DIY Mini-Mutoscope Kit Revives the Charm of Analog Animation and Escape Digital Live Photos

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Tanvi Joshi

For most of us, the term “mutoscope” might sound like a fresh, modern concept. But in reality, this ingenious device is a blast from the past, harking back to the early days of cinema. Tentacle Media, a UK-based animation studio, has taken this vintage technology and given it a contemporary twist with their latest creation: the Mini-Mutoscope.

Designer: Tentacle Media and Typoretum

The Mini-Mutoscope is a nod to the earliest days of film, where the magic of motion was first captured and presented to wide-eyed audiences. Imagine the tech behind the very first films, now condensed into a charming, miniature version that you can hold in your hands. It’s almost as if the moving images from history have been resurrected and transformed into a compact, personal experience.

James Wilkinson, the creative director at Tentacle Media, introduces this device as a modern take on 19th-century motion picture technology. Essentially, the Mini-Mutoscope functions as a mechanical flipbook, featuring 36 still frames that, when viewed in quick succession, create the illusion of movement.

The company emphasized the analog quality of the Mini-Mutoscope, noting that it was a deliberate departure from the digital screens that dominate modern life. The creative director expressed that while they loved animation, consuming it only digitally lacks the tactile quality, texture, and presence of print media or physical art. The Mini-Mutoscope, according to Wilkinson, reintroduces that tangible connection, offering a physical interaction with animation that he likened to experiencing a live photo on a phone, but with a vintage, handcrafted feel.

Tentacle Media collaborated with Typoretum, a studio renowned for its antique and vintage printing expertise, to design a visually striking body for the device. The result is a plywood-based product that’s not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing. With bold colors, crisp lines, and a satisfying tactile feel, the Mini-Mutoscope is as much a piece of art as it is a tool for animation. The importance of the design was emphasized, with a focus on creating a device that would be visually appealing and something people would want to display on their desks or shelves for a touch of animated inspiration.

Beyond its design, the Mini-Mutoscope also embraces sustainability. The mechanical components are locally sourced in the UK, and the studio partnered with The Laser Hut, a laser engraving and cutting service, to create precise mechanics from plywood. This sustainable approach makes the Mini-Mutoscope not just an object of nostalgia but also a forward-thinking product in terms of environmental responsibility.

Available as a kit, the Mini-Mutoscope is accessible to craft enthusiasts and easy enough for anyone to assemble. The initial release offers a selection of five custom animations featuring vintage movie monsters, appealing to fans of classic cinema. For those who wish to personalize their experience, there is also an option to purchase a version with blank frames, allowing users to create their own unique animations.

The post DIY Mini-Mutoscope Kit Revives the Charm of Analog Animation and Escape Digital Live Photos first appeared on Yanko Design.

Twitch subscription prices are increasing by $2 on iOS and Android

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Anna Washenko

Twitch is updating subscription costs for mobile purchases. Beginning October 1, Tier 1 sub and gift sub prices made in the company's mobile app will be $8, up from the current rate of $6 a month. Tier 2 and Tier 3 prices will not be impacted.

📱 Starting October 1, we’re increasing new Tier 1 sub and gift sub prices on the mobile app in over 40 countries.

🔴 You can bring your questions to Patch Notes today, August 21 at 12pm PT.

📬 We are notifying streamers and subscribers in these countries via email.
— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) August 21, 2024

The company announced this summer that the Tier 1 price for subscribing to a channel on desktop would be increasing by a dollar in the US, rising from $5 to $6. That change initially took effect in July, the first time Twitch sub costs had risen for US viewers. The move followed similar hikes for Tier 1 subs in the UK, Canada, Australia and Turkey earlier this year.

The bigger increase to sub costs on mobile is likely a response to the fees both major tech companies charge for in-app purchases. This subject has gotten the companies snared in some antitrust suits, and they have reduced their commission percentage for several use cases. Both Apple and Google have also adopted new fee structures in Europe in response to the Digital Markets Act.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/twitch-subscription-prices-are-increasing-by-2-on-ios-and-android-213528826.html?src=rss

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders makes its gameplay trailer premiere at Gamescom

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Danny Gallagher

Better get out your winter parka and a thermos full of hot cocoa because the hit downhill mountain biking game Lonely Mountains: Downhill is getting a very snowy sequel. Megagon Industries’ released a gameplay trailer with commentary during Gamescom for its new blocky skiing game Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders.

