iOS 17.2 beta 3 and iPadOS 17.2 beta 3 released

iOS 17.2 beta 3

Apple has released iOS 17.2 beta 3 for the iPhone and iPadOS 17.2 beta 3 for the iPad to developers, these new betas come a week after the previous betas and we are also expecting new betas to be released to public beta testers sometime soon as well. The new betas of iOS 17.2 and […]

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Garmin Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition unveiled

Garmin Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition

Garmin has unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Garmin Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition which is designed to be a dive comp[uter and it can be used for a wide variety of fitness activities, it has also been made of recycled ocean-bound plastics. The Descent™ Mk3 series watch-style dive computers and Descent T2 transceiver with enhanced […]

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Top 5 questions to ask Google Bard

questions to ask Google Bard

Google Bard emerges as an expansive and sophisticated large language model (LLM) chatbot, meticulously crafted by the innovators at Google AI. Its foundation rests on an impressively vast dataset, encompassing a diverse range of text and code. This extensive training enables Bard to adeptly generate text, seamlessly translate various languages, and compose an array of […]

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WhatsApp chats backed up to Google Drive will soon take up storage space

You may want to check your Google account storage situation if you back up your WhatsApp conversations to Drive on Android. In 2018, WhatsApp and Google announced that you could save your WhatsApp chat history to Drive without it counting towards your storage quota. But starting in December 2023, backing up the messaging app to Drive will count towards your Google account cloud storage space if you're WhatsApp beta user. If you don't use the app's beta version, you won't be feeling the change in policy until next year when it "gradually" makes its way to all Android devices. 

Personal Google accounts come with 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos. In its announcement, Google noted that that's "three times more than most mobile platforms." Apple's iCloud, for instance, only comes with 5GB of free space. Still, it's very much possible (and maybe even easy at this point) to hit or go beyond 15GB, depending on how many pictures and files you've backed up and uploaded.

Google has linked to its storage management tools in its post to make it easier to remove large files or photos you no longer need. You can also delete items from within WhatsApp, so they'll no longer be included in your next backup. Of course, you also have the option to purchase extra storage with Google One, which will set you back at least $2 a month for 100GB. The company promises to provide eligible users with "limited, one-time Google One promotions" soon, though, so it may be best to wait for those before getting a subscription. Take note that this change will only affect you if you back up your chat history using your personal account. If you have a Workspace account through your job or another organization, you don't have to worry about WhatsApp taking up a chunk of your cloud storage space. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-chats-backed-up-to-google-drive-will-soon-take-up-storage-space-055300237.html?src=rss

Cruise is also pausing its manned robotaxi rides for ‘a full safety review’

Following the pedestrian collision on October 2nd, Cruise had its driverless vehicle permit revoked in California, but the company is now also voluntarily pausing its supervised and manual robotaxi operation in the US "in the coming days." This will be part of an expanded safety probe conducted by independent engineering consulting firm, Exponent, which originally came on board to focus on "a technical root cause analysis" of the aforementioned accident. The suspended manual operation will apparently affect around 70 vehicles — a fraction of Cruise's fleet of 950 robotaxis, which were recalled following the freak accident instigated by a separate hit-and-run.

The same announcement shared that Craig Glidden, General Motors' Executive Vice President of Legal and Policy and Cruise board member, will be joining the subsidiary as Chief Administrative Officer. The exec will oversee Cruise's legal, communications and finance teams, on top of his current role at GM. The company is also continuing its search for a permanent Chief Safety Officer, while retaining "a third-party safety expert in the coming weeks to perform a full assessment of Cruise’s safety operations and culture."

It'll be an uphill battle for Cruise from here on out. Recent reports discovered that these robotaxis struggled to detect children, not to mention the firm's seeming lack of data around child-specific situations on the streets. Despite this known flaw, Cruise continued to operate its autonomous vehicles on the streets. It is also reported that Cruise employees will face layoffs over the next two weeks, as the company struggles to regain trust from the public and authorities — not just for itself, but also for the entire robotaxi industry.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cruise-is-also-pausing-its-manned-robotaxi-rides-for-a-full-safety-review-040140791.html?src=rss

EyeLights Rocket One is a futuristic high-performance electric motorcycle with a fighter jet-like HUD

Building a winning motorbike design pretty much always starts off with a well-thought-out concept blueprint. However, taking it to the prototyping stage takes a lot of input. After all, barely a handful of concept designs make it past the blueprint stage and onto to the real deal.

