Monthly Archives: March 2024

The PS5 Pro is reportedly coming this holiday season

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Confession time: I already have a copy of Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for the PS5 even though I still don't have a PlayStation 5 console. I never get consoles the moment they come out and usually wait a few years for their next version. In the PlayStation 5's case, I thought it was going to be the PS5 Slim, but it looks like I could have another option by the end of the year: The PlayStation 5 Pro. Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming says the PS5 Pro details leaked by the Moore’s Law is Dead YouTube channel came from documentation Sony itself recently sent to third-party developers. 

Take the website's confirmation with a grain of salt, of course, but Henderson has a pretty good track record when it comes to leaks. In 2022, he reported that Sony was working a "genuine professional controller" for the PS5, two months before the DualSense Edge was officially announced. He also revealed that the company was set to release a version of the console with a detachable disc drive a full year before Sony introduced the smaller and lighter PS5 model. 

Based on leaked information on the PS5 Pro so far, it will offer improved and consistent frame rate (FPS) at 4K, as well as a "performance mode" for 8K resolution. It's also expected to be able to render games up to 45 percent quicker and to have ray tracing capabilities that are two to three times faster than its non-pro counterpart. Plus, the documentation Moore’s Law is Dead featured in its video shows that it will have a GPU with 67 Teraflops FP16 (33.5 Teraflops FP32) performance, which indicates faster speeds and better graphics overall.

Henderson says Sony is targeting a holiday release for the PS5 Pro, most likely to take advantage of heightened sales for the season. However, that could still change, depending on whether the company feels there haven't been enough first-party title releases this year. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ps5-pro-is-reportedly-coming-this-holiday-season-084404542.html?src=rss

The Best iPhone Camera Settings for Night Photography

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Best iPhone Camera Settings

Night photography and Astrophotography, once the domain of professional-grade cameras and lenses, is now within reach of every iPhone user. Capturing the breathtaking beauty of the night sky, including the majestic galactic core, has become accessible thanks to advancements in technology and a bit of know-how. If you’re keen to dive into this fascinating world, […]

The post The Best iPhone Camera Settings for Night Photography appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

How to create talking AI assistants capable of making and answering calls

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create AI assistants with voice using no code automation

In today’s fast-paced business world, automating lead nurturing processes can significantly improve efficiency and productivity. By leveraging AI-powered voice assistants and no-code platforms like Zapier, businesses can create seamless workflows that handle tasks such as initiating phone calls, analyzing call transcripts, and updating CRM records. In this article, we will explore how to create AI […]

The post How to create talking AI assistants capable of making and answering calls appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

This Card Reader On Steroids Can Store and Read up to 16 Memory Cards at 300Mb/s Speeds

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It looks like an SSD, but pop its hood open and the CAZE is a photographer’s best friend. Designed with as many as 20 slots, this portable gadget stores 4 SD cards, 12 MicroSD cards, and 4 SIM cards in its inner tray. Built-in card readers then let you access data from all those memory cards, giving you a convenient place to stash all your active memory cards and even read/write data on them. Content creators and photographers know the importance of safeguarding their precious data. However, managing multiple memory cards, ensuring their safety, and achieving fast transfer speeds can be a constant struggle. That’s where the CAZE comes in, with its compact yet powerful design. The CAZE gives you a place to store all your memory cards, but also access the data on them. A USB cable allows you to hook your CAZE to a laptop, phone, or tablet, letting you view media on the cards or even edit them. Heck, you can even store media from your phone onto a memory card in the CAZE too, giving you a clever offline alternative to cloud storage.

Designer: Asuzio

Click Here to Buy Now: $49 $69 ($29% off) Hurry! Only 7 days left!

CAZE transcends the concept of a simple storage case. It’s a meticulously designed fortress built to safeguard your creative work while keeping it organized. With a remarkable capacity for 4 SD cards, 12 Micro SD cards, and 4 Nano SIM cards, CAZE allows you to carry your entire digital library in one secure place. But security goes beyond just holding a lot of cards.