The new downhill racing game will get a Steam release by the end of the year. If it becomes a big enough hit just like the first Lonely game, it could be ported to consoles.

The Lonely Mountains titles are racing games at their core but they aren’t loud and brash. They don’t even have any music. There are times and challenges to beat with rewards like new bikes and new trails and mountains to explore. The game’s real focus is more on the simple, serene experience of riding downhill through beautiful polygonal landscapes at the pace you want to go and finding new paths that can carve seconds off your best times. Just like your therapist always tells you, it’s more about the journey, not just the finish line.

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders carries that same, simple gaming formula but with some added features. Snow Riders will offer a solo and live multiplayer mode with up to eight other players. The multiplayer matches can also be a simple race to the bottom of the mountain or a cooperative mode in which players must work together to complete certain milestone challenges and work towards getting the highest collective score, according to the trailer commentary.

The new downhill game will also have a special “Zen Mode.” This mode allows you to just go on a ride and explore the different paths on the mountain to uncover shortcuts and other secrets. You can even pause your snow session and just sit and take in the scenery with your block headed rider friend.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lonely-mountains-snow-riders-makes-its-gameplay-trailer-premiere-at-gamescom-210059169.html?src=rss

Tuthill Porsche GT ONE restomod is a perfect fusion of past racing history and modern street culture

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Gaurav Sood

Tuthill Porsche, a UK-based renowned rally and restoration shop is setting the pace in the restomod industry with the recent collaboration with Singer. They’ve recently turned eyeballs at the 2024 Monterey Car Week with the Porsche GT ONE. The restomod inspired by the famous 1990s 911 GT1 race car that featured in the BPR Global GT Series. This later took shape as the road-legal 911 GT1 Straßenversion which was limited to 21 units for the passionate buyers.

Well known for modifying Porsche 911’s, the company wanted to commemorate the homologation special Straßenversion with its version that we see here. The performance car is fully optimized for road use, unlike the Straßenversion. As per Richard Tuthill, CEO, Tuthill Porsche, “We have taken the best bits but focused on producing a wonderful road car. The inspiration from all that we have done in the past and have been inspired by what others have done before us and continue to do.”

Designer: Tuthill Porsche and Florian Flatau

Just like the 911 GT1 Straßenversion, the GT One has the striking styling of the 993-generation 911. The company commissioned designer Florian Flatau for this amazing race car tailored for the streets. The ride’s body is made out of carbon fiber that brings the total weight down to 2,645 pounds. The limited edition car will have a 4.0L flat-six engine under the hood in two configurations. One will be a 493 hp naturally aspired version and the other a forced induction version churning out 593 hp. The gearbox will also be offered in a choice of 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a manual gearbox.

The impressive specifications don’t end there, as the GT ONE boasts a double wishbone suspension, bespoke calipers and carbon ceramic brakes. For those who want to take advantage of every ounce of the engine power, the car has advanced aerodynamic tuning courtesy of the CFD analysis. Tuthill is also considering an add-on aero package for enthusiasts who want to test it out on the freeway or the race tracks.

According to Richard, this masterpiece takes around 3,500 hours to finish which in itself is a testament to the effort put into the making. Only 22 production examples of the GT ONE will be made and there’s no word on the pricing yet. That said, the makers believe the car is a piece of art and a machine to be enjoyed while driving.

The post Tuthill Porsche GT ONE restomod is a perfect fusion of past racing history and modern street culture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ring refreshes its basic battery-powered doorbell with improved video

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Anna Washenko

Smart doorbell company Ring has launched an updated basic model in its battery-powered line. The Ring Battery Doorbell includes feature upgrades to match some of the company's other products at a lower price point.

Longevity is critical for a product with 'battery' right there in the name. The Ring Battery Doorbell promises a 23% improvement in battery life over its previous iteration. It also comes with a new pin-push mount intended to make installation easier as well as simple detachment for recharging.

