Monthly Archives: April 2024

Watches we love from Watches and Wonders 2024

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Step into the world of horological innovation and artistry with a carefully curated selection of timepieces unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2024. These exquisite watches exemplify the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design, each one pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in haute horlogerie. From the groundbreaking slimness of the BULGARI Octo Finissimo to the intricate skeletonized dial of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton, each watch tells a unique story of innovation and elegance. Join us as we explore the finest offerings from renowned brands, where every tick of the clock is a showcase of the mastery of watchmaking.

BULGARI Octo Finissimo ULTRA COSC

BULGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC at a mere 1.70mm thickness

As the curtain rose on Watches and Wonders 2024, the stage was set for BULGARI’s Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC to again steal the spotlight. This timepiece is a masterpiece of engineering and design, showcasing human innovation and pushing the limits of watchmaking. At a mere 1.70mm thickness, it commands attention as the world’s thinnest watch, a feat achieved through BULGARI’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. The seamless integration of the case back and movement base plate showcases BULGARI’s technical skill and creates a sleek and minimalist aesthetic that is as captivating as it is groundbreaking. With its monochromatic grey finish and lightweight titanium components, the Octo Finissimo exudes a modern elegance that is sure to turn heads and set pulses racing at Watches and Wonders 2024.

BULGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC features integration of the case back and movement base plate

Designer: BULGARI

  • Key Notable Features: An epic 1.7mm thinness was achieved by merging the case back and movement base plate.
  • Design Elements: Monochromatic grey finish with horizontal side knobs for winding and time setting.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon 150th Anniversary

The Piaget Altiplano is a symbol of innovation and refinement in watchmaking history. As the world’s thinnest concept tourbillon, it represents the pinnacle of Piaget’s expertise in blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. The Altiplano is a wearable art that sets new standards in watch design by seamlessly fusing the case and movement into a single unit. Its blue PVD-treated cobalt alloy case exudes a sense of strength and sophistication that will captivate connoisseurs and collectors alike. As the curtains rise on Watches and Wonders 2024, the Piaget Altiplano takes center stage, inviting attendees to embark on a journey of timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon: world’s thinnest concept tourbillon timepiece.

Designer: Piaget

  • Key Notable Features: Ultra-thin 2mm profile achieved by merging the case and movement.
  • Design Elements: Blue PVD-treated cobalt alloy case for a striking and robust look.

H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton

Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton

Prepare to be mesmerized as H. Moser & Cie. unveils its latest masterpiece at Watches and Wonders 2024: the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton. A harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, this remarkable timepiece redefines the boundaries of watchmaking artistry. The fully skeletonized dial offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the watch, while the cushion-shaped silhouette and integrated bracelet add a touch of modernity and sophistication. With each passing moment, the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton invites onlookers to immerse themselves in the beauty of its design and the precision of its craftsmanship, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience at Watches and Wonders 2024.

Designer: H. Moser & Cie.

  • Key Notable Features: Fully skeletonized dial showcasing the intricate mechanics of the watch.
  • Design Elements: Cushion-shaped silhouette with an integrated bracelet.

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Limited Edition SLGH021

Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Limited Edition SLGH021

Grand Seiko unveiled its Evolution 9 Collection, a celebration of innovation, precision, and timeless elegance. The introduction of a new green textural dial design adds a fresh twist to the brand’s iconic aesthetic, while the use of ever-brilliant steel for the case and bracelet ensures durability and longevity. With its striking contrast and meticulous attention to detail, the Evolution 9 Collection represents the spirit of Grand Seiko, inviting wearers to undertake a journey of discovery and exploration. As attendees gather to witness its debut at Watches and Wonders 2024, the Evolution 9 Collection promises to captivate hearts and minds alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of haute horlogerie.

SLGH021 is powered by the Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours 9SA5 caliber

Designer: Seiko

  • Key Notable Features: New green textural dial design.
  • Design Elements: Ever-brilliant steel is used for the case and bracelet.

DB Kind of Grande Complication

De Bethune introduces its latest creation: the DB Kind of Grande Complication, a pinnacle of design and craftsmanship. This timepiece embodies over two decades of innovation, showcasing the brand’s commitment to excellence. Its reversible double-sided case and innovative rotation system seamlessly integrate a range of complications while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The contemporary side features Calibre DB2529, highlighted by a high-frequency tourbillon and elegant seconds hand. On the traditional side, a perpetual calendar and three-dimensional moon-phase display adorn the opaline silver dial, creating a captivating visual experience. Despite the technical challenges, De Bethune’s artisans have crafted a masterpiece that transcends time, marrying traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create a true icon.

