In yet another leak regarding an Apple product, a leading tech magazine revealed that Apple may launch a new pair of over-ear headphones. The publication obtained the code for Apple’s iOS 14 update, albeit an early build. The code consists of two icons for connected headphones in iOS and iPadOS. The icons are both dark and light, which suggests that Apple will offer a minimum of two colors. The leak seems to be genuine as Apple’s previous headphones have similarly been leaked in the past.
What are the unique features of the new over-ear headphones?
There isn’t much information available at the moment but one can assume that these earphones will be similar to AirPods in a number of ways. They will come with a similar seamless pairing process. They may also boast of an auto-pause function. This means, when the user removes the headphones, the audio automatically stops. iOS 14 may only arrive this fall, and there is a lot of time for the actual specifics to be confirmed. People have been waiting for these premium headphones from a long time and the rumors have existed for a long time too.
Will these headphones be better than AirPods?
It is important to remember that customers have often criticized Apple’s AirPods. They have suggested that they do not stick in the ear as they might like them to. Some also complain that the audio quality isn’t all that great. Others suggest that AirPods may also pose health risks to some individuals. Hopefully, Apple will take care of at least a few problems that people have with AirPods, when it launches these new premium headphones.
Apple may launch the new over-ear headphones to beat competition
Apple is under severe competition lately. A number of companies have surpassed traditional rivals such as Samsung. Oppo, Huawei, and other companies have given both Apple and Samsung a run for their money. Consequently, Apple is under immense pressure to launch products that are not only premium but also affordable. As a result, these premium headphones maybe competitively priced, and may not be astronomically priced. However, one will have to take a cautious approach and wait and watch. More details will arrive in the coming months surely.
People across the world enjoy eating fresh hot steaming rice but it is not always possible. This Thanko electric Bento cooker is made for those who want to cook just a single serving of rice while on the go. It can be used while traveling, or even at office. It does not let out steam, or make any sounds while cooking rice. A simple LED light glows to indicate that the rice is cooked and is ready to be eaten. This electric Bento cooker is made specifically for single people who do not have to cook for a lot of people.
What are the features of the cooker?
Image: Thanko
It's very compact and can be easily carried in a bag inconspicuously
It looks stylish and has an elegant and attractive design
It weighs only two pounds, and is not heavy for anybody to carry around
The Thanko electric Bento cooker comes with a measuring cup that prepares six ounces of rice, which is a lot for one person anyway
It makes for the perfect gift for a rice lover
Here is how to use Thanko electric Bento cooker
Measure rice in the measuring cup and add it into the Bento cooker
Half scoop of the measuring cup makes 3 ounces of rice. A full scoop makes 6 ounces of rice.
Pour water into the cooker, and plug it in
In 14 minutes, half portion of rice will be cooked. In 20 minutes, an entire scoop will be cooked
Color-changing LED indicates when the rice is cooked
One needs to be careful not to burn their tongue while eating steaming rice
Thanko electric Bento cooker is the perfect gift
The Thanko electric Bento cooker is great for eating from it directly. The most important features of this cooker are that it is compact, non-intrusive, and stylish. One can avoid purchasing extra plates or bowls, and having to wash them after eating. The device costs $65, and is quite pricey. However, it is a great device and is perfect for anyone who works and longs for fresh and steaming hot rice. After all, most societies in the world are fond of rice, and this gadget can be gifted to anyone who likes eating rice on the go.
Jailbreaking iPhone is usually fraught with complications and possible bricking of the said device. A new exploit called “Checkra1n” shows that it is now possible to use a rooted Android phone to jailbreak iPhone. All that one needs to do is to plug the rooted Android phone into an iPhone and run some basic terminal commands. This will allow iPhone users to escape the walled garden that iOS is currently.
What is the Checkra1n exploit?
Checkra1n is compatible with iOS 13 and can be used to jailbreak even the latest iOS devices
Checkra1n can be used to jailbreak iPhone 5 and above, until iPhone X. They should just be running iOS 12.3 or above.
The jailbreak is temporary and will get wired when a user reboots their device
This actually works in favor of users, as they can switch from iOS to jailbroken version almost like a toggle switch
The jailbreak takes place when Checkra1n invades via the Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode
Here is what is required to jailbreak iPhone via Android
All Android devices will not be able to jailbreak an iPhone. One will need access to a rooted Android device. This Android device will need to be connected to an iPhone via USB-C and Lightening cable. Sometimes, adapters maybe used to connect the devices as well. Once the devices are connected, users will have to run the Checkra1n exploit in order to jailbreak an iPhone.
