Cyberpunk device is actually a functional 4-in-1 charger for Apple devices

There are plenty of wireless chargers now in the market, many of which are designed for iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. And just like the Apple devices they support, the majority of these have designs that try to match the minimalist aesthetics of Apple’s products. There’s no argument that they’re appealing and even beautiful, but sometimes the uniformity of design can be a bit boring and unsatisfying. There’s always room for variety, and thankfully, some accessory makers are indeed taking up the challenge without going overboard. This design, for example, still manages to adopt a clean look even while adopting a more cyberpunk or sci-fi style that puts a new flavor to the typical charging pad.

Designer: Aulumu

It’s common for Apple-compatible wireless chargers these days to support all three devices. After all, it’s highly likely that an iPhone owner would have the other two accessories and would want to charge all three at the same time. The conventional design is to either have a flat surface for these devices or to have one raised and angled platform to have the iPhone charge at a more usable angle. The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station’s foldable design supports both modes, but that’s not exactly the most interesting thing about it.

What makes it special is its style, particularly the cyberpunk-like aesthetic it adopts. Rather than a straightforward row of circles for the wireless charging contacts, it alternates their arrangement to have a more visually interesting composition. The colors also alternate, with the white Apple Watch pad flanked by the black circles for the iPhone and AirPods case. It has the typical lines, text, and visible screws you’d find in this technology-centric design language, clearly separating it from the crop of wireless chargers.

Another interesting and uncommon detail is an LED light encased in what looks like a miniature vacuum tube bulb. It functions as a desk night light with three different levels of brightness, though not bright enough to be your only source of light. It gives the charging station a retro-futuristic image that you’d often find in cyberpunk designs.

In terms of functionality, Aulumu M01 even goes beyond your typical 3-in-1 charger by supporting the iPad as well, though you’ll have to connect that using a USB-C cable. The cyberpunk design definitely won’t sit well with everyone, but it offers a breath of fresh air for those who’re already tired of looking at minimalist designs everywhere they turn.

The post Cyberpunk device is actually a functional 4-in-1 charger for Apple devices first appeared on Yanko Design.

A year of Peacock Premium can be yours for just $20

The prices of streaming services have been rising across the board over the last few years. One way to keep the costs down is by opting for a bundle. But there are other deals to be found, such as one that can save you $40 on an annual Peacock Premium plan ahead of a planned price hike. A year of the ad-supported tier can be yours for just $20 when you sign up using the code STREAMTHEDEAL. This deal is only available to folks in the US who aren't already Peacock Premium subscribers. You have until June 30 to take advantage of it.

While it might not get the same attention as the likes of Netflix or Disney+, Peacock is a solid streaming service with some notable original shows, such as Poker Face, Mrs. Davis, Ted and We Are Lady Parts. Fans of back-stabbing reality shows should enjoy The Traitors too.

What makes Peacock one of the best streaming services for many though is its sports offerings. Premier League soccer has been a staple of the platform since its debut and now many games stream there exclusively. If you take up this deal, your year of access will cover the entire 2024-25 season. Peacock is also home to major WWE events, US Open tennis and some NFL games as well.

There's also the small matter of the Olympic Games. Peacock will stream all of this summer's Olympic action live from Paris, including the opening and closing ceremonies and every medal event. Some events will be exclusive to Peacock. The platform is also introducing some new multiview features this time around to help you stay on top of things as much as possible.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-year-of-peacock-premium-can-be-yours-for-just-20-143706555.html?src=rss

A year of Peacock Premium can be yours for just $20

The prices of streaming services have been rising across the board over the last few years. One way to keep the costs down is by opting for a bundle. But there are other deals to be found, such as one that can save you $40 on an annual Peacock Premium plan ahead of a planned price hike. A year of the ad-supported tier can be yours for just $20 when you sign up using the code STREAMTHEDEAL. This deal is only available to folks in the US who aren't already Peacock Premium subscribers. You have until June 30 to take advantage of it.

While it might not get the same attention as the likes of Netflix or Disney+, Peacock is a solid streaming service with some notable original shows, such as Poker Face, Mrs. Davis, Ted and We Are Lady Parts. Fans of back-stabbing reality shows should enjoy The Traitors too.

What makes Peacock one of the best streaming services for many though is its sports offerings. Premier League soccer has been a staple of the platform since its debut and now many games stream there exclusively. If you take up this deal, your year of access will cover the entire 2024-25 season. Peacock is also home to major WWE events, US Open tennis and some NFL games as well.