The design prioritizes the well-being of your data. Precision-engineered card slots ensure a snug fit and effortless access, while inner sealing rings shield your cards from dust and moisture, potential enemies of digital memories. The exterior is constructed from a robust aluminum alloy, offering a perfect blend of strength and lightness. To further enhance protection, a silicone shell encases the case, significantly improving shock absorption and safeguarding your precious storage cards from the perils of accidental drops.

Gone are the days of waiting for data transfers to crawl along. CAZE integrates cutting-edge technology, supporting the high-speed capabilities of SD4.0 UHS-II (up to 300MB/s) and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s). This translates to lightning-fast data transfer, freeing you from unnecessary delays. The card reader and USB port are designed for simultaneous reading of SD cards, MicroSD cards, and USB devices, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

Furthermore, CAZE boasts universal compatibility. Whether you use iPhones, Android phones, tablets, laptops, or various storage formats like SDXC, SDHC, and SD cards, Micro SDXC, Micro SDHC, and Micro SD, CAZE seamlessly integrates with your existing devices, keeping you connected and productive across your entire tech ecosystem.

CAZE isn’t solely focused on speed and protection; it prioritizes organization as well. The ingenious status management toggle feature provides a quick and clear view of which cards are full and ready to capture new content. This eliminates the frustration of rummaging through cards, saving you valuable time. Additionally, the thoughtful design of the card slots allows for effortless retrieval of MicroSD cards without removing the SD cards above. This clever approach minimizes the risk of losing those tiny cards in the shuffle.

CAZE offers additional features that cater to the specific needs of content creators. Four dedicated Nano SIM card slots and an eject pin eliminate the hassle of managing those miniature SIM cards, a common pain point for those who frequently switch devices or travel internationally. An included USB adapter ensures easy connection with devices lacking a Type-C port, providing greater flexibility for connecting to a wider range of devices.

If you’re a photographer, videographer, or any creative professional who juggles multiple memory cards and demands fast, secure data transfer, then CAZE might be the ideal solution for you. The Kickstarter campaign is still ongoing, so head over to their page to learn more about this innovative storage solution and see if CAZE can unlock your creative potential by streamlining your workflow and keeping your data safe.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49 $69 ($29% off) Hurry! Only 7 days left!

The post This Card Reader On Steroids Can Store and Read up to 16 Memory Cards at 300Mb/s Speeds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Voluptuous 1970s Sofa From A French President’s Home Is Being Reissued In 2024

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A good chair is immensely valuable to a home setup, and our butt. We spend the better half of our day lounging on chairs, whether we’re working in our office, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply sitting and reading our favorite book. We cannot underestimate the power of a chair in our lives, and also the power it holds in bringing together a particular room. This piece of furniture needs to tick off a lot of checkboxes – it needs to be comfortable, and ergonomic, and should also perfectly suit our living or working space. And, a seating design you could consider is the Pumpkin Chair! French designer Pierre Paulin designed his iconic Pumpkin chair in the 1970s, and it has now been re-released by the furniture company Ligne Roset!

Designer: Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset

The Pumpkin chair was created in 1971 for French President Georges Pompido’s private apartment in the Elysée Palace. He wanted an untraditional furniture design that would refresh the country’s design industry. Paulin designed the chair to feature a rounded shape, constructed by molded strips of wood wrapped in foam.

The chair’s chonky form brings to mind the image of a pumpkin, and the chair became a focal point of the President’s home. However, the originals of the chair are rarely found now, and Ligne Roset has been reproducing a new version since 2008. The company has maintained the chair’s organic and round shape, which provides the “ultimate lounging experience”.

“Easy on the eye with its round contours and expressive personality, it beckons one to sink into it and linger,” said Ligne Roset. The Pumpkin chair has an extraordinarily cozy aura to it, and it instantly invites you in, urging you to take a seat and let the stresses of your day fade away. It is designed to provide a much-needed break from your hectic workday. The Pumpkin series also includes a loveseat, sofa, ottoman, and swiveling armchair. The furniture design can be upholstered in fabric or leather, with colored wool to accompany it, creating a playful and whimsical seating solution.