Jailbreaking is only temporary and is not a permanent solution
As the iPhone will return to its default state when rebooted, jailbreaking is only a temporary option. However, this may be advantageous in its own way. People can use the jailbroken device to access applications that are not available in the AppStore. They can also go back to default iOS whenever they choose to by just rebooting the device. This will help eliminate any problems that may arise during jailbreaking.
What about the warranty?
Apple has often advised its users not to jailbreak its devices. Jailbreaking may null or void any warranties that a user may have. This means, when a device experiences problems, Apple will not fix or service the device for free even it is under warranty. As this jailbreak is temporary, it is not clear if it interferes with AppleCare warranty.
Users have long waited for WhatsApp dark mode and their patience has finally borne fruit. WhatsApp Dark mode is now available on both Android and iPhone, making reading text messages easier and more comfortable. WhatsApp’s dark mode seems familiar but is set against a dark background, and feels very intuitive.
What are the benefits of WhatsApp dark mode?
It reduces eye strain and makes sure that users can comfortable keep texting for hours. If you sleep with someone, they will not be disturbed by the glowing light of your WhatsApp screen when you use the dark mode. It eliminates all those awkward moments you may have when you decide to text your friends in the middle of the night, next to a half-asleep individual.
Some unique features of the new update
WhatsApp has specifically focused on readability in this update. As discussed earlier, the chat messenger has ensured that eye fatigue is almost non-existent, and that the colors are very similar to the system defaults of Android and iPhone devices. In addition, the update also comes with some structural changes to the app. To make sure that users focus easily on the content that most matters to them, WhatsApp played with colors and other4 deign elements to make are that important information stands out.
How to enable WhatsApp Dark mode on iOS and Android devices?
Enabling WhatsApp dark mode is very easy. All one needs to do is to go to the system settings and tinker with the options there. Users who are on Android 9 or below must go to their WhatsApp Settings, and click on Chat. Then, they have to click on “Theme” and select Dark. Those who are on Android 10 or on iOS platforms will find that enabling this feature is very easy. They just have to go to their respective settings options, and enable the Dark mode quickly.
What are the implications of this update?
WhatsApp has a lot of competition to deal with. Ever since Facebook purchased WhatsApp, multiple competitors have launched their own chat message services. Signal, a highly encrypted anonymous chat message app that has been endorsed by Edward Snowden, is now mainstream. This means, WhatsApp has to play catch up with a number of players including Telegram, Signal, Wire, Viber, and even Skype. Launching the Dark mode quickly will help WhatsApp to retain the billion or more users it already has now.
Readers may recall that Apple released its iOS 3.4 beta 3 last week. It was not clear at that time what features it came with. A new video that started to float earlier today gives many clues. The software may come with certain changes to the Mail app, especially to its toolbar. More importantly, users will be able to lock, unlock, aniOS 3.4 Beta start their NFC-enabled vehicles. Apple has shied away from making NFC more integrated into its operating system for certain operational reasons. However, that seems to be changing with this update.
The CarKey feature which helps users to control their NFC-enabled cars is new and is likely to impress those who own such cars. In addition, the new iOS also comes with the OS Recovery feature, which allows users to recover their iOS devices over the internet.
Previously, recovering an iOS device required users to connect to their Mac or PC. Now, this is no longer required and can be done over Wi-Fi. Other than features, users can also expect a major design overhaul. The user interface of iOS is rather outdated, and many users have complained that it is not as intuitive as it is claimed to be.
Apple has some serious competition to face
Apple is under tremendous pressure to play catch up with its peers and competitors. Android continues to make revolutionary changes to its interface, making it more popular than iOS in a number of markets. In addition, iOS devices are perceived to be more expensive than Android devices, forcing Apple to make its OS ecosystem more attractive.
With that in mind, Apple has certainly added some catchy features. These will keep users busy for a long time to come. However, the new iOS 3.4 beta 3 does not address many of the lacunae that users have noted regarding its UI and UX. In the coming updates, we can expect to see more incremental improvements to the ecosystem.
Will Apple finally pick up the pace?