The Ring Battery Doorbell has been updated with the company's Head-to-Toe HD video, offering vertical visibility in line with the more expensive Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Ring Battery Doorbell Pro models. The device also offers color night vision. It comes with the same motion-detection and real-time alerts of other Ring products, and can be linked to Alexa-compatible devices. And of course, Ring also sells a subscription package to provide customers with smart alerts and more detailed notifications.

Preorders for the Ring Battery Doorbell begin today direct from the company and on Amazon for $100, and shipments will go out starting September 4.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/ring-refreshes-its-basic-battery-powered-doorbell-with-improved-video-203832129.html?src=rss

Microsoft’s revised Recall AI feature will roll out to beta testers in October

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Will Shanklin

Microsoft’s Windows Recall feature, which stores a timeline of activity snapshots on your PC, has a new release date for Windows Insiders. Microsoft unveiled the feature to much fanfare in May, only to delay it indefinitely (after blowback from security researchers) a few weeks later. After taking time to recalibrate, the company said on Wednesday it will roll out Recall to beta testers using Copilot+ PCs in October.

Windows Recall stores snapshots of everything you do on your PC. Designed as a “photographic memory” for your PC activity, it lets you revisit things like products, emails, documents or chats shown on your screen. The feature’s perks are easy to see, especially for those who spend long hours on their PC (or those with foggy memories).

But if that also sounds like a privacy nightmare, security researchers thought so, too. Despite safety assurances from Microsoft during its announcement at Build 2024, cybersecurity and privacy experts sounded the alarm. The fundamental problem was that intruders wouldn’t only get goodies from your traditional file system if they accessed your PC. In addition, they could see anything you’ve done on your computer from the moment you activated Recall to the present. That’s because Microsoft — for reasons we can’t quite comprehend (other than put AI in all the things as quickly as possible) — left Recall’s data unencrypted.

As security expert Kevin Beaumont detailed, Recall didn’t hide sensitive information like passwords or banking details. Sure, your timeline was theoretically safe as long as nobody could access your PC. But if you accidentally installed malware or let an intruder in through other means, they would find a motherlode of sensitive — unencrypted — data.

Screenshots of Windows Recall, showing a PowerPoint slide (

In response to the blowback, Microsoft added some common-sense security features that left us wondering why they weren’t there in the first place. Again, it’s hard to decipher the company’s motives for that omission when the feature was announced — other than speculating that it wanted to prioritize a seamless user experience over tight security.

These security changes included making the feature opt-in instead of enabled by default when setting up a Copilot+ PC. In addition, Microsoft said the feature would require Windows Hello — a face or fingerprint scan — and deploy “just in time” decryption (only unlocked through Hello). That means if a hacker gains access to your computer, your screenshot timeline should remain encrypted unless you lend your face or finger to unlock it (or they somehow find a way around Hello’s encryption).

Microsoft says it will publish a new blog post when the feature is available in October through the Windows 11 Insider Program. The feature will require a CoPilot+ PC (the first of which launched in June) with a compatible chip. That chip list includes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite, although Intel may have its first CoPilot+ chips out in the wild when the feature finally arrives in preview.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/microsofts-revised-recall-ai-feature-will-roll-out-to-beta-testers-in-october-200400450.html?src=rss

ZeroVision: Smoke Out the Crooks Home Security

Posted on 21/08/2024 by James Rollner

In today’s world, burglars have become increasingly sophisticated, using techniques like lock picking and signal jamming to breach security systems. However, no matter how advanced their methods, they can’t function without their vision. That’s where the ZeroVision smoke barrier from Verisure comes in.

ZeroVision is an advanced security device that deploys a dense, zero-visibility smokescreen to blind intruders, rendering them incapable of navigating your property. Powered by a specialized fog generator, it fills the room with a harmless but thick smoke that completely obscures the intruder’s view, leaving them disoriented.

Integrated into Verisure’s security system, ZeroVision works with 24/7 monitoring by experts at the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). When an intrusion is detected, the ARC verifies the threat and activates the device. Within seconds, the room is filled with non-toxic smoke, forcing the burglar to either flee or remain immobilized until the police arrive.

ZeroVision is a game-changer in home security. By creating a zero-visibility environment, it prevents burglars from finding valuable items or even locating the exit. This increases the likelihood of the intruder being caught. Additionally, ZeroVision serves as a powerful deterrent; the mere presence of warning signs on your property can make burglars think twice.