The EyeLights Rocket One is one such successful example of a bike design done right. In fact, it took just three months to take it from a mere sketch to a working prototype. Alan Derosier, the lead designer of this augmented reality-assisted motorbike created for EyeLights SAS, managed to strike the right balance between form and function.

Designer: Alan Derosier

The Rocket One electric bike made its inaugural real-life presence at EICMA 2023 which is not surprising. According to Alan, the bike’s initial design revolved around fine-tuning the proportions and silhouettes. Then the masses and refining of the surfaces was done. That approach is pretty similar to how cars are designed. The result is a performance-oriented ride that houses huge batteries for power delivery and a respectable range.

This powerful bike has the apparent influences of the Lotus bikes, but we dare not call it a copy by any stretch of the imagination. The bike can go from 0-100km/h in just 2.6 seconds, and 1200 Nm of torque on the rear wheel produces 180 horsepower for stunning performance for an electric bike. Add to the mix a more than 400 km of range on a single charge. That is attributed to the large batteries hiding in that sleek body.

While the form factor is something to behold, the real deal is its futuristic augmented reality-aided navigation system. That comes as no surprise as EyeLights specializes in AR applications, and the Rocket One adapts its technologies from what fighter jet pilots use. The HUD of the accompanying helmet has a cluster of vital information displayed in the field of view of the rider.

For now, the bike is on the waiting list for interested buyers and we hope it doesn’t take forever to actually be available for purchase.

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Roland’s new software instrument Galaxias offers access to 20,000 sounds

Roland just unveiled its latest software plugin instrument. Galaxias, not to be confused with the Galaga-esque arcade game Galaxia, offers access to 20,000 sounds, leading Roland to call it “one big super instrument.” It runs as a standalone application on both macOS and Windows, in addition to operating as a VST3 or AU plugin.

This looks a lot like Arturia’s amazing Analog Lab software, as Galaxias provides access to sounds across Roland’s entire history. There are presets sourced from nearly every Roland instrument you can think of, from the iconic Jupiter 8 synthesizer to the, uh, even more iconic TR 808 drum machine. These sounds aren’t just from retro darlings, as there are plenty of options culled from recent releases like System 8 and Zenology, among others.

As a matter of fact, the company says Galaxias provides access to any instrument available via Roland Cloud. You can also layer up to four instruments together, along with two effects per layer, to create custom soundscapes that Roland calls Scenes. Additionally, there are some beefed up adjustment parameters here, with macro controls that let you change up 128 parameters via internal LFOs or an external MIDI controller.

The Roland Galaxias interface.
Roland

Just like Analog Lab, everything’s designed around a proprietary interface that allows for custom organization options, so you won’t lose your favorite preset in a mad dash to find the beefiest bassline. Roland also says that more sounds and capabilities will be added regularly.

Galaxias is available now and is included with a Roland Cloud Ultimate membership, which costs $200 per year or $20 each month. There’s a 30-day free trial for those curious about what all the fuss is about.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/rolands-new-software-instrument-galaxias-offers-access-to-20000-sounds-010004849.html?src=rss

Flip open bottles with James Brand opener, lifestyle accessory designed to do a lot more

In the everyday carry (EDC) world, The James Brand is a heralded name; celebrated for its creation of the most coveted and functional EDC knives. Now, stepping into uncharted territory with a touch of innovation and style, James Brand reveals the Titanium Bottle Opener—an accessory that Man of Many titles the “iPhone 15 Pro of bottle openers.”

It is a sleek and durable bottle opener made entirely of 6AL4V titanium; the same material found in high-performance aircraft components. This choice of material for construction renders the TJB bottle open feather-lightweight form factor. It weighs only 29g and is stilled to open conversations with every flip of a bottle cap.