From a business point of view, these changes are necessary and existential in nature. As one can see, Apple’s competitors are growing bolder and more innovative. Consequently, the grand old company of technology will have to play it smarter and harder.
Samsung will soon launch a “lite” tablet which is quite similar to the Galaxy Tab S6. Consequently, it is being touted as Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Sources expect the tablet to come with a redesigned S Pen. It may also come with wireless charging ability but this is not confirmed still. The design aspects of the tablet make it quite clear that wireless charging may be necessary.
Major features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Exynos 9611 chipset will help the tablet to run quickly. This chipset is most commonly used to run mid-range smartphones.
The tablet will run on a 4GB RAM, which does not seem very impressive
Users will have a choice between 64GB and 128GB storage. Again, it is not a lot of space considering today’s market, but one does have access to online storage anyway
It may cost around $400 or even lesser, making it one of the most affordable tablets around
The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite will run on Android 10, in addition to One UI 2.1
When will the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite be released?
At the moment there is no information about the actual release date or price. However, reliable sources have revealed that it is going to be more affordable than its predecessor and will also arrive e in the market anytime now. Many market observers have noted that Samsung has released multiple products in the recent past. This may have something to do with the company’s sense of losing ground to other players.
Samsung seems to be playing catch-up with its competitors
Samsung’s latest attempt to taking back the tablet market may be driven by a sense of insecurity, as too many companies have launched Android tablets. Samsung has a lot of competition to deal with, and its old nemesis Apple is still ruling the market with its iPads. Thus, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Samsung is playing catch-up, and while the tablet looks impressive, it could have been better.
Should Samsung change its tablet strategy?
It is also important to note the tablets are not as popular as smartphones and laptops. Many tech observers note that while the tablets seem to have gained traction in the market, there is a large segment of the target audience that does not purchase tablets. This means, Samsung should find a business model akin to Apple, which has focused its iPad efforts on consuming content, rather than on creation.
Citroën just announced the Citroën AMI, a two seater vehicle that costs very little. It is specifically designed for urban landscapes and to make individual travel easier and more comfortable. All one needs to do is to pay up an upfront payment of €2,644. The lowest-tier monthly installments are just €19.99. People who don’t want to invest in a Citroën AMI can also rent the vehicle for a measly sum of €0.26 per minute via Free2Move, a car sharing company.
Citroën is a company with more than hundred years of history, and it is popular for launching innovative and unique automobiles. It's also famous for its non-conformist design, and making urban mobility accessible to everybody. It's surprising solutions usually impress even the most critical reviewers. In fact, Citroën introduced the AMI One concept at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 to positive acclaim. The vehicle is an alternative to those who don’t want to ride scooters, mopeds, and other two-wheelers that are risky. It is also a more environmentally friendly alternative to cars.
Is this vehicle suitable in car-centric cities?
The vehicle seems to be made for European cities, and towns that have narrow roads. It is probably not the right vehicle for cities that have been designed with a car-centric approach. In other words, it may not be ideal for a city like Los Angeles, but will probably work in a place like Portland. This also brings us to the question of urban design, and how most cities are designed with cars in mind. Car-centric cities spew a lot of fumes, and have struggled with noxious air pollution, haze, and micro-climates that are oppressively hot.
Vehicles like the Citroën AMI need better marketing
Nevertheless, this vehicle is a positive sign that there could be alternatives to cars and two-wheelers. It is not clear when this vehicle will be available outside Europe or if it will be available at all. However, it would be great to see more electrical vehicles such as the Citroën AMI.
One needs more practical solutions to reduce the burden on cities, and make private transportation more economically and environmentally friendly. This will help people to move away from gas guzzling cars, and adopt more environmentally friendly solutions. The trick is to making sure that these cars are available everywhere, and marketed well, so that people start buying them earnestly.
For anybody who wants to be taken seriously in the looks department, professional hair dryers are an important accessory. Drying, styling and taming unruly hair is an impossible mission without a luxurious and well-crafted hairdryer. Of course, there are a number of hairdryers available in the market today but they're not all the same. What you do need is a hairdryer that is luxurious and premium, and specifically made for those who need salon-quality hair.
We have listed 15 best premium professional hair dryers that will help you to look like a glamorous star without having to visit salons regularly. Get one of these professional hair dryers today and be the object of everybody’s envy.