The post Voluptuous 1970s Sofa From A French President’s Home Is Being Reissued In 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Legendary Italian designer Marcello Gandini known for Lamborghini and Lancia Stratos Zero dies aged 85

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Sowing the seed of Italian craftsmanship in car design will always be attributed to Marcello Gandini. Unfortunately, the legend passed away at the age of 85, leaving us with his iconic works including Lamborghini Countach and BMW Garmisch. He was the creative head behind the idea of incorporating the iconic scissor door and several other design innovations that were ahead of time.

Marcello’s cars have timeless appeal given they adorned the walls of automotive enthusiasts all over the world. Born in Turin, Italy, he worked as an interior designer and once was even rejected by Nuccio Bertone’s lead designer Giorgetto Giugiaro who himself had names like BMW M1, Maserati Ghibli and Lotus Esprit S1 under his design portfolio. Eventually, when Giugiaro moved on to Ghia in 1965, Gandini was hired by Bertone.

Designer: Marcello Gandini

This started an exciting journey that eventually led to designs like the Lamborghini LP500 prototype (earlier known as Countach), the Lancia Stratos Zero concept and the Alfa Romeo Monteral. During his 14-year stint at Bertone, he completed over 100 projects, most of which are deemed the classics in automotive design. His signature styles including the scissor doors and wedge-shaped outlines, even today capture everyone’s imagination. After leaving Bertone, Gandini started a new company with his wife Claudia. During this time he worked out of the box to design mass production cars for names like Polo, BMW and Renault.

He even worked with Tata Motors in the year 2017 to bring to life the TaMo Racemo sportscar concept. Gandini also helped design the Volkswagen Polo, second-generation Renault 5 and Citroen BX. In the latter half of his glorious career, he experimented with non-automotive projects like the Angel helicopter, an expansive house in Corsica and noticeable industrial and furniture design spaces.

The legendary designer died aged 85 all of a sudden in the Rivoli municipality of Turin on Monday which was a shock for the design community. His funeral chapel was held on Thursday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. local time. The funeral will extend to Saturday to allow fans and the design community to pay homage.

The post Legendary Italian designer Marcello Gandini known for Lamborghini and Lancia Stratos Zero dies aged 85 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The FTC is probing Reddit’s AI licensing deals

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The Federal Trade Commission is looking into Reddit’s AI licensing deals, the company disclosed in paperwork filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company, which is in the midst of its Initial Public Offering, said that the regulator notified Reddit officials that it “intended to request information and documents” about the company’s AI deals.

It’s not clear why the FTC is probing Reddit’s relatively new licensing business, but it seems to be in the early stages of its inquiry. “On March 14, 2024, we received a letter from the FTC advising us that the FTC’s staff is conducting a non-public inquiry focused on our sale, licensing, or sharing of user-generated content with third parties to train AI models,” Reddit wrote in a filing. “Given the novel nature of these technologies and commercial arrangements, we are not surprised that the FTC has expressed interest in this area. We do not believe that we have engaged in any unfair or deceptive trade practice.”

Reddit’s deals to license its catalog of user-generated content are a key part of the company’s strategy to grow its revenue as it gets ready to go public. On the day the company filed for IPO, the company announced it had reached a deal with Google, which will use Reddit data to train its AI models. That arrangement was reportedly worth around $60 million. The company said it was in the early stages of “exploring” these types of deals.

According to Axios, other companies have received similar letters from the FTC. The regulator has previously shown an interest in the current wave of generative AI upstarts and their relationships with large tech companies, The FTC is currently investigating Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon over their investments into prominent AI startups.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ftc-is-probing-reddits-ai-licensing-deals-212902998.html?src=rss

This Mechanical Controller Brings Glorious Desktop-style Clicky Keycaps to your PlayStation

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You’ve used a gaming controller to play on the PC but how about the other way around? Meet the Hitbox, a console controller that sort of flips the status quo, giving you a comfortably tactile desktop-style gaming controller for your other consoles. The Hitbox sports 12 hot-swappable keycaps with backlights (and an additional 6 programmable buttons) looking like a mechanical marvel for PC gamers… however, the Hitbox isn’t designed to just work with a PC. It’ll work with the Nintendo Switch, PS3, and PS4 too, thanks to a USB-C port that lets you hook the controller to your console for beautifully clicky computer-style gaming on pretty much any device. (You’ll need a Brook converter to run it with the PS5 because Sony only allows licensed controllers to work with their latest console)

Designer: Drop

The Hitbox eschews the traditional joystick in favor of a layout of buttons, mirroring the design of arcade fight pads. This layout, while potentially unfamiliar to newcomers, is prized by fighting game veterans for its precision and ability to execute complex combos and special moves with greater ease.

