Building a DIY ARM Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution

Building an ARM NAS storage system

Jeff Geerling has published an interesting tutorial revealing how he has built a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system that balances power efficiency with strong performance can be a highly satisfying endeavor. At the heart of such a system, is a ASRock Rack ALTRAD8UD-1L2T Motherboard . This motherboard is energized by an Ampere CPU that boasts […]

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How to use OneNote Templates to improve your productivity

using OneNote to improve productivity workflows

Microsoft OneNote supports a range of content types, including text, images, audio recordings, and videos, as well as the ability to integrate with other Microsoft Office applications. Users can organize their notes into notebooks, sections, and pages, providing a structured yet flexible framework for information management. This quick guide will provide more insight in how […]

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New Aston Martin Vantage gets official

Aston Martin Vantage

The realm of front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports cars has a new titan: the latest Aston Martin Vantage. This car doesn’t just enter the scene; it asserts dominance with a blend of power, precision, and elegance rarely seen in its class. If you’re a connoisseur of fine automobiles, the details of the new Vantage will undoubtedly […]

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How to Learn a Language with Google Gemini

Google Gemini

This guide is designed to show you how to use Google Gemini to learn a new language. Embarking on the journey of mastering a new language offers a multitude of enriching and rewarding experiences. This endeavor not only serves as a key to unlocking the treasure troves of diverse cultures around the globe but also […]

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iOS 17.4 All New Features Revealed (Video)

iOS 17.4

Apple will release their iOS 17.4 software update next month, we are expecting the third developer beta of the software this week, and now we have some more details on all of the new features that will be released in this update. Apple’s latest software update, iOS 17.4 Beta, marks a significant step forward in […]

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What’s new in visionOS 1.1 Beta 1 (Video)

visionOS 1.1 Beta 1

Last week Apple released their new visionOS 1.1 beta 1 for the Apple Vision Pro and now we have a video from Zollotech that gives us a look at the first beta for the Vision Pro. f you’re keen on understanding the intricacies and enhancements this update introduces, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore […]

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Battery Test: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Video)

Samsung Galaxy S24

When choosing a new smartphone, battery life is often a deal-breaker. With the release of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike are eager to know which device can keep up with their busy lives. Luckily, a recent real-world battery drain test offers some clear […]

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Grind the perfect coffee ground for your next cup of coffee with precision and flavor

Mocaf is the ideal electric coffee bean grinder for daily coffee lovers who enjoy crafting their favorite brew at home. It effortlessly transforms beans into uniformly sized grains for immediate brewing. Equipped with ultra-sharp 60mm stainless steel flat burrs, 29 grind settings, and 4-speed adjustments, it gives aficionados the perfect way to create a fresh, flavorful brew every time.

Designer: Mocaf

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $230 (48% off). Hurry, only 102/320 left! Less than 72-hours to go.

Finding the perfect coffee grind is as personal and crucial for coffee enthusiasts as a Wall Street trader seeking a custom-tailored suit. Coffee grounds come in many varieties, and the grind significantly influences the richness of the brew. That’s why Mocaf’s 29 grind settings range from coarse to extra fine settings, letting you achieve the perfect blend that matches your preferred coffee flavor and strength, aligning perfectly with your unique taste preferences.

The size of coffee grounds significantly impacts the brewing process and the resulting flavor of the coffee. When water passes through the coffee grounds, it extracts flavors and compounds. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly and not extract enough flavor, resulting in a weak and under-extracted brew. Conversely, if the grind is too fine, the water will take longer to pass through, leading to over-extraction and a bitter taste. Therefore, having control over the grind size allows for precise control over the extraction process, enabling you to fine-tune the strength and flavor of your brew to your exact preference.

For instance, it’s generally recommended to use a medium to coarse grind for iced coffee. This is because iced coffee is often brewed using the cold brew method, requiring longer extraction time. A medium to coarse grind ensures the coffee isn’t over-extracted during this process, which could lead to a bitter taste. Instead, it allows for a smooth, well-rounded flavor that is perfect for a refreshing iced coffee. On the other hand, for espresso, a fine grind is typically recommended. The espresso brewing process is quick, usually taking just 20-30 seconds, and requires finely ground coffee to ensure optimal extraction. The fine grind exposes more coffee to the hot water during brewing, leading to a robust and full-bodied shot of espresso. However, the grind should not be too fine, as that could cause over-extraction, leading to a bitter and burnt taste. Therefore, achieving the right balance with a fine, but not too fine grind is the key to a perfect espresso shot.