This hair dryer comes with Nano Titanium Technology thanks to which it is extremely powerful. It also has a very appealing build, and the designers have truly taken a lot of time to design it. With six settings to dry your hair, you will be left with lustrous locks and beautiful hair. Grab it here.
T3 - Cura Hair Professional Hair Dryer
If you have frizzy and difficult hair, it can be very messy especially after a bath. This is why you need a hairdryer that is specifically designed for frizzy hair. The T3 Cura Hair Dryer is a Digital Ionic Professional blow dryer. You can use this any time of the day and even carry it around easily. It has won many awards including the 2018 Bride’s Beauty Award. Get this hairdryer now.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Hair
Dryer
If you are on a business trip, you cannot wait for your hair to dry before arriving at the meeting. You will be hard-pressed for time, but will still need to look good. The best thing for you to do is to buy a hairdryer that is portable, lightweight and heavy-duty as well. Thanks to the Nano Titanium Technology, a 2000 watts motor, and a removable filter, this hairdryer stands out from its competitors. Dry your hair now.
Elchim Classic 2001 Professional Hair Dryer
If you wanted to experience what it feels like to have your hair dried at an expensive salon, you should get the Elchim Classic 2001 hairdryer. This blow dryer is often used by professionals in salons. Its red-against-black color combination is premium and stylish. I can imagine this being used in the fancy salons of Paris. It comes with an Italian professional AC motor and is perfect for people with untamable hair. Buy this now.
RUSK Engineering W8less
Professional 2000 Watt Dryer
If you have extremely long hair, you might have noticed that it does not dry very quickly. Not drying quickly is also a problem for people who have very dense hair. It uses infrared rays to dry your hair inside out, it is also very gentle and does not dry out your hair completely. This blow dryer is made from a lightweight ceramic tourmaline material. Style your hair now.
BaByliss Pro BABNT053T Nano
Titanium Travel Dryer
One of the worst nightmares is having to trave
l without a hairdryer in hand. Most hair dryers are very heavy and difficult to use. However, this one is designed specifically for traveling and for pampering yourself during vacations. This cool travel gadget can be cleaned easily and is not very heavy. You will look like you've just walked out of the salon even when you've traveled 12 hours on a bus. Just shower in your hotel room, and use this to dry your hair, and you’re ready to go! Go ahead and get this.
Elchim X-Lite Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer
Most hairdryers do not concentrate the airflow. This results in hair not drying evenly and you will not even be able to style it properly. The Elchim X-Lite Ionic Ceramic Hair Dryer is ergonomically designed and looks professional as it comes with many settings and features. It is perfect for those who take their hair seriously and want to look their best all the time. Grab it quickly.
T3 - Cura LUXE Hair Dryer
This is a premium and luxurious hairdryer which comes with digital ionic professional technology. It smoothens all your frizzy hair and boosts volume as well. The auto pause sensor helps the hairdryer to switch off automatically when your hair is dry enough. In fact, it even won the Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards - Ebony Beauty & Grooming Awards. Snatch it here.
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium
3000 Dryer
This is yet another hair dryer that comes with the famed Tourmaline Titanium Technology. This hairdryer releases millions of ions which will help your hair to dry quickly. The ions also give your hair an incredible shine. Get it right away.
Rusk Engineering Super Freak
Professional Dryer
Long and lustrous hair is a sign of wealth in many cultures. If you have silky, straight or curly hair that is long, this amazing ceramic and tourmaline-based hairdryer is perfect. Even if you have very short hair, you can use this hairdryer. Purchase it here.
Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hair
Dryer
This is a professional ceramic blow dryer that is perfect for salon usage. Of course, you do not have to work in a salon or own a beauty parlor to purchase this. You can use this blow dryer for your own hair, in the privacy of your house. This premium and luxurious hairdryer emit ions to dry your hair and keep them healthy and shiny. It's available here.
BaBylissPRO Ceramix Xtreme Dryer
Did you ever feel that it takes too long to dry your hair? What you need is a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle and fast hair drying technology. All you need to do is pat your hair gently with a towel and then use BaBylissPRO Ceramix Xtreme Dryer to finish drying and styling your hair. You will look like a million bucks in no time. Buy this now.