Reversible double-sided case

Calibre DB2529, highlighted by a high-frequency tourbillon

Designer: De Bethune

  • Key Notable Features: Array of complications including perpetual calendar, moon phase, and leap year indicator.
  • Design Elements: Beautifully designed case housing the complex movement.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Lady Arpels Brise d’Été watch

Enter a world where timekeeping transcends mere function and becomes a celebration of human creativity and ingenuity. Van Cleef & Arpels, revered for their exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, unveils a collection of timepieces that transcend the ordinary; they are veritable works of art. Each piece exemplifies the maison’s unwavering dedication to excellence, with master artisans meticulously crafting every detail to perfection. From the graceful sweep of the delicate hands to the intricate motifs adorning its surface, every element narrates a tale of dedication and passion. Time transcends mere measurement in the world of horological mastery. It’s about encapsulating moments and emotions, transforming each glance at the wrist into an enriching journey of discovery and wonder. With Van Cleef & Arpels, time harmonizes into a symphony of style and sophistication, where every passing second is a masterpiece awaiting appreciation.

Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté watch

Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté watch

Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels

  • Key Notable Features: Exquisite craftsmanship that transforms every timepiece into a work of art.
  • Design Elements: Each dial is a unique canvas, revealing a story as beautiful as time.

Hautlence Retrovision ’47

Take a step back in time with Hautlence Retrovision ’47, a timepiece that seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation. Inspired by the golden age of horology, this classic design pays homage to an era of timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Underneath its vintage exterior, Hautlence combines modern technology and precision engineering to push boundaries and break conventions. From its meticulously crafted case to its intricate movement, every aspect of the Retrovision ’47 is designed to captivate and inspire. With Hautlence Retrovision ’47, every moment becomes an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of both the old and the new, reminding us that true innovation is timeless.

Designer: Hautlence

  • Key Notable Features: Retro aesthetic married with modern watchmaking technology.
  • Design Elements: Classic design that pays homage to the golden age of horology.

Cartier Reflection de Cartier watch

Indulge in a timeless grace and refinement world with the Reflection de Cartier. It’s a reflection of Cartier’s rich heritage and legacy of luxury. Every detail of the watch, from its elegant design to its meticulously crafted dial, reflects the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Each element is carefully considered and meticulously executed, resulting in a watch that is as much a piece of jewelry as it is a functional accessory. With its delicate hands and refined detailing, the Reflection de Cartier exudes an air of refinement and sophistication that is unmistakably Cartier. It extends beyond being just a watch, symbolizing timeless style and elegance while reflecting the wearer’s discerning taste and appreciation for life’s finer things. With Cartier Reflection de Cartier, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in luxury and refinement, making it a timeless addition to any collection.

Designer: Cartier

  • Key Notable Features: Elegant silhouette and refined detailing that encapsulates Cartier’s design ethos.
  • Design Elements: Meticulously crafted dial and delicate hands that echo Cartier’s dedication to elegance.

Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire

MP-11 POWER RESERVE 14 DAYS WATER BLUE SAPPHIRE

Make a bold statement with the Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire, a timepiece that demands attention and commands respect. With its vibrant blue sapphire case and transparent design, it’s a watch that stands out from the crowd. Performance and precision engineering go beyond just bold looks. From its intricate movement to its robust construction, every aspect of the Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire is designed to impress. It’s a watch for the modern individual who appreciates style and substance and understands that true luxury is more than skin deep. With Hublot Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire, every moment becomes an opportunity to showcase your individuality and taste for the extraordinary, making it a must-have accessory for anyone who dares to stand out from the crowd.

