions as an “intelligent piano” concept, that pushes the boundaries of traditional music learning, helping musicians interact with their instruments and instructors seamlessly and intuitively. It is equipped with 3D infrared cameras and Vision technology, which captures intricate finger movements and gestures, offering real-time feedback and guidance.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ROLI Airwave offers a novel and transformative approach to music learning and production. It provides dynamic, interesting, and real-time feedback to users, helping them improve their skills. The guidance is extremely personalized and tailored to each musician’s needs and requirements.
This level of guidance and help is provided on account of the sophisticated AI algorithms, which analyze and study the musician’s technique. Irrespective if you are a beginner having an issue with finger positioning or an advanced player fine-tuning your skills, the AirWave will be the coach you need.
Users may take some time to adjust to the new system.
4. AnkerMake M5
The AnkerMake M5 is a state-of-the-art 3D printer that provides an impression combination of high-speed printing and exceptional detail. It is created for professionals and DIY enthusiasts and is engineered to deliver flawless prints with efficiency. It features a PowerBoost technology, which optimizes energy through a Y-axis transmission system.
The system is equipped with a powerful stepper motor, double-belt driveshaft, and a stabilized motion algorithm, thereby generating extra power for high-speed printing without compromising on quality.
Why is it noteworthy?
The M5 is equipped with an advanced AI Camera Recognition System which ensures your prints are on track while making the entire printing process seamless and reliable. It can print at five times the usual speed while maintaining a 0.1mm precision. This enables users to produce high-quality prints in no time.
This is excellent for industries where rapid prototyping and production are essential, like product design and engineering. It features an ultra-direct extruder which always ensures precision, reducing the distance between the extruder and nozzle to enhance control and minimize errors.
What we like
Can print at 5X the normal speed significantly reduces production time.
Provides real-time monitoring and error detection.
What we dislike
The intricate components and systems, such as the ultra-direct extruder, may require maintenance.
5. VocaEase
For creators and creative professionals who often find themselves on the go, the VocaEase is a handy tool. It is an innovative AI-powered translation tool that supports seamless communication, bridging linguistic gaps in spoken and written formats. It provides a comprehensive suite of features to meet the needs of global communicators.
Whether you’re having voice or video calls with clients, or attending international conferences, VocaEase will provide real-time translations with a 0.5-second response time. It also features ChatGPT’s Whisper function, which improves its transcription abilities, and creates summaries of meetings, conferences, and conversations for users.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you’re someone who travels a lot, then the VocaEase will transform the way you communicate across languages. It delivers a whole new level of speed and accuracy. It can deal with multiple languages and formats easily, providing utility in a wide range of applications, from meetings to social media interactions.
It is quite handy for professionals who need to quickly collect information from multilingual sources, saving valuable time, and reducing the risk of miscommunication. It features a user-friendly design, which allows users to operate it easily, using varying levels of technical expertise.
What we like
Provides fast translations, facilitating smooth conversations.
Handles multiple languages and formats effectively.
What we dislike
Requires reliable internet connectivity.
May sometimes struggle with complex or nuanced translations.
Apple’s latest innovations in Apple Intelligence tools and user interface enhancements are designed to streamline your digital experience. These features, seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem, aim to boost productivity and creativity across various applications and devices. From enhanced writing tools to intelligent summarization features, Apple is transforming the way you interact with your devices. […]
Sony’s new beastly console is a niche product for PlayStation gamers who want the most premium experience. The PlayStation 5 Pro is the console equivalent of the iPhone Pro Max or the Kindle Signature but still cheaper than a PC gaming rig. It has a more powerful GPU, capable of offering 4K and 60 fps gaming, an AI upscaler to polish up textures, new ray tracing and a substantial 2TB SSD to store all your games. (No disc drive, however.) And, as you’ll read in our full review, the PS5’s back catalog has never looked better.
There are good arguments for not buying the PlayStation 5 Pro — it’s a beefed up midcycle console with base performance for $700 — but if you haven’t jumped on the PS5 bandwagon yet, it gives a solid no-compromise experience.
Canada has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations in the country, citing unspecified “national security risks” posed by the company and its parent, ByteDance. Canada’s crackdown on TikTok follows a “multi-step national security review process” by its intelligence agencies, the government said in a statement. TikTok will be forced to “wind up” all business in the country, though the app won’t be banned.
A new AI feature, called Rewrite, is coming to Microsoft’s Notepad. It can rewrite sentences, change the tone and alter the length of text in Notepad — if you’re a Windows Insider. Even the Paint app is getting its own AI features: Generative Fill and Generative Erase. The new fill feature can edit and add visual features to your photos and drawings. You draw a box and input text to describe the image.
Google’s new AI prototype accidentally found its way to the public through the Chrome Web Store. It’s a little different to the Siris, Alexas and Geminis of this world, though. The store page described the Jarvis prototype as “a helpful companion that surfs the web for you” using web browsers to take care of common tasks, such as buying groceries, booking flights and researching topics. Google’s new AI can steer your browser for you, completing these simple tasks without manual human input.