Gamma Piu 3500 Tourmaline Ionic
Hair Dryer
If you have very difficult hair, even the most advanced hairdryer can be quite useless. This particular hair dryer runs on a massive 119 mph motor, thanks to which your hair dries 75% quicker. You can forget about knotty damp and gnarly hair, and enjoy beautiful silky smooth locks. Grab it.
Professional Ionic Hair Dryer
Handcrafted in France
While most of the hairdryers we have listed here use Italian spare parts, or are actually manufactured in Italy, this model is from France. It not only dries your hair and straightens it, but it also increases its volume. You will immediately start looking like someone who can walk the ramps of European fashion capitals. In fact, this hairdryer is used in Europe's finest salons, hotels, and spas. Bring European luxury to your own house.
ghd Professional Hair Dryer
If you have frizzy and difficult hair, the award-winning ghd Professional Hair Dryer is the gadget you need. It makes you look like you’ve just stepped out of the salon, with silky smooth hair. It can be used with ghd’s Total Volume Foam, which gives the appearance of wavy and voluminous locks. Get it here.
Those who take selfies often will be pleased to learn that Fujifilm has announced its Instax Mini 11 instant camera. This camera comes with multiple controls, and users can influence every aspect of their selfies. It harkens back to the good old days of analog photography. All one needs to do is to point-and-shoot and one will get instant photographs. This camera will be available sometime in March and will cost only $70.
Here are some of the more specific features of the Instax Mini 11 instant camera:
One no longer needs to manually change exposure dial. Instax Mini 11 instant camera the changes on its own. This results in fewer waisted shots. As a result photographers will be able to take pictures that are of better quality. In addition each shot will likely cost only between 60 and 70 cents. This also translates to more affordable instant photography.
What makes Instax Mini 11 instant camera special?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W9-GENLK5U
This camera comes with a selfie mode which was not there in the previous models. Older versions required users to attach a snap on lens in order to take selfies. To make selfies look better the manufacturers have attached a small camera so that users can look at themselves before clicking on the snap button. The selfie mode is also a good feature for taking better pictures of subjects that are close by.
Instax Mini 11 instant camera uses the same instant film cartridges as its predecessors do. It prints photographs of the dimension 3.4 by 2.1 inches (86 by 54 millimeters). As this camera is compact it can be easily carried around by travelers, tourists and even users are out on the town. Available colors include purple, white, grey, pink and blue.
Instant cameras are still around, despite smartphone cameras
It is interesting to note that digital cameras have almost disappeared from the market ever since smart phones came into being. However, instant film cameras are still around and they continue to be popular among those who are nostalgic and also those who seek convenience and excellent quality of pictures. The release date is approaching soon and once Fujifilm launches it, it will become very popular among everyday users. The way things look, it might even be used by professionals who prefer taking quick pictures that are of high-quality.
Google has just unveiled a Google Translate update. People who depend on Google Translate for interpreting and translating to and from other languages will be pleased to learn that Google will now save translate history into their accounts. This means, all translations that a user makes or generates will be stored or attached to their account. Google will be able to retrieve these translations so that users do not have to translate repeatedly. In addition, users will be able to sync translations between multiple devices. This is possible because these translations are stored in Google accounts.
To access translation history, here is what users need to do:
Login to Google account before conducting a translation
Run a translation normally as one always would
Retrieve translations on other devices in real time
Manage translations under My Activity section
Add, delete or edit translations in the My Activity section
Whom is the new Google Translate update for?
This feature will prove to be a boon for those who travel often. It is also a gift for those who often converse with foreigners or work as travel agents. As businesses and corporate employees increasingly use Google Translate, the ramifications of this update could be enormous.
Important: Make backups of existing translations in the cache
However, there are a few issues that may create problems for users. Those who have cached translations in their devices may lose them forever. Before the change goes into effect, it is advisable to save all these translations so that they are available for later use. Google has begun to flash warning popups already. This means, the changes may go live anytime soon. It may happen in the next few days or even weeks. This should be reason enough to make backups of translations stored in the cache.
Translating may change dramatically in the near future, thanks to AI and ML
As artificial intelligence and machine learning improve, translations will improve dramatically. Text to speech and emotion recognition may work well with translation technologies in the future. Over a period of time, the need to learn foreign languages may cease to exist, making communication seamless. This will also open up access to publications, journals and books written in foreign languages. If translators and interpreters are worried, Google Translate seems to have no qualms about it whatsoever.