MP-11 POWER RESERVE 14 DAYS WATER BLUE SAPPHIRE

SCULPTURAL 7-BARREL MOVEMENT WITH 2-WEEK POWER RESERVE

Designer: Hublot

  • Key Notable Features: Vibrant blue sapphire case that provides a striking aesthetic encasing a movement with a 2-week power reserve.
  • Design Elements: Transparent case that showcases the intricate movement within.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 126710GRNR

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 126710GRNR

Rolex introduces the GMT-Master II with a distinct 24-hour graduated two-color Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic. One variant adorns an Oyster bracelet, while the other features the beloved Jubilee bracelet, a preference for GMT enthusiasts. Emphasizing the watch’s identity, the black lacquer dial proudly showcases ‘GMT-Master II’ in green, mirroring the iconic 24-hour hand. Powered by calibre 3285, this timepiece seamlessly displays date and an additional time zone in 24-hour format alongside hours, minutes, and seconds. Rolex’s pioneering use of high-technology ceramic in the bidirectional rotatable bezel ensures enduring scratch resistance and vivid color intensity. These exceptional watches are presented in a 40 mm Oyster case, waterproof to 100 meters, with the Triplock winding crown providing triple waterproofness. Whether on the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, both options offer the Oysterlock folding safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link for effortless adjustment, exemplifying Rolex’s commitment to functionality and elegance.

GMT-Master II with 24-hour graduated two-color Cerachrom bezel insert in grey and black ceramic on Jubilee bracelet.

Designer: Rolex

  • Key Notable Features: Precision engineering for reliability, dual-zone GMT, and water-resistant construction for durability.
  • Design Elements: Updated black-and-gray bezel for contemporary appeal with a timeless design that pays tribute to Rolex’s rich history of crafting precision timepieces.

NOMOS Glashütte Tangente 38 Colours

Germany’s Nomos Glashütte made its debut as an exhibiting brand at Watches & Wonders Geneva, the world’s largest luxury watch fair. The brand’s 2024 collection emphasizes color, specifically 31 different shades. This collection, called the “Nomos Tangente 38 Date—175 Years Watchmaking Glashütte” series, offers a limited edition of 175 pieces for each model. Among the various options, one for each day of the month, according to Nomos, are models like the “Sportbunt.” This model sports a light red main dial in the ’70s style, a dark red subdial, cream numerals, and turquoise and yellow outer rings. Other notable models include the “Chili,” featuring a hot-pink and magenta-shaded dial on a gray textile strap, and the “Poporange,” with vibrant and burnt orange elements. The “Schlossgrun” combines forest green and gray, while the “Pompadour” showcases light pastels of pink and beige. Lastly, the “Tiefseegrau” (or “deep sea gray”) pairs a dark anthracite with cream and dusty pink details. Each model is housed in a 37.5mm stainless steel case and features an exhibition case back engraved with the watch’s limited-edition number.

Designer: NOMOS

  • Key Notable Features: Vibrant dial that adds a splash of color to the minimalist design.
  • Design Elements: Minimalist design that allows the bold colors to take center stage.

As Watches and Wonders 2024 concluded, we reflect on the extraordinary timepieces that blew us away. From unveiling groundbreaking innovations to celebrating timeless elegance, each moment has been filled with wonder and excitement. But as we bid farewell to this year’s event, we look forward to the promise of what lies ahead. Join us next year as we return to Watches and Wonders for more coverage of the latest developments in haute horlogerie. Until then, may your time be filled with beauty, inspiration, and the joy of discovery.

The post Watches we love from Watches and Wonders 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

This WILD all-terrain motorbike has tread-wheels for adventures in the most inhospitable environments

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The moment I laid eyes on this unique motorbike (or should I say snowmobile) it was evident the vehicle is made for the most inhospitable conditions and terrain. Perhaps, the ideal ride for post-apocalyptic times where survival of the fittest is the new order.

This is the Unitrack electric all-terrain vehicle designed and developed by Oruga SIA, a Mobility Tech startup in Latvia. The three-wheeled motorbike with three ballooned wheels employs the company’s proprietary patent-pending monotrack tech, specifically developed to take on the “diverse challenging terrains, from hot sand and muddy forests to rocky climbs and snowy landscapes.” Will it be able to disrupt the Rokon dominance, who is known for designing the most resourceful pack mules and mototractors, is something we’ll know only when the Unitrack is set to the test in real-world conditions.

Designer: Oruga SIA

If you’re thinking the vehicle is just a pipedream with just a prototype and concept designs to back its claim, well, they are prepping for a mid-2025 manufacturing deadline with sales beginning shortly after that. Oruga is accepting pre-orders for the rig that promises its ease of use for varying sectors including first responders and outdoor adventurers. Turing this thing on tight corners is a breeze as the contact point of the wheel in between bends on the sections when steering input is received. Although the vehicle has a turning radius of around 6 meters, it should be easy to maneuver in most circumstances.

