Monthly Archives: June 2024

With integrated ChatGPT, Play T 1 foldable phone is effortless to use via voice commands

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When the mobile phone industry is swaying toward convenience and ergonomics, here’s one phone concept deviating from the norm but putting ChatGPT in your pocket. Well, if you’ve not been living under a rock, AI phones are already making waves, allowing enhanced photography and more applications for user convenience. With the integration of ChatGPT in its innards, the Play T 1 becomes a foldable mobile phone easy to use with voice commands.

With ChatGPT from OpenAI integrated into the phone, it would be helpful for users, limiting them from having to toggle between tools. A simple voice request would get photos and documents altered, emails perfected, and of course, webpages or lectures summarized for you.

Designer: Yeongkyu YOO

This is the right time for a product concept like the Play T 1 to energy. Only a few days back Apple announced the integration of a layer of AI into its new operating systems for iPhone, Mac, and iPads. The newly integrated artificial intelligence features would bring a striking change to Apple’s stream of gadgets courtesy of revamped Siri support, the ability to compose emails, or even create personalized emojis among other things, without the user having to use multiple applications for a task.

The Play T 1 with embedded generative AI at the core of its functionality will offer unimaginable capabilities to the handheld. The device is not a basic handset; it has been designed to be modular, such that different thickish modules can add up for functionality. The foldable smartphone and its accessories – the detachable 5000 mAh battery – are made from compostable plant-based materials, which make the phone essentially eco-friendly.

The detachable battery clips to the bottom of the Play T 1 mobile phone using magnets and can instantly charge the phone. By magnetically fastening it to a speaker base, the phone can effortlessly become a high-performance ChatGPT speaker you can command at will.

As the pictures depict, this folding ChatGPT phone is in itself pretty thick for modern smartphone users and when the magnetic battery pack merges with the main body, it does form a nice unified unit, but at the cost of additional weight and thickness. If the design is slimmed and the folding creases evened out, who knows the GenAI-based Play T 1 can have a future.

The post With integrated ChatGPT, Play T 1 foldable phone is effortless to use via voice commands first appeared on Yanko Design.

X is making live streaming a premium feature

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X will soon be moving the ability to live stream behind its premium paywall, the company announced. The change will make X the only major social platform to charge for the feature, which is currently free on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch and TikTok.

“Starting soon, only Premium subscribers will be able to livestream (create live video streams) on X,” the company said. “This includes going live from an encoder with X integration,” an apparent reference to X’s game streaming capabilities.

X didn’t offer an explanation for the change. The company has used additional features, like post editing, longform writing, and ad-free feeds to lure users to its paid subscriptions, but hasn’t typically moved existing, widely available, features behind its paywall. X Premium subscriptions start at $3/month for the "basic" tier, and rise to $8/month for Premium and $16/month for Premium+. 

There are, however, other signs that the Elon Musk-owned platform wants to charge for other simple features. The company introduced a $1 annual charge for new accounts to have posting privileges in New Zealand and the Philippines. Though the company still describes the scheme as a test, Musk has suggested he wants to expand the fees to all new users.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-is-making-live-streaming-a-premium-feature-185151147.html?src=rss

Apple will reportedly withhold new AI features in Europe due to regulations

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Apple reportedly said on Friday that it would delay iOS 18’s marquee AI features in the European Union, conveniently blaming Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. The company claimed it would block the launch of Apple Intelligence, iPhone Mirroring on the Mac and SharePlay Screen Sharing in the EU this year, according to Bloomberg, which reported the news.

“We are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security,” the company said in a statement to Bloomberg. Apple didn’t expand on how DMA regulations could force it to compromise user privacy and security.

The DMA, which passed in 2022, tries to usher in fair competition by reining in what Big Tech companies can do to stifle competition. It blocks them from pushing out smaller competitors, favoring their own services over those of rivals, locking customers’ data into their platform and limiting transparency about their use of advertising data.

This isn’t the first time Apple has pinned blame on regulations — without offering much in the way of specifics — for blocking EU users from having nice things. Earlier this year, the company said it would remove the ability to add home screen web apps in Europe due to DMA rules. It later reversed course, citing “requests” it received. Google did something similar when it removed third-party apps and watch faces from European devices, blaming “new regulatory requirements.”