Designer: The James Brand

Priced at $99, this titanium bottle opener is a small investment that pays off big. Milled from a single solid billet, it embodies the epitome of strength and durability. The James Brand has not only created a tool for practical use but a statement piece that seamlessly transitions from your home to the bustling atmosphere of a night out with friends.

Not just limited to bottle-opening duties, this EDC comes integrated with a lanyard hole in its sleek profile, which offers a personal touch and a chance for you to make a statement with your style. That’s not all, flip the opener over, and you’ll discover a mini driver discreetly nestled in the bottom. Need to open a box or tighten down a camera mount? The James Brand Titanium Bottle Opener has you covered.

In the exclusive market of EDCs, where every detail counts, The James Brand Titanium Bottle Opener stands out as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. For its affordable price tag, you’re not just purchasing a bottle opener; you’re investing in a conversation starter: A piece of titanium design that’ll withstand the test of time!

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This Adaptable + Minimal Furniture Collection Is The Future Of Seating In Schools & Offices

Having the right seating solutions in offices and schools is of utmost importance. We spend a lot of time on it, completing our tasks, working away to glory, or sitting through tedious classes if we’re still in school. An excellent seating design is of course, comfortable and ergonomic, but also able to add some personality and spunk to a space. It functions as a great spot to not only complete your work but also lounge about a bit, and have a quick chat with your co-workers and friends. And, one such seating option to consider is the Plega Seating Collection by Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot.

Designer: Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot

Designed by Australian designer Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot, the Plega seating collection includes a range of stool and benches that perfectly combine acoustic properties with adaptable seating, to work efficiently for work and school environments. The Plega stools and benches are made using a thick felt sound-dampening panel which is called Autex Acoustics’ CubeTM material. The collection is built using an attractive yet functional design that can be folded and slotted together from a flat-pack format.

The stool and benches have a cuboidal form which allows them to be used as flexible furniture items in dynamic settings. The lightweight seating designs can be bundled together to support team meetings and huddles. The aforementioned CubeTM panels are built using compressed polyester felt with 60 percent recycled content. The entire collection is awarded with certifications by WELL, LEED, Green Star, and BREEAM for the collection’s high environmental performance.

“Beyond sustainability, these stools and benches encapsulate a harmonious blend of adaptability and form, catering to the dynamic requirements of educational and corporate spaces,” said Derlot. The varied PLEGA stools and benches are available in a collection of soft and pastel colors that won’t command too much attention. They’re available in both adult and kid sizes, making them ideal for offices and schools. PLEGA is designed to be the future of seating in contemporary schools and offices. The collection has a minimal and clean form, making it appropriate for such spaces, and allowing the furniture pieces to harmoniously merge with such environments.

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LEGO and Air Hockey Combine in This DIY Brick-Based Mini Table

Although there’s no air involved in this particular build, the LEGO Ideas Tabletop Air Hockey kit captures the joy of slinging a puck around from left to right, trying to score a goal while protecting your own post. Submitted to the LEGO Ideas forum, this fan-made build from ‘LordFamousTulip100’ sits on the global LEGO forum with nearly a 1000 votes.

Designer: LordFamousTulip100

With a highly sturdy reliable construction that can easily handle the occasional violence of Air Hockey, LordFamousTulip100’s build comprises a staggering 2,500 bricks. The playing surface is smooth, has all the markings, and is spacious enough to accommodate two players comfortably. It’s still compact enough that the entire apparatus can sit on a coffee table, occupying perhaps the same amount of space as a large board game.

“The model features two brick build mallets and two pucks, which the goal can comfortably fit and store when you are not playing,” says designer LordFamousTulip100. “The playing surface is made with the largest pieces possible to ensure a smooth game.”

The board also features a goal counter to keep score, and has exposed dotted bricks on either side that you can plug your mallets/strikers into when not in use. The lack of air-based lubrication may be the one thing really missing from this game, but it makes up for it with the ability to be customized/modified thanks to the open-source LEGO-based design!

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