The 29 grind size levels range from a powder-like consistency for Turkish coffee to a coarser grind for Cold Brew. Turkish coffee, known for its traditional and rich flavor, is prepared directly in a pot by simmering finely ground coffee, often with sugar. The coffee is then served, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom of the cup. This method is celebrated for its bold and robust taste, providing a unique coffee experience deeply rooted in cultural traditions—the settings range from gear 1 to 3.

Espresso is a fundamental aspect of coffee culture, crafted by pushing a minimal amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. This brewing technique is celebrated for its intense flavor and creamy consistency. Espresso forms the base for a variety of beloved coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more, making it a staple in the coffee community. Mocaf recommends gear 4-9 if you’re using an espresso machine.

The Moka Pot, an Italian invention named after the Yemeni city of Mocha, offers a unique coffee-making method. This stovetop or electric device brews coffee through ground coffee by forcing boiling water, pressurized by steam. The result is a robust brew, similar to espresso, known for its rich flavor. For optimal taste, use gear settings between 10-16.

Pour-over coffee involves a hands-on brewing process where hot water is meticulously poured over coffee grounds in a filter. The water slowly seeps through the grounds, dripping into a carafe or directly into a cup. This approach provides significant control over brewing, resulting in a clean, flavor-rich coffee. It appeals to those who enjoy the subtleties of coffee tasting. For this method, use gear settings 17-22.

The art of cold brew coffee involves settings on gear 23-29. It’s unique for its preparation method, where coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period, usually between 12 and 24 hours. This approach yields a smoother, milder coffee concentrate with less acidity than hot-brewed coffee. Cold brew is versatile and often served over ice, diluted as desired with water or milk for a refreshing, gentle coffee experience.

The grinding speed of coffee grounds significantly affects the final quality and flavor of the brewed coffee. This is mainly due to heat generation and grind consistency, which are both influenced by the speed of grinding.

Variable Coffee Grinding Speeds Accommodate Diverse Tastes

Mocaf offers four different grinding speeds to cater to your personal preferences. Choose a rate that suits your taste. Selecting a speed that’s too high can generate heat due to friction between the beans and the grinder’s burrs. This heat could further roast or partially cook the beans, potentially reducing the coffee’s nuanced flavors and aromatic oils. These oils and flavors are crucial for the coffee’s overall taste profile, so preserving them for the best brew quality is important. Therefore, controlling the grinding speed is essential to limit heat production and retain the coffee’s original flavors.

Another critical component of a quality coffee grinder is the burrs. These determine the consistency and quality of the ground coffee, which are crucial for optimal extraction and flavor. Unlike blade grinders that chop beans inconsistently, burr grinders crush coffee beans between two abrasive surfaces (burrs) to achieve a more uniform grind size.

Uniformity in the size of coffee grinds is crucial for even extraction during brewing. If the particles vary in size, water won’t flow through them consistently. This inconsistency can lead to over-extraction in some particles and under-extraction in others, resulting in a bitter and sour coffee cup. A uniform grind ensures all coffee particles are exposed to water for the same duration, yielding a balanced and flavorful cup.

Professional 60mm Flat Burrs Guarantee Consistent Grind Sizes

In essence, Mocaf features a set of precision 60mm stainless steel flat burrs to ensure a consistent, adjustable, and quality grind that is crucial for extracting the full flavor potential of coffee beans and enhancing the overall coffee experience.

Mocaf ensures minimal coffee grounds retention due to its razor-sharp steel burrs and innovative high-force grinds knocker design. This allows for completely capturing and dispensing coffee particles into your custom cup.

Designed with Powerful Knockers to Ensure Zero Leftover Grounds

Mocaf’s integrated scale and timer are vital features. You can set your desired grind weight or grinding time. The device automatically turns off when it reaches the set parameters. This guarantees a precise amount of ground coffee every time.

Mocaf Coffee Grinder includes features such as automatic stop, and options for grinding based on weight or time

A magnetic anti-splash cup is not essential, but it makes dosing coffee grounds directly into the cup neat and clean. Just put the cup on the base, and it will align to the center automatically and accurately.