Apple’s delay comes when EU regulations present a thorn in the company’s side. The European Commission formally opened an investigation into the company in March and reportedly plans to charge it in the coming weeks for DMA violations. The company was already fined €1.8 billion ($1.95 billion) earlier this year for preventing app developers from informing iOS users about cheaper music subscription plans outside of the company’s ecosystem.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-will-reportedly-withhold-new-ai-features-in-europe-due-to-regulations-183313640.html?src=rss

The Perfect Gaming Throne: An In-Depth Look at the Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair

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The Vantum Gaming Chair by Herman Miller combines bold design with serious comfort, making it an ideal choice for gamers. Designed for long gaming sessions, it features an adjustable headrest, flexible elastomer backrest, and soft, eco-friendly seat cushion. The Vantum is built for both style and functionality, ensuring gamers can maintain optimal posture and comfort throughout their play. Its forward-neutral design promotes an active, upright posture, essential for maintaining focus and quick reactions. With highly adjustable armrests and seat settings, it can be customized to fit any body type. The Vantum is made from durable materials, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions.

Designer: Herman Miller

Design Elements

The Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair is designed to support gamers through long sessions with optimal ergonomics and comfort. Its modern aesthetic and advanced features cater to the gaming community’s needs, seamlessly combining style and function.

The Vantum Gaming Chair is available in a range of striking colors: Nightfall (a deep blue), Mystic (a meditative lilac), Helio (an electrifying orange), and Abyss (a bold green inspired by new frontiers). These new colorways join the existing options of Obsidian Black, Polar White, and Flare Red, offering a wide array of choices to match various gaming setups and personal preferences. For instance, the Mystic color emphasizes the chair’s sleek and sophisticated design, demonstrating how its forward-leaning posture and ergonomic adjustments support an active gaming session.

Constructed from high-quality materials, the Vantum ensures both durability and comfort. The backrest features a proprietary elastomer and polyester suspension, providing flexibility and continuous support. The headrest and seat cushion are made of polyurethane foam, topped with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric, making the chair both comfortable and eco-friendly. The frame and base, made from glass-filled nylon, offer strength without unnecessary weight, while the arm pads are crafted from flexible polyurethane integral skin foam, providing comfort during long gaming sessions. The advanced support system, including the thoracic support pad and lumbar adjustment knob, exemplifies the chair’s ergonomic design and high-quality construction.

Ergonomic Features

Ergonomics play a crucial role in the Vantum Gaming Chair’s design. Various adjustable components enhance user comfort and performance, making it a versatile and user-friendly chair.

Adjustable Headrest and Sacral/Lumbar Support

The redesigned headrest is a standout feature of the Vantum. It can be moved vertically and rotated to provide optimal support for the neck and head, whether actively playing or taking a break. This flexibility ensures the chair adapts to different gaming positions, promoting better posture and reducing neck and back strain

Additionally, the chair includes an adjustable lumbar support system that can be customized for different back curvatures by turning a knob located on either side of the seat. Proper lumbar support is essential for maintaining the natural curve of the spine and preventing lower back pain during extended gaming sessions.

Arm Adjustments and Seat Height/Depth

The armrests can be adjusted in height, width, and depth, ensuring the user finds the most comfortable and supportive arm position for different activities. Whether leaning forward to focus on the game or reclining back to relax, the armrests can be positioned to provide continuous support, reducing shoulder and arm strain.

The seat height can be adjusted to ensure the user’s feet are flat on the floor, creating a stable base. The seat depth can also be modified by sliding the seat forward or backward, ensuring the thighs are properly supported. Proper seat height and depth adjustments are crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing discomfort in the legs and lower back.

Tilt Limiter, Tension, and Forward-Neutral Design

The Vantum includes a tilt limiter to set the reclining limit and a tilt tension adjustment to control the ease of reclining. These features provide personalized comfort, allowing the user to find the perfect reclining angle and resistance. The tilt limiter ensures the chair does not recline too far, promoting a safe and stable seating position, while the tilt tension adjustment allows control over how easily the chair reclines.