Ideal for homeowners and businesses alike, ZeroVision provides an extra layer of security, particularly in high-risk areas or for those with valuable assets. Available exclusively through Verisure’s security packages, pricing is tailored to the specific needs of each customer, with personalized quotes available upon request.

With over 25 years in the security industry, Verisure is dedicated to staying ahead of criminal tactics. ZeroVision is not just a security device but a revolutionary tool that changes the rules of the game. If intruders can’t see, they can’t steal. Verisure remains a leader in innovative security solutions, ensuring you’re always one step ahead of potential threats.

The post ZeroVision: Smoke Out the Crooks Home Security appeared first on OhGizmo!.

Microsoft’s latest accessible controllers include the Xbox Adaptive Joystick

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Will Shanklin

Xbox continues to impress with its accessibility accommodations for gamers with disabilities. Alongside some updates to the Xbox console lineup, Microsoft unveiled several new controllers on Wednesday to help more people experience the joy of frictionless gaming.

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick fills what Microsoft called a widely expressed “need for an affordable, singular joystick” to use with other Xbox controllers. Designed for people with limited mobility, it has four customizable button inputs on the front, a standard thumbstick and two more mappable bumper and trigger-style buttons.

You can plug the wired stick into the Xbox Adaptive Controller or the console. Alternatively, you can link it with a standard Xbox gamepad using Xbox Controller Assist (solo or couch co-op). The Xbox Adaptive Joystick also has a quarter-inch thread for mounting, adding to its versatility.

The joystick will only cost $30 when it arrives in early 2025.

Microsoft is also rolling out 3D-printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers, designed for those who have trouble gripping the standard Xbox sticks. You can print adapters in the shapes of a plate, dome, narrow stick, “pull” (a deep, bowl-shaped surface), sphere and a custom base for adding materials like clay or moldable plastic.

Of course, you’ll need to own a 3D printer, use a friend’s or find a professional service to print them. The printable files are free from Xbox Design Lab.

In partnership with 8BitDo, the Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller is a gamepad with all inputs on its top surface. It has low-resistance buttons and “highly sensitive” Hall effect joysticks. It even includes a non-slip silicone mat to keep things steady. As a bonus, it includes 8BitDo’s coveted Super Buttons, first packaged with the Nintendo-inspired mechanical keyboard.

The 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G is available starting today for $60.

Finally, the ByoWave Proteus Controller, revealed earlier this year for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, is now available to order. The innovative, modular gamepad has “snap and play” parts that offer over 100 million combinations tailored to your needs. The Proteus is available for $299 in the US, EU, UK and Canada.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsofts-latest-accessible-controllers-include-the-xbox-adaptive-joystick-184800659.html?src=rss

Lego’s first Mario Kart sets start throwing out shells on January 1

Posted on 21/08/2024 by Lawrence Bonk

Back when Lego first announced that Mario Kart sets would be arriving in 2025, we didn’t expect them to release on the very first day of the year. However, the company just announced availability for these sets starting on January 1. It’s a New Year’s miracle.

Lego’s Mario Kart collection includes new buildable versions of iconic characters, like Yoshi, Peach, Baby Mario and Donkey Kong. Of course, there are several kart designs pulled from recent games, complete with paragliding sails, and motorcycles. Incidentally, these karts will actually shoot green or red shells in real life, which is a nice touch. Some figures also play sounds and music from the iconic kart racing series.

All told, there are six sets to choose from. These include the 133-piece blue Yoshi set, which comes with a Yoshi-themed motorcycle, and a 174-piece iconic Mario set, complete with a red kart and Toad dressed as a member of the pit crew.

The most impressive of the bunch is the 832-piece Grand Prix set. This one comes with a starting gate, three karts and four characters. The prices range from $15 for something like the aforementioned Yoshi set to $80 for the Grand Prix set.

Lego has really been building out its portfolio of gaming-related combo packs. In addition to Mario Kart, the company just announced a few Animal Crossing sets. These also release on January 1. In recent years, there have been traditional Mario sets, comprehensive Zelda kits and Fortnite collections, among many others.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/legos-first-mario-kart-sets-start-throwing-out-shells-on-january-1-183551717.html?src=rss

GIZMODO.cz

Syndicated rss news

Monthly Archives: August 2024