To top it off, Mocaf features a spacious detachable bean hopper that can hold up to 850 grams of whole coffee beans, ensuring a fresh grind is always available. Its transparent container provides a clear view, enabling easy bean-level monitoring.

Mocaf Coffee Grinder has a capacity to hold up to 850 grams of coffee beans

Once you’ve finished grinding the coffee beans to perfection, cleaning is simple and quick, enabling you to enjoy your drink sooner.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $230 (48% off). Hurry, only 102/320 left! Less than 72-hours to go.

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Top 10 Game-Changing Materials that are shaping the Design and Technology World in 2024

Imagine a world where buildings heal their own cracks, mushrooms become furniture, and fashion can help regulate your body temperature to keep you comfortable no matter the weather. This isn’t a chapter from a science fiction novel; it’s the near future of design materials that are set to revolutionize our lives in 2024. From self-healing concrete to bioengineered plastics, innovators across the globe are pushing boundaries to create materials that not only challenge our traditional understanding of functionality but also promise sustainability and efficiency like never before. A lot of these materials may not seem incredibly new to you, but advancements in their production (and rapid deployment) earn them a spot on this list. These aren’t ‘unheard of’ materials, but rather, are materials that are slowly and surely becoming more and more accessible to companies looking to innovate and bring the latest advancements to the world. Be prepared to hear more and more about these materials going forward, because of how radically powerful they are, and how much potential they hold to make lives easier, processes more efficient, and the world hopefully greener and better.

10. Gallium Nitride (GaN)

This unassuming compound, often overshadowed by its silicon cousins in years past, is poised to claim center stage as one of the top ten game-changing materials for technology. Imagine a substance so versatile that it could simultaneously shrink your bulky laptop charger into an almost weightless accessory and at the same time propel electric vehicles towards unprecedented efficiencies. GaN does just that, thanks to its remarkable ability to handle higher voltages and dissipate less heat than silicon—traits that are propelling us headlong into an era of energy efficiency that once seemed like science fiction. In laboratories around the globe, GaN is already flexing its muscles; showing off not only in power electronics but also making waves in radio frequency applications where speed is king. With 5G networks unfurling their potential across cities worldwide, GaN stands ready as a key player in amplifying signals with clarity and precision unheard of before. But don’t let these technical feats overshadow GaN’s environmental bravado—it operates cooler and wastes less power, which means smaller cooling systems and greener solutions all around.

9. Graphene

This marvel, just one atom thick and yet stronger than steel, is poised to redefine our approach to everything from electronics to architecture. Picture a world where your smartphone bends like paper without breaking or buildings that withstand earthquakes with ease; this isn’t a fanciful daydream but the tangible future promised by graphene. Revered for its exceptional conductivity, it’s set to revolutionize solar panels, turning them into ultra-efficient light sponges that could make clean energy more accessible than ever before. Imagine textiles imbued with this wonder material – clothing that can monitor health or even charge your devices on-the-go (we already know of thermoregulating fabrics that rely on the properties of Graphene)… but what truly sets graphene apart is its versatility – it’s not merely enhancing existing products but paving the path for innovations we haven’t even dreamed of yet.

8. Quantum Dots

You’ve probably heard of quantum dots in one of Samsung, LG, or Sony’s press releases about their latest televisions… but what exactly are these quantum dots, and what about them made them enter this list? Well, quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystals with unique optical properties, making them ideal for next-gen display technologies. These tiny semiconductor particles are small enough to exhibit quantum mechanical properties, which allow them to emit light at specific wavelengths when energized. The result? Vibrant colors and improved energy efficiency in displays ranging from TVs to smartphones. While the world is coalescing around quantum dot displays (moving away from traditional LCDs and OLEDs) because of how incredibly vivid and lifelike they are, the potential for these dots extends way beyond just displays, with their ability to help make solar panels MUCH more efficient, as well as revolutionize (and democratize) quantum computing.