The forward-neutral design naturally positions the body in an active, upright posture, ideal for maintaining focus and reaction time during gaming. This design helps engage the core muscles and reduces spinal strain, promoting overall health and better performance.

Thoracic Support Pad

The thoracic support pad works with the headrest to provide comprehensive upper back support, essential during long gaming sessions. Proper thoracic support encourages a healthy posture and reduces the risk of upper back and neck strain, ensuring the entire spine is supported from the lower back to the neck.

Is the Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair Right for You?

How’s your current gaming chair holding up? Are you constantly adjusting it to find a comfortable spot or dealing with back and neck pain after a How’s your current gaming chair holding up? Are you constantly adjusting it to find a comfortable spot or dealing with back and neck pain after a long session? If so, the Vantum might be just what you need.

The Vantum combines stylish design with serious comfort, offering options to personalize it to your taste and ergonomic features that prioritize your well-being. It’s not just about looking good—although with colors like Mystic and Nightfall, it definitely does—it’s about feeling good too.

If your current chair isn’t cutting it anymore, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. The Vantum’s adjustable headrest, lumbar support and customizable armrests ensure a perfect fit. Plus, it’s made from durable, eco-friendly materials, making it a smart choice for both you and the environment.

The post The Perfect Gaming Throne: An In-Depth Look at the Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair first appeared on Yanko Design.

Spotify’s Basic plan returns to $11 a month by cutting audiobooks

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Spotify has a new plan for US subscribers that keeps you on the old $11 monthly pricing — as long as you don’t mind ditching audiobooks. The new Basic tier includes the music and podcast content you get from Premium but without 15 hours of audiobook access, a recently added feature we suspect many subscribers don’t care about anyway. Spotify said earlier this month it would hike Premium prices to $12 per month, beginning in July.

The Basic plan echoes one it rolled out in the UK last month. That one costs £11 per month compared to £12 for Premium with audiobook content.

Some have suspected Spotify’s audiobook push has nefarious motives. Earlier this month, the National Music Publishers’ Association asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the move, going as far as calling the company’s audiobook integration “a scheme to increase profits by deceiving consumers and cheating the music royalty system.” The NMPA complaint claims Spotify will pay about $150 million less in music royalties over the next year because of its audiobook fusion. Spotify told Engadget it did nothing wrong and rejected the accusations.

Spotify has been penny-pinching in other areas. It was reported last year that the company planned to overhaul its royalty model. One alleged part of that plan was to demonetize tracks earning less than five cents per month, pushing out some indie artists without established audiences.

 Spotify also laid off around 9,000 employees late last year, citing “the gap between our financial goal state and our current operational costs.”

You can switch to the audiobook-free tier (which is now live) by navigating to your account page, then “Manage your plan” and “Change plan” and picking Basic. If you’re a new subscriber, you can choose the Basic option when signing up.

Update, June 21, 2024, 2:36 PM ET: This story has been updated to note that the ability to sign up for the Basic plan is now live.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/spotifys-basic-plan-returns-to-11-a-month-by-cutting-audiobooks-163804267.html?src=rss

The new Apple Pencil Pro gets its first discount, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

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As we do each Friday, we've gathered up the best deals on tech we could find. In the audio department, we spotted sale prices on some of our recommended earbuds from Anker and Beats. Discounts on Apple gear include all-time low prices on the 15-inch 2024 MacBook Air laptop, the new Apple Pencil Pro stylus and the (Product) RED Apple Watch. For your home, you can snag a deal on our favorite mesh Wi-Fi system and charging docks from both Anker and Belkin. And if all this talk of shopping has you thinking about your finances, you may want to check out the half-price subscription to Quicken Simplifi, our current top pick for a budgeting app. Here are all the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today. 

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-new-apple-pencil-pro-gets-its-first-discount-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-161923518.html?src=rss

Amazon reportedly thinks people will pay up to $10 per month for next-gen Alexa

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We've known for a while that Amazon is planning to soup up Alexa with generative AI features. While the company says it has been integrating that into various aspects of the voice assistant, it's also working on a more advanced version of Alexa that it plans to charge users to access. Amazon has reportedly dubbed the higher tier "Remarkable Alexa" (let's hope it doesn't stick with that name for the public rollout).