It can even drive in reverse which is an added perk when you’re stuck in a tight spot. However, I’m not that convinced about the idea of a steering system turning the wheel that’s off the ground. That said, it does have some advantages compared to the existing 200cc four-stroke Rokon. There are eco-conscious selection of tools for paramedics, military and first responders. Coming onto the power delivery of the EV, it has a 90kW motor with the option to choose from two versions – Nude 150 kg and Heavyweight 300kg. The machine achieves a range of 62 miles on a single charge, and that number can be extended to 124 miles in the hybrid mode.

Oruga claims a top speed of 60mph be it driving on sand, snow, gravel or rocky climbs. Unlike the noisy gasoline-powered snowmobiles this will not disturb the peace of the wilderness since it is an electric vehicle. Surprisingly, there’s no working model right now to assess the Unitrack’s claim, but we’re expecting a version to soon be available. Most prospective buyers will only put in their hard-earned savings on this if they see a real-life demo of the thing.

The post This WILD all-terrain motorbike has tread-wheels for adventures in the most inhospitable environments first appeared on Yanko Design.

The FTC accuses Amazon of using Signal’s auto-deleting messages to erase evidence

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According to a court document viewed by Engadget, the Federal Trade Commission accused Amazon of using Signal’s disappearing messages feature to conceal communications as part of its antitrust suit against the company. The FTC says the retailer continued to auto-delete its communications even after the agency notified it that it was under investigation and asked it to preserve them. Founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos and current CEO Andy Jassy are among the accused.

“For years, Amazon’s top executives, including founder and former CEO Jeff Bezos, discuss[ed] sensitive business matters, including antitrust, over the Signal encrypted-messaging app instead of email,” the FTC wrote in the full document, acquired by (Bezos-owned) The Washington Post. “These executives turned on Signal’s ‘disappearing message’ feature, which irrevocably destroys messages, even after Amazon was on notice that Plaintiffs were investigating its conduct.”

The FTC wants a federal judge to compel Amazon to provide documents related to its data handling. The government agency says the retailer didn’t disclose its Signal use until March 2022, ahead of a Wall Street Journal article highlighting the covert practice.

“Although the contents of deleted messages are impossible to recover, the app shows when a user turns the disappearing message feature on, off, or changes the timer for deletions, leaving breadcrumbs showing that Amazon executives’ deletions were widespread,” the document reads. “From the messages that were not deleted, it is apparent that Amazon executives used Signal to talk about competition-related business issues.”

The issue appears to be an increasingly common business practice in Silicon Valley. Last year, the DOJ accused Google of routinely destroying its internal chat histories, which it was required to preserve under federal law. In addition, before Elon Musk bought Twitter and changed its name to X, the company asked a judge to sanction the Tesla founder for using Signal’s auto-deletion to withhold messages sent through the app.

In addition to Bezos and Jassy, The Washington Post reports that the full document names General Counsel David Zapolsky, former CEO of Worldwide Consumer Jeff Wilke and former CEO of Worldwide Operations Dave Clark as participating in the practice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-ftc-accuses-amazon-of-using-signals-auto-deleting-messages-to-erase-evidence-205431161.html?src=rss

This 3000+ brick LEGO Milky Way artpiece captures the chaos of our cosmic home

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The Milky Way is estimated to have anywhere up to 400 billion stars, so it only made sense that LEGO’s reinterpretation of the galaxy was a chaotic combination of thousands of bricks too, right?! Designed for ages 18 and above, the LEGO Milky Way Galaxy (#31212) is a galactic hot-mess of plastic. With over 3000 bricks coming together to make the artpiece, this box-set is as challenging as it’s beautiful. The pieces are color-coordinated and come together beautifully to create the different bands of the galaxy we call home. There’s even a specific point on the painting where a ‘You Are Here’ tag marks the general location of our solar system, and by extension, us.

Designer: LEGO

Like most LEGO artpieces, this rendition of the Milky Way comes with a level of depth that a 2D printout can never have. The galaxy quite literally pops out of its frame, with the use of different bricks from all across LEGO’s catalog, creating beauty and unity in a kind of chaos that seems emblematic of our galaxy. No star or solar system is the same, which is why all the bricks are different too, with barely a few matches. Putting this artpiece together should either feel extremely confusing or rewarding!

The entire painting comes together with a staggering 3091 bricks, featuring popular celestial phenomena such as Trappist-1, The Pleiades, The Crab Nebula, and The Pillars of Creation. Given how detailed the entire artpiece is, it’s split into five panels for easy assembly, each accompanied by a dedicated instruction booklet, fostering a collaborative assembly experience for families and friend groups. To elevate the journey, each booklet unveils a curated soundtrack filled with fascinating Milky Way facts accessible via QR code. When complete, the entire piece measures a staggering 15.5 inches tall and 25.5 inches wide.