But the Hitbox isn’t simply a retro throwback. It boasts several features that cater to the modern gamer. One of the most compelling aspects is the hot-swappable key functionality. Similar to mechanical keyboards, the Hitbox features 12 individual key slots that can be easily customized with your favorite mechanical keyboard switches. This allows players to tailor the feel and responsiveness of the controller to their specific preferences, a significant advantage for competitive players seeking that perfect edge in terms of speed and actuation.

Beyond the core buttons, the Hitbox offers six programmable buttons. Using the included PC driver software, players can assign intricate in-game macros to these buttons. This allows for effortless execution of complex combos and special moves, freeing up mental resources and allowing players to focus on strategy and execution during intense matches. The Hitbox also offers compatibility in the form of plug-and-play functionality with the Nintendo Switch, PS4, and even the PS3, broadening its appeal to a wider audience of fighting game enthusiasts across various platforms.

The build quality of the Megalodon Hitbox is as impressive as its functionality. The sleek design combines a high-quality aluminum alloy base with a durable acrylic top, ensuring the controller can withstand the rigors of competitive play. This marriage of materials makes it a reliable companion for countless battles to come.

The Hitbox also boasts a small but useful technological feature: a built-in 0.96-inch screen. This allows players to monitor their macros and navigate menus with ease. Additionally, the Hitbox runs on GP2040-CE firmware, opening the door for further customization for tech-savvy gamers who want to tinker with the controller’s functionalities.

While the Hitbox offers a compelling package, it’s important to consider its target audience. The controller caters to fighting game enthusiasts who prioritize peak performance and extensive customization options. If you’re new to fighting games or simply prefer the feel of a traditional controller, the Hitbox might not be the best choice. However, for those seeking an arcade-style experience with the added benefits of modern technology, the Hitbox is a serious contender.

Currently available for pre-order in four color options (yellow, white, soy, and black), the Megalodon Hitbox Controller offers a unique blend of classic design and cutting-edge functionality. With its focus on customization, performance, and durability, the Hitbox is a compelling option for fighting game aficionados looking to elevate their skills and dominate the competition. Just remember, pre-orders come with an estimated ship date of June 14, 2024, so a little patience is required.

The post This Mechanical Controller Brings Glorious Desktop-style Clicky Keycaps to your PlayStation first appeared on Yanko Design.

This touch-sensitive Terracotta Lamp combines tradition and modernity into one wonderful appliance

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Pottery, an ancient art form with roots deep in human history, has evolved from a basic necessity to a therapeutic and artistic expression. In the modern era, there is a growing demand for earthy and handmade interior decor products. However, traditional potters often face challenges in diversifying their product lines to meet contemporary consumer preferences. TerraLume is a table lamp designed to address the needs and challenges faced by experienced potters.

Designer: Yashi Jivnani

Suresh Kumar Jyot, a 43-year-old potter with 27 years of experience, seeks income diversification, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities. Despite his mastery in crafting traditional earthen pots, he faces financial stability issues and competition from four competitors in his village. TerraLume aims to empower artisans like Suresh by offering new opportunities and a broader market beyond the village.

The lamp’s final design focuses on ease of duplication and mass production, incorporating standardization to streamline the manufacturing process. This approach enables potters to efficiently produce TerraLume, fostering local employment generation and contributing to the growth of the pottery craft market.

TerraLume operates on a push-button mechanism with magnetic plates. When pushed, the plates come in contact, completing the circuit and turning on the lamp. Pushing the button again raises the plates, breaking the circuit and turning off the lamp. This simple yet effective design enhances user experience and showcases the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

The lamp’s key components include a terracotta disk, steps to secure the acrylic sheet, a terracotta jacket, a terracotta disk with a step for push-lock functionality, a metal contact to complete the circuit, and an LED strip within a tube. The use of terracotta provides earthy tones, natural texture, and tactile qualities, connecting the product to tradition while aligning with sustainable and handmade craftsmanship.