7. Liquid Metal Alloys

If the term ‘Liquid Metal Alloys’ instantly got you thinking of T-1000 from Terminator 2, you’re bang on the money. Imagine a metallic substance as malleable as playdough yet capable of conducting electricity better than copper and withstanding extreme temperatures without breaking a sweat. Liquid metal alloys, composed primarily of gallium mixed with other metals like indium and tin, challenge our very notions of solidity and permanence. These wonder materials can be poured into molds to create seamless parts for complex machinery or used in flexible electronics (think wearable tech or soft robotics) that bend without breaking – think foldable smartphones taken to an entirely new level. Moreover, their self-healing properties ensure longevity in products that would otherwise succumb to wear and tear. Researchers across global high-tech sectors are buzzing about how liquid metal alloys could revolutionize everything from medical devices—enabling more responsive prosthetics—to aerospace components that can endure volatile space conditions unscathed. The transformative potential is immense: energy storage systems becoming more efficient, soft robotics gaining unprecedented flexibility and sensitivity, and even consumer gadgets getting sleeker upgrades while enhancing durability.

6. Advanced Ceramics

Envision a world where engines run cooler and last longer because of ceramic components impervious to heat and wear or where our smartphones are virtually indestructible thanks to scratch-resistant ceramic screens (Apple’s already experimenting with their CeramicShield technology). This alchemy of silicon nitride, zirconium oxide, and alumina stands poised to shatter expectations—without shattering itself—with its unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio and thermal stability. The brilliance lies not just in what these materials can endure but also in their uncanny ability to conduct electricity or resist it entirely depending on the need—a trait that makes them indispensable in electronic devices and solar panels alike. As environmental considerations take center stage globally, advanced ceramics offer an eco-friendly beacon for sustainable development with their durability reducing waste over time.

5. Nanocellulose

Derived from cellulose, the most abundant polymer on earth, nanocellulose is an absolute eco-friendly wonder-material. At just a nanometer scale in width, nanocellulose fibers are invisible to the naked eye but hold the future of sustainable technology firmly within their minuscule grasp. Why is nanocellulose turning heads this year? Picture a material lighter than plastic yet robust enough to challenge steel’s dominance in tensile strength—a true David amidst industrial Goliaths. Manufactured through methods that break down plant matter into its cellular level, nanocellulose transcends its humble origins by boasting properties like biodegradability and low toxicity—all while maintaining remarkable thermal stability and barrier qualities against gases. It’s no surprise then that industries from packaging to aerospace are scrambling to integrate it into their products for an edge in environmentally conscious innovation.

4. Mycelium

Try to picture the word ‘mushroom’ in your head and I’m sure your brain conjures the archetypical button or oyster mushroom that most of us know and love. However, that tiny umbrella-shaped organism is just a tiny fraction of what a mushroom actually is. The part that emerges from the ground is merely the ‘fruit’, which contains spores to help the organism propagate further… but look underneath the surface and you’ll stumble across the mycelium, often considered the true ‘body’ of the mushroom. Often tens or hundreds of times larger than the tiny button-shaped fruits themselves, mycelium has some incredible benefits. It possesses leather-like properties, making it an incredibly suitable vegan alternative to animal-based leather, but more importantly, its fleshy, spongy mass has the ability to grow at a rapid pace, making it a great replacement for styrofoam and a bunch of other moldable materials. The fungus-based material grows by decomposing and ingesting natural waste (which is a win in its own regard), has the ability to self-heal and regrow at rapid speeds, and the best part, is entirely natural, making it eco-friendly and inherently biodegradable. This mycelium single-use biodegradable grill is a perfect example of how the material could revolutionize 2024.

3. Bioplastics & Biocomposites

While mycelium won’t completely replace moldable materials like plastics, petroleum-based plastics are seeing some stiff competition from naturally derived polymers or even polymers that integrate natural composites into them. Traditional plastics are derived from crude oil and have a notorious inability to degrade into soil, causing pretty much every conceivable problem in modern history from landfills to ocean trash and those pesky microplastics that are now finding their way into humans and pretty much every part of nature. Bioplastics are derived from naturally occurring materials (like corn or hemp), allowing them to be molded and manufactured just like regular plastic, but with the added benefit of being biocompatible and degradable. Biocomposites, on the other hand, use natural filler materials and natural binders to create a plastic alternative that’s stiff, durable, and resistant to external elements. The most common biocomposites we’ve seen make use of waste like coffee grounds or grain husks, binding them with natural binding agents to create new materials with properties that mimic different forms of plastic… but with the added benefit of being nature-friendly, and waste-reducing. This no-compromise approach to material sciences make bioplastics and biocomposites a truly game-changing choice for 2024… and perhaps the most easily accessible too!