There's also the small matter of the Olympic Games. Peacock will stream all of this summer's Olympic action live from Paris, including the opening and closing ceremonies and every medal event. Some events will be exclusive to Peacock. The platform is also introducing some new multiview features this time around to help you stay on top of things as much as possible.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-year-of-peacock-premium-can-be-yours-for-just-20-143706555.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy Watch to Get One UI 6 Watch

One UI 6 Watch

Samsung is poised to transform the health tracking landscape with the upcoming release of One UI 6 Watch on its Galaxy Watch series. This groundbreaking update harnesses the power of Galaxy AI, elevating the already comprehensive Samsung Health app to new heights. By integrating innovative on-device AI, Samsung aims to deliver a more personalized and […]

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch to Get One UI 6 Watch appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Amazon has permission to fly its drones over longer distances

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given Amazon permission to fly its delivery drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). With that hurdle cleared, the company claims it can fly farther and expand drone service, providing customers faster delivery and a larger selection of items, Amazon announced in a blog post.

Until now, the FAA has only allowed Amazon to fly drones as far as someone could see them from the ground. That way, spotters or pilots could ensure that drones weren't interfering with aircraft. However, the constraint seriously limited how far the drones could travel.

To move beyond that, Amazon said it spent years developing "onboard detect-and-avoid technology." It submitted engineering information to the FAA including operation, maintenance and performance details. Flight tests were then conducted in the presence of FAA inspectors around airplanes, helicopters and a hot air balloon to "demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each one of them," Amazon said. 

With BVLOS approval in hand, the company plans to expand its delivery area around its drone facility at College Station, Texas. Later in 2024, drone deliveries will be integrated into its broader delivery network.

Last month, Amazon announced that it was halting drone deliveries at one of its first test sites in Lockeford, California, without providing a specific reason. At the same time, it said it would launch drone deliveries in the West Valley, Phoenix metro area.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-has-permission-to-fly-its-drones-over-longer-distances-133602573.html?src=rss

Amazon has permission to fly its drones over longer distances

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given Amazon permission to fly its delivery drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). With that hurdle cleared, the company claims it can fly farther and expand drone service, providing customers faster delivery and a larger selection of items, Amazon announced in a blog post.

Until now, the FAA has only allowed Amazon to fly drones as far as someone could see them from the ground. That way, spotters or pilots could ensure that drones weren't interfering with aircraft. However, the constraint seriously limited how far the drones could travel.

To move beyond that, Amazon said it spent years developing "onboard detect-and-avoid technology." It submitted engineering information to the FAA including operation, maintenance and performance details. Flight tests were then conducted in the presence of FAA inspectors around airplanes, helicopters and a hot air balloon to "demonstrate how the drone safely navigated away from each one of them," Amazon said. 

With BVLOS approval in hand, the company plans to expand its delivery area around its drone facility at College Station, Texas. Later in 2024, drone deliveries will be integrated into its broader delivery network.

Last month, Amazon announced that it was halting drone deliveries at one of its first test sites in Lockeford, California, without providing a specific reason. At the same time, it said it would launch drone deliveries in the West Valley, Phoenix metro area.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-has-permission-to-fly-its-drones-over-longer-distances-133602573.html?src=rss

Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition Smartphone Unveiled

Nothing

Smartphone maker Nothing is launching a new model in its range, the Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition, and the handset stands out as a testament to the power of simplicity. This latest offering from Nothing is a masterclass in minimalist design, celebrating the beauty of primary colors in a way that is both striking and […]

The post Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition Smartphone Unveiled appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

The latest Sonos sale slices $90 off the flagship Era 300

Folks who have been on the fence about buying a Sonos soundbar or speaker for the first time or those who want to expand their existing home audio setup may be pleased to learn that the company is running a sale. (Its new Ace headphones aren’t included, unfortunately.) You can save up to 25 percent on many Sonos products until June 16. The Era 300 speaker, for instance, has dropped from $449 to $359. That’s 90 bucks off, and the deal is also being matched at Amazon.

The Era 300 is the first Sonos speaker with spatial audio support. While we had some reservations about just how well the spatial audio actually works, in general we reckon the Era 300 delivers excellent sound. We gave it a score of 80 in our review, in part because it's expensive, but the current deal certainly offsets that. The unusual appearance and lack of Google Assistant support were also negatives in our book.

On the plus side, though, the Era 300 is very easy to set up and the Trueplay tuning system no longer requires you to walk around the room while waving an iPhone (though the latter might give you better results). The speaker works with pretty much any music streaming service, while Bluetooth and line-in options are very welcome.