The LEGO Milky Way Galaxy starts at $199.99 and begins shipping on May 18, 2024.

The post This 3000+ brick LEGO Milky Way artpiece captures the chaos of our cosmic home first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Drake deletes AI-generated Tupac track after Shakur’s estate threatened to sue

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Drake apparently learned it isn’t wise to mess with Tupac Shakur — even decades after his untimely death. Billboard first spotted that the Canadian hip-hop artist deleted the X (Twitter) post with his track “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which used an AI-generated recreation of Shakur’s voice to try to get under Kendrick Lamar’s skin.

The takedown came after an attorney representing the late hip-hop legend threatened to sue the Canadian rapper for his “unauthorized” use of Tupac’s voice if he didn’t remove it from social channels within 24 hours. However, the track was online for a week and — unsurprisingly — has been copiously reposted.

“The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality,” Howard King, the attorney representing Shakur’s estate, wrote earlier this week in a cease-and-desist letter acquired by Billboard. “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”

Photo of the late Tupac Shakur, staring down at the camera against a black background with subtle horizontal gray lines.
2PAC.com

King implied that using Shakur’s voice to diss Lamar was an especially egregious show of disrespect. Lamar, a 17-time Grammy winner and Pulitzer recipient, has spoken frequently about his deep admiration for Tupac, and the Oakland rapper’s estate says the feelings are mutual. “The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult,” King wrote in a cease-and-desist letter.

Drake’s track also included an AI-generated clone of Snoop Dogg’s voice. The Doggystyle rapper and cannabis aficionado appeared surprised in a social post last week: “They did what? When? How? Are you sure?” He continued, “Why everybody calling my phone, blowing me up? What the fuck? What happened? What’s going on? I’m going back to bed. Good night.”

However, the one-time Doggy Fizzle Televizzle host has a history of poker-faced coyness. Last year, he took to Instagram to solemnly announce he was “giving up smoke,” leading to rampant speculation about why the stoner icon would quit his favorite pastime. Soon after, his announcement was revealed as a PR stunt for Solo Stove — which, marketing gimmicks aside, makes some terrific bonfire pits.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/drake-deletes-ai-generated-tupac-track-after-shakurs-estate-threatened-to-sue-191810881.html?src=rss

A driver’s delight – the Amida Digitrend makes resounding comeback after 50 years

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Inspired by the future of sports cars, the original Amida Digitrend was way ahead of its time when it was introduced in 1976. It was well accepted as a driver’s timepiece, but did not make a significant move in the watchmaking world then. Yet, as the legends would, after almost five decades, the watch is making a time-relevant revival in the limited “Take Off Edition.”

Conceived to mark the 50th anniversary of Amida Digitrend’s original model, the Take Off Edition is an amalgamation of heritage and nostalgia. Marking some clever, modern, consumer-centric watchmaking nuances, like the mechanical movement, all steel case, and sapphire crystal prism for display, the watch is a result of the dramatic commitment of a team of enthusiasts including watch designer Matthieu Allègre.

Designer: Amida

The reimagined, modernized version of the new Digitrend functions on the same principle as the OG. It may have the manually wound mechanical movement replaced with an automatic movement i.e. a Soprod’s Newton caliber offering 44 hours of power reserve, but it retains the unique time-telling mechanism that allows a diver to see the time without having to lift the hand from the steering wheel.

For this, the watch has the usual horizontal, dual hour and minute discs, which using the sapphire crystal prism for the display show them vertically; the prism even helps magnify the vertically presented digital numerals for better legibility. This atypical display of the Amida Digitrend is a result of its unusual case shape inspired by classic sports cars and modern architecture. To that accord, the car-body-like case of the Digitrend is made from a block of 316 L stainless steel. It is sleeker – measuring 39mm across – than the original yet maintains a retro-futuristic vibe to it.

The steel casing is overly opaque revealing nothing more than the dashboard-style time display and a winding crown on the side. On the left side of the display are the jumping hours and the trailing minutes are visible in the right corner, with Amida Digitrend typography taking up the center space. The caseback is visually interesting with a serial number for the Take Off Edition, a rocket art, and a see-through window showing the new movement in its entirety. The new Amida Digitrend watch, is set to be available for preorder starting May 28 (delivery to begin in October). It comes paired with either a charcoal Alcantara strap or an orange-colored calfskin strap with a stainless steel buckle.