TerraLume taps into the growing trend identified by WGSN, leveraging the healing benefits of earth tones, building an artisanal look for interior spaces, exploring co-designing opportunities, and investing in the craft market.

The lamp’s terracotta components not only showcase earthy tones but also evoke a sense of tranquility, fostering a serene and grounded atmosphere within living spaces. The meticulously crafted design of TerraLume goes beyond functionality, contributing an artisanal aesthetic that injects character and uniqueness into interior decor. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, TerraLume’s thoughtful design opens doors for collaboration between skilled potters and innovative designers. This synergy creates exciting opportunities for co-designing, allowing for the creation of bespoke and personalized pieces that reflect a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities.

Furthermore, by seamlessly integrating TerraLume into their product lines, artisans like Suresh are poised to meet the surging demand for handmade and artisanal decor products. This strategic move not only enables potters to diversify their offerings but also plays a pivotal role in propelling the overall growth of the craft market. TerraLume stands as a catalyst for empowering artisans, fostering creativity, and contributing to the flourishing landscape of handmade interior decor.

TerraLume represents a successful fusion of tradition and innovation, providing potters with a viable avenue to diversify their product lines and meet the demands of contemporary consumers. Through its co-creation approach, bulk production capabilities, and alignment with market trends, TerraLume empowers artisans to enhance their skills, generate additional income, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the pottery craft industry.

The post This touch-sensitive Terracotta Lamp combines tradition and modernity into one wonderful appliance first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft is once again asking Chrome users to try Bing through unblockable pop-ups

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Microsoft has been pushing Bing pop-up ads in Chrome on Windows 10 and 11. Windows Latest and The Verge reported on Friday that the ad encourages Chrome users (in bold lettering) to use Bing instead of Google search. “Chat with GPT-4 for free on Chrome! Get hundreds of daily chat turns with Bing Al”, the ad reads. If you click “Yes,” the pop-up will install the “Bing Search” Chrome extension while making Microsoft’s search engine the default.

If you click “Yes” on the ad to switch to Bing, a Chrome pop-up will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to change the browser’s default search engine. “Did you mean to change your search provider?” the pop-up asks. “The ‘Microsoft Bing Search for Chrome’ extension changed search to use bing.com,’” Chrome’s warning states.

Directly beneath that alert, seemingly in anticipation of Chrome’s pop-up, another Windows notification warns, “Wait — don’t change it back! If you do, you’ll turn off Microsoft Bing Search for Chrome and lose access to Bing Al with GPT-4 and DALL-E 3. Select Keep it to stay with Microsoft Bing.”

Essentially, users are caught in a war of pop-ups between one company trying to pressure you into using its AI assistant / search engine and another trying to keep you on its default (which you probably wanted if you installed Chrome in the first place). Big Tech’s battles for AI and search supremacy are turning into obnoxious virtual shouting matches in front of users’ eyeballs as they try to browse the web.

There doesn’t appear to be an easy way to prevent the ad from appearing.

Microsoft reportedly confirmed the pop-up’s authenticity in statements to Windows Latest and The Verge, cringingly painting the move as an opportunity for users. “This is a one-time notification giving people the choice to set Bing as their default search engine on Chrome,” a company representative wrote. “For those who choose to set Bing as their default search engine on Chrome, when signed in with their MSA [Microsoft account] they also get more chat turns in Copilot and chat history.”

In a reminder of how friendly its intrusive ads supposedly are to user freedom, it added, “We value providing our customers with choice, so there is an option to dismiss the notification.” Engadget emailed Microsoft for independent verification, but the company didn’t immediately respond. We’ll update this article if or when we hear back.

Windows Latest described the advertisement as coming from a “server-side update” and said the ad wasn’t part of a Windows update. Instead, the outlet speculated that it’s linked to BCILauncher.EXE or BingChatInstaller.EXE, two processes Microsoft reportedly added to “some Windows systems” on March 13.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-is-once-again-asking-chrome-users-to-try-bing-through-unblockable-pop-ups-184348202.html?src=rss