You can also find good deals on some of the best soundbars. The second-gen Sonos Beam is $399 ($100 off) and it checks almost all the boxes — it delivers good audio for its size and has Dolby Atmos support. The main negative is that it has just one HDMI port. On the high end of the price spectrum, the Arc is $180 off and down to $719. Most of these Sonos deals are being matched at Amazon as well.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-latest-sonos-sale-slices-90-off-the-flagship-era-300-133043027.html?src=rss

The latest Sonos sale slices $90 off the flagship Era 300

Folks who have been on the fence about buying a Sonos soundbar or speaker for the first time or those who want to expand their existing home audio setup may be pleased to learn that the company is running a sale. (Its new Ace headphones aren’t included, unfortunately.) You can save up to 25 percent on many Sonos products until June 16. The Era 300 speaker, for instance, has dropped from $449 to $359. That’s 90 bucks off, and the deal is also being matched at Amazon.

The Era 300 is the first Sonos speaker with spatial audio support. While we had some reservations about just how well the spatial audio actually works, in general we reckon the Era 300 delivers excellent sound. We gave it a score of 80 in our review, in part because it's expensive, but the current deal certainly offsets that. The unusual appearance and lack of Google Assistant support were also negatives in our book.

On the plus side, though, the Era 300 is very easy to set up and the Trueplay tuning system no longer requires you to walk around the room while waving an iPhone (though the latter might give you better results). The speaker works with pretty much any music streaming service, while Bluetooth and line-in options are very welcome.

You can also find good deals on some of the best soundbars. The second-gen Sonos Beam is $399 ($100 off) and it checks almost all the boxes — it delivers good audio for its size and has Dolby Atmos support. The main negative is that it has just one HDMI port. On the high end of the price spectrum, the Arc is $180 off and down to $719. Most of these Sonos deals are being matched at Amazon as well.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-latest-sonos-sale-slices-90-off-the-flagship-era-300-133043027.html?src=rss

Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch pulls kids from screens to indulge in rewarding playtime

The other day my 7-year-old nephew refused dinner until his father allowed him access to the smartphone after the meal. This was difficult for me – someone outside of parenting primary school children – to digest. I realized controlling screen time is a big issue for parents handling kids in this age group. These kids are distancing themselves from outdoor sports and playtime only means video games.

Smartwatches have very little share in this. Perhaps, the screen real estate makes them mere child trackers rather than motivators, while smartphones or game consoles enjoy the lion’s share. Even when the smartwatch has more potential to allow kids some distraction from eye-straining mobile screens. Google with Fitbit has been exploring this possibility for a couple of years; now it seems to be rolling out that potential wearable that could provide “benefits of a smartphone. Without the smartphone” in your child’s hand.

Designer: Fitbit

Enter the Fitbit Ace LTE, the first of its type wearable for kids ages 7+ that combines playtime with video games to get kids active without compromising too much on their ongoing lifestyle. By bringing immersive, interactive 3D games to the child’s wrist, Fitbit may have just crossed the line, but its interesting idea to align gametime with playtime really places the device in my good books.

The more a child plays (moves) the more games they unlock on their Ace LTE. This is a simple motivation mantra around which the entire wearable is designed. Because it’s going to be on the child’s wrist all the time, this is not the only feature it packs: privacy and parental control are the driving pillars. Powered by webOS, the Fitbit Ace using Fitbit Ace Pass and the Fitbit Ace app, allows parents to track their child’s real-time location, call or text them, send and receive voice messages, and even set trusted contacts that are permitted to interact with the child. For safety, the child’s location or activity data is deleted every 24 hours while their activity data is erased after 35 days of backup.

To recognize and reward, Fitbit Ace LTE kid’s smartwatch uses Google’s self-developed movement algorithm to accurately measure kids’ physical activity whether they’re “playing hide and seek, jumping on the bed or having a sibling dance-off,” Google notes. The idea is to encourage and motivate all types of movement – visible in ‘Noodle,’ an activity ring on the watch home screen – and reward the same with new games and more game time.

Noddle is not the only weirdo on the Fitbit Ace LTE. Kid’s get their own customizable Eejie that stays happy off the wearer’s daily physical activity. So, the more kids clock their activity goals the happier their Eejie gets. And besides customizing the Eejie, kids can also use different watch bands that clip on and unlock ‘different items, styles, rooms and Noodles’ to interact and play with. With 16 hours of playback time, 50-meter water resistance, and a scratch-resistant display, the Fitbit Ace LTE is available for preorder at $229.95.

 

The post Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch pulls kids from screens to indulge in rewarding playtime first appeared on Yanko Design.