The post A driver’s delight – the Amida Digitrend makes resounding comeback after 50 years first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aaron Sorkin is working on a Jan. 6-focused follow-up to The Social Network

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Aaron Sorkin has announced that he’s currently writing a followup script to The Social Network, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He broke the news during an episode of The Town podcast that centered on how Facebook and social media have influenced democracy in the years since his Oscar-winning hit. The first film chronicled the early days of Mark Zuckerberg’s social network and starred Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, among others.

Sorkin is cagey on the actual details of the new script, but it looks to follow Facebook throughout the Trump era. He went on to tell the podcast hosts that he actually blames the social media site for the January 6 riots that claimed the lives of five people and led to the injuries of more than 140 police officers. “Look, yeah, I’ll be writing about this,” Sorkin told podcast hosts Matthew Belloni and Peter Hamby. “I blame Facebook for January 6.”

He didn’t give any reason as to why he blames Facebook for the attack on the capitol, telling the podcast hosts that they will have to “buy a movie ticket.” Facebook, Google, Twitter and Reddit were all subpoenaed as part of the investigation into January 6. Lawmakers have suggested that Facebook didn’t take the proper steps to handle the “Stop the Steal” movement, which was organized on the platform, and that it didn’t recognize the danger posed by these groups until after the violence in DC.

Whistleblower Frances Haugen told Congress that Facebook disbanded its civic integrity team after the 2020 election. She also has said that Facebook knew its algorithms and platforms promoted harmful content and that “it failed to deploy internally recommended or lasting countermeasures.” According to Haugen, the company chose profits over safety.

Sorkin has obviously been paying attention to all of this, saying in the same interview that “Facebook has been, among other things, tuning its algorithm to promote the most divisive material possible. Because that is what will increase engagement.” He further dinged the company by suggesting that “there’s supposed to be a constant tension at Facebook between growth and integrity. There isn’t. There’s just growth.”

Now, don’t go heading to your local multiplex to buy a ticket for The Social Network 2: Electric Boogaloo just yet. The script is still in the early stages and Sorkin hasn’t announced a partnership with any studio to get the film made. This also isn’t his first attempt to get something like this off the ground. He was previously working on a script entirely about January 6, but it didn’t move forward. It remains to be seen if some aspects of that script will end up in followup to The Social Network, should it actually get made. He told the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he would only push to make a sequel to The Social Network if David Fincher returned to direct it. 

If a studio does sign on to make this project, which is fairly likely given the success of the 2010 film, it leaves me with two glaring questions. Can Jesse Eisenberg grow a sweet beard and what are his thoughts on ultra-premium livestock?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/aaron-sorkin-is-working-on-a-jan-6-focused-follow-up-to-the-social-network-190010714.html?src=rss

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra falls to a new low, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

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Another week is coming to a close, which means it's time for another roundup of good tech deals. This week's highlights include a new low on Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is $200 off and down to $1,100 for an unlocked model. That's not exactly cheap, no, but any savings should be welcome for what we consider the best premium Android phone. Elsewhere, a trio of recommendations from our wireless earbuds buying guide are on sale, including Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $249, Google's Pixel Buds Pro for $135 and Anker's Soundcore Space A40 for $49. Apple's latest MacBook Air has dropped to a new low of $989 as well, while Best Buy has the HomePod mini down to $70 in a rare discount. Other gadgets we like are discounted beyond that, so here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-galaxy-s24-ultra-falls-to-a-new-low-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-181055583.html?src=rss

Nikon’s Z8 is a phenomenal mirrorless camera for the price

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Nikon is arguably the world's most famous camera brand, but with the decline of DSLRs it has lagged behind Canon and Sony. In 2022, it released the Z9, a flagship mirrorless camera that could finally hold its own against rivals, but the $5,500 price tag put it out of reach for most. To appeal to a wider audience, Nikon unveiled the Z8 last year with the same sensor and nearly the same specs as the Z9 for $1,700 less.

With a 45-megapixel stacked sensor and the latest Expeed 7 image processor, the Z8 can do everything from sports to wildlife to scenic photography. It's also a powerful video camera, offering 8K RAW internal capture at up to 60 fps.

The only other model that can really compare in terms of speed, resolution and video is the Sony A1, but it costs a whopping $2,200 more. To find out how the Z8 stacks up against that model and others, I rented a Z8 and shot with it around Vancouver, Canada with my photographer cousin.