2. Transparent Solar Panels

Imagine if your home windows could collect energy from the sun and supply your house with power. Or even more impressively, if your smartphone’s glass front could help charge your phone when kept out in the sun. The advent of transparent solar panels are slowly making this dream a reality. These panels offer advantages over traditional panels by being less visible and space-efficient. Despite being relatively new and pricey, ongoing technological advancements suggest future cost reductions, making them more accessible. The panels work by utilizing a special solar cell that absorbs light without darkening, enabling integration into windows and other transparent surfaces. This technology, although in its early stages, holds immense potential to transform solar energy utilization, effectively turning any glass surface into an energy source. The panels operate by letting visible light pass through while capturing ultraviolet and near-infrared energy, enabling power generation without relying solely on visible light. Their thinness and efficiency make them versatile for various applications, from powering devices to entire buildings, without compromising aesthetics. Think about how incredible it would be if you could park your car out in the open and return to a fully charged EV battery?!

1. Self-healing materials

Perhaps the most exciting material type in this entire list, self-healing materials represent a category of materials that can ‘mend’ themselves over time, reversing any damage caused to them. The most obvious application is self-healing concrete, which allows cracks and signs of weathering in buildings to magically disappear, increasing the longevity of structures (done by incorporating specific elements such as fibers or capsules into a concrete mix that contains repairing solutions)… however, the applications in technology are incredible too. Self-healing paints/coatings could allow scratches on cars to automatically disappear when exposed to light or UV, and there have been significant advancements in self-healing polymers and glasses that could make tech damage less of a hassle. Imagine dropping your phone only to see the crack or scratch heal and disappear over time. That would make for a rather fun JerryRigEverything YouTube video!

(Bonus) Titanium

Although Titanium has been one of the go-to materials for EDC tool design and medical use, the fact that Apple and Samsung both launched titanium smartphones last year has massive implications for the world’s strongest metal. Sure, outside those few consumer electronics uses, Titanium has been around for decades… so why does it feature on this list? Well, Titanium sits at a unique crossroads – it’s lightweight, ridiculously durable, and it’s biocompatible (and therefore hypoallergenic). It doesn’t hurt that Apple and Samsung have done wonders for the material’s popularity too… so expect titanium to make more appearances in high-end wearables, bordering on even bionic products like BCIs (brain-computer interfaces) and other exciting products we haven’t seen yet!

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Casetify’s new AirPods Case isn’t pocket-friendly… but it’s definitely a collector’s item

“Let me wear my AirPods…”
*proceeds to pull an Iron Man helmet out of their backpack*

I’ll be honest – is Casetify’s latest AirPods case practical? Hell no. Is it cool? Oh absolutely. Partnering with Marvel, the company debuted a few Iron Man-themed accessories, although none as on-the-nose as their AirPods case. Designed to look exactly like an Iron Man helmet that opens up to reveal your TWS earbuds, this little number comes with a stand you can place it on a carabiner clip in case you want to strap it to your backpack… and the best part, light-up eyes that should surely grab the attention of fellow enthusiasts.

Designer: Casetify

Designed for the AirPods Pro and Pro 2, the case is roughly fist-sized, and comes with a painted plastic finish (although a chrome-plating would really seal the deal). The Iron Man head opens just the way the helmet does in the movies, although that doesn’t open the lid of the AirPods Pro case… you still need to flip the helmet open, and then flip open the AirPods case lid to get to your TWS earbuds. A bit of a hassle, sure, but heck… does it look cool.

The Tony Stark-esque holder doesn’t charge your AirPods Pro, however. It’s merely just an outer cover for storing your AirPods in, eschewing that boring white plastic exterior for something more edgy and cool. The best part, however, is the fact that the eyes actually light up. Relying on a single CR2032 coin battery, the eyes on the helmet glow in the signature blue when you shut the helmet, shining for 2 minutes before they dim out automatically.

Priced at $122, the Iron Man AirPods Pro case isn’t specifically pocket-friendly (both physically and fiscally), but it’s definitely worth adding to your collection if you consider yourself a comic-book aficionado or just a fan of the franchise. At least it’s big enough that you won’t be able to accidentally lose it, right??

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