According to Reuters, Amazon is still determining pricing and a release date for Remarkable Alexa, but it has mooted a fee of between roughly $5 and $10 per month for consumers to use it. Amazon is also said to have been urging its workers to have Remarkable Alexa ready by August — perhaps so it's able to discuss the details as its usual fall Alexa and devices event.

This will mark the first major revamp of Alexa since Amazon debuted the voice assistant alongside Echo speakers a decade ago. The company is now in a position where it's trying to catch up with the likes of ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who pledged that the company was working on a “more intelligent and capable Alexa" in an April letter to shareholders, has reportedly taken a personal interest in the overhaul. Jassy noted last August that every Amazon division had generative AI projects in the pipeline.

"We have already integrated generative AI into different components of Alexa, and are working hard on implementation at scale — in the over half a billion ambient, Alexa-enabled devices already in homes around the world — to enable even more proactive, personal, and trusted assistance for our customers," said an Amazon spokeswoman told Reuters. However, the company has yet to deploy the more natural-sounding and conversational version of Alexa it showed off last September.

Remarkable Alexa is said to be capable of complex prompts, such as being able to compose and send an email, and order dinner all from a single command. Deeper personalization is another aspect, while Amazon reportedly expects that consumers will use it for shopping advice, as with its Rufus assistant.

Upgraded home automation capability is said to be a priority too. According to the report, Remarkable Alexa may be able to gain a deeper understanding of user preferences, so it might learn to turn on the TV to a specific show. It may also learn to turn on the coffee machine when your alarm clock goes off (though it's already very easy to set this up through existing smart home systems).

Alexa has long been an unprofitable endeavor for Amazon — late last year, it laid off several hundred people who were working on the voice assistant. It's not a huge surprise that the company would try to generate more revenue from Remarkable Alexa (which, it's claimed, won't be offered as a Prime benefit). Users might need to buy new devices with more powerful tech inside so that Remarkable Alexa can run on them properly.

In any case, $10 (or even $5) per month for an upgraded voice assistant seems like a hard sell, especially when the current free version of Alexa can already handle a wide array of tasks. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-reportedly-thinks-people-will-pay-up-to-10-per-month-for-next-gen-alexa-152205672.html?src=rss

Beeper-inspired power bank concept mixes vintage design with modern tech

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You can easily determine the historical setting of a TV show or piece of fiction by the technologies used in it. The presence of beepers, for example, puts the timeline in the 90s, though some modern hospitals still use this limited and straightforward communication gadget because of their simplicity. Of course, today’s messaging culture leaves very little room for a pager and some younger people might not even know what it is. To keep that nostalgic design alive and give it a more contemporary function, this concept design wraps a power bank in a beeper aesthetic while also giving it one fun feature reminiscent of its original purpose.

Designer: PTPC

The beeper or pager was a small black box that would show a message as a single line of scrolling text. The very first cell phones capable of SMS inherited this trait until they got screens capable of displaying multiple lines at once. It might seem archaic by today’s standards, but it also enforced a certain simplicity and terseness to the messages sent. You only sent important messages and got straight to the point without dropping vowels or letters.

This portable battery concept embraces the retro aesthetic of a beeper but also puts a few modern twists, like using a translucent shell or adopting colors other than black and gray. It still inherits the simplistic interface of a pager, however, with very few buttons and ports. Despite the minimalism, the concept boasts of a 10,000 mAh battery that’s more than enough power to juice up phones or even tablets.

The beeper power bank does have a two-line monochrome display with a font similar to that of those old-school gadgets. While it does show battery information as you might expect, it does also have a secondary function. It can show messages sent from phones via Bluetooth, mimicking the duty of the original device. You still have a limited viewing space, but you can at least now use emojis and special characters more easily, allowing you to express your message more effectively with fewer letters.

That messaging feature is, of course, just a whimsical add-on that isn’t critical to the product’s charging function. It is, however, also a fun addition, one that would make such a design more memorable and appealing, especially to a younger generation who might not even know what a beeper is.

The post Beeper-inspired power bank concept mixes vintage design with modern tech first appeared on Yanko Design.