Body and handling

Design-wise, you can think of the Z8 as the Z9 with the battery grip chopped off. It's still a chunky camera at 910 grams (2 pounds), though, compared to 737 grams for the Sony A1. That might suit pros or those who like a larger camera body, but the size and weight aren't ideal for travel. By the way, a $346 battery grip (the MB-N12) with secondary controls is available for the Z8, effectively transforming it into a Z9 for far less money.

The Z8 has a nice big grip and all the controls you'd expect, including a joystick, D-Pad style menu control, switch for camera/video settings and front and rear dials. Nikon users will enjoy the layout as it's largely similar to past models, but everything is just different enough that it may feel awkward for users coming from other brands.

Unlike the A1, the Z8 features a display on top that shows key settings like shutter, aperture and battery life. Although it takes up space that could be used by buttons or dials, it's a handy way to see everything at a glance and I miss it now on models that don't have it. If you do have to dive into the menus, they take a bit of getting used to, but work well once you're over the learning curve.

One of the key negative points is the lack of a fully articulating display. Instead, the rear 3.2-inch 2.36-million dot screen only tilts up and down and to the left or right. That's too bad, because the Z8 could be a powerful vlogging camera and a flip-out display is must for that type of work (especially as it makes solo shooting easier).

The 3.69 million-dot electronic viewfinder is a bit low-res for a camera in this price range, especially compared to the 9.4 million-dot display on the Sony A1. Even Canon's cheaper R5 has a 5.76 million dot display that makes it substantially easier to check focus.

Battery life is on the weak side at 420 shots (one to two hours of video shooting depending on resolution), compared to 490 shots for the Canon R5 and 530 for the A1, according to CIPA ratings. Again, though, you can nearly double that with the battery grip. Other notable features include UHS-II and CFexpress B memory card slots, a full-sized HDMI port for external capture, as well as two separate USB-C ports for power delivery and data.

With the fastest high-resolution stacked sensor out there, the Z8 is unbelievably quick for a 45-megapixel camera. You can shoot RAW photos at 20 fps, a bit slower than the A1's 30 fps RAW capability, but the Z8 can shoot 30 fps in JPEG mode. It can handle 40 uncompressed RAW frames before the buffer fills, but can store more compressed images if you have a fast CFexpress card.

The hybrid phase-detect autofocus is Nikon's best to date due to the upgraded image processor, stacked sensor and huge number of AF tracking points. It offers reliable subject tracking, and the face, eye and animal detection is fast and accurate as well. In fact, the company has said it's nearly identical to the far more expensive Z9 as of the latest firmware.

That said, the Z8's AF isn’t quite as dependable as Sony’s A1 when shooting at the highest speeds. It occasionally had trouble tracking subjects, in particular those moving toward the camera, resulting in some out-of-focus shots. The Z8 (and Z9) is quite sensitive to setup, so it's best to fine-tune the AF settings until it works the way you want.

There’s no mechanical shutter, but the Z8’s sensor is fast enough that rolling shutter isn’t an issue, even on fast-moving objects like airplane propellers. The 5-axis in-body stabilization reduces shake by six stops, enough to get sharp photos down to a quarter second or so. That’s superior to the A1, but falls way short of the EOS R5’s 8 stops.

The Z8 has the same excellent sensor as the Z9, so of course image quality is identical in all respects. With 45.7 megapixels on tap, it delivers sharp photos on par with the 50-megapixel A1 and second only to Sony’s 60 MP A7R V in the full-frame realm. Dynamic range is also outstanding, arguably a touch better than the A1.

JPEG images are bright and punchy straight out of the camera, with the best results in terms of colors from the Natural Light Auto white balance setting. Colors are accurate, though skin-tones aren’t quite as warm as Canon’s R3 or R5.

Meanwhile, the 14-bit RAW images hold plenty of detail that can be teased out in Lightroom or ON1, particularly in the highlights. Like the Z9, the Z8 no longer has an "uncompressed" option, but now offers "lossless compression" and two high-efficiency lossy modes. I typically used the RAW setting with the highest compression, because it's super efficient and frankly, I can't see any difference between that and lossless compressed RAW.

The Z8 performs reasonably well in low-light, too. Grain is well-controlled up to about ISO 6400, and shots are usable at ISO 12800. Beyond that, noise can become distracting. That lines up with Canon’s R5, but Sony’s A1 performs a bit better in dim lighting.

The Z8’s video specs are pretty mind-blowing for a non-cinema camera and exceed the A1’s capabilities. You can shoot RAW video at up to 8K 60p in Nikon’s 12-bit N-RAW or 8K 30p with 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ internally, to CFexpress cards only, of course. It also captures 4K video oversampled from the full width of the sensor at up to 60p, and full-width 4K up to 120p — again, all in RAW.

It's worth noting that Nikon recently purchased RED cameras, so it now owns the RED RAW video patent that stymied so many other companies, including Apple. It'll be interesting to see if Nikon loosens up that enforcement, and if the acquisition impacts the tech in its own future models. 

As with photos, video autofocus is fast and reliable, while doing a good job tracking subjects, faces and animals. It can handle challenging situations like subjects moving toward the camera, though again, not quite as well as the A1.

Nikon Z8 hands-on
Rhonda Dent for Engadget

8K and 4K oversampled video is extremely sharp. Colors are accurate, but again, skin tones aren’t quite as pretty as on Canon’s latest models. Dynamic range is top-notch, particularly in the ISO 400-800 level in ProRes mode, making it easy to adjust shadows and highlights in post. If you love shooting ProRes footage, be sure to get some high-capacity CFexpress cards, because the files can get huge.

One area where the Z9 bests the Z8 in video is with thermal performance, as the Z9’s larger body allows for 125 minutes of 8K 60p recording compared to 90 for the Z8 before overheating. There are very few content creators that will need to continuously shoot 8K video for that long, however.

Nikon’s Z8 is an extremely capable camera and shows that the company should offer as much speed and power as possible if it wants to catch up to Canon and Sony. For many hybrid shooters, the Z8 is a better option than Sony’s A1, particularly when it comes to video.

While it does out-spec the Sony in a number of areas, the Z8's autofocus isn’t quite as good — and that's arguably the most important feature on any camera. Shooters who require a mechanical shutter (for flash photography, etc.) will also need to look elsewhere. Another 8K-capable full-frame mirrorless model is Canon’s R5 that falls short of both models in many regards, but is cheaper at $3,200.

A decision to buy this camera might be based on what system and lenses you’re already into. However, if I was starting from scratch, I’d go for the Z8 over Sony’s A1, as you get the camera plus a very good lens for the same amount of money.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nikons-z8-is-a-phenomenal-mirrorless-camera-for-the-price-180209073.html?src=rss

Some of our favorite Bose headphones and earbuds are back to all-time low prices

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Amazon has some of the highest-rated Bose headphones on sale for record-low prices. That includes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which have best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC). Usually $429, the wireless cans are now only $379, matching an all-time low.

Engadget’s Billy Steele praised the headphones’ sound, ANC and comfort in our review, but he also found them a bit expensive at their standard retail price, so this sale could be the right time to snag a pair. The headphones are comfortable for long listening sessions — with enough battery life to keep up. Although their “Immersive Audio” spatial listening mode is a bit hit-or-miss (and not for everyone), the feature pairs incredibly well with some tracks and genres. The headphones are our runner-up picks in Engadget’s noise-canceling headphones guide.

Battery life is impressive, and our review unit surpassed Bose’s claims of 24 hours with ANC turned on or 18 hours with ANC and Immersive Audio activated. In Engadget’s testing for the latter mode, the headphones still had 30 percent remaining after 20 hours of listening. They have a streamlined design with fewer physical navigation buttons than the standard QuietComfort variant, giving them sleeker aesthetics. That includes metal in their headband and hinge (with no visible screws).

Amazon also has several other Bose products on sale. The highly rated QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, which have similar features in a compact in-ear form factor, are available for $50 off ($249). They also include a spatial audio mode and have impressive ANC to block out your environment when working or commuting. They’re our pick for the best noise cancellation in Engadget’s wireless earbuds buying guide.

If spatial audio algorithms aren’t your cup of tea, you can save $100 on the standard Bose QuietComfort headphones. They also have leading noise-blocking and high-quality audio, lacking only the illusion of sitting in an acoustic “Immersive Audio” sweet spot. They offer 24-hour battery life and multipoint connectivity to switch between several source devices easily.

Bose also has the same sale on its website, a good option if you don’t have Amazon Prime. You can hit up the complete sale for details.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/some-of-our-favorite-bose-headphones-and-earbuds-are-back-to-all-time-low-prices-180039087.html?src=rss