Lamps are the most common lighting fixture in our home, and they present the biggest opportunity to change the ambiance using thoughtful design. Some lamps are elaborate and luxurious, bordering on art masterpieces, while others are minimal to the point of disappearing from view. Lamps don’t just bring light to a room but also certain emotions like joy, energy, or fun. This lamp design, for example, tries to visually recreate the phenomenon of a ball colliding with a sheet of material, creating a playful mixture of uncommon forms, warm colors, and a simple yet impactful design that adds a little flavor to any shelf, table, or living space.
There is probably nothing more playful than a ball. Its spherical kind introduces a form of instability that makes it wobble and roll unless something stands in its path. Both kids and adults alike love playing with balls, rolling them, throwing them, and even making them bounce. The playful “bonk” sound that this bouncing action makes is just as fun, which is why some kids just can’t stop doing it even after being scolded repeatedly.
The Bonk table lamp design brings that imagery to common everyday appliances, transforming it into something like a living and dynamic object. Its form, with the ball half sunken into what seems to be a sheet of fabric, captures and freezes that moment, creating a visual tension between movement and stillness, action and rest. It creates an interesting aesthetic on its own, and an almost eerie appearance once you turn the lamp on in the dark.
Almost like its shape, Bonk also balances its cheerful disposition with a more subdued color palette. Tiger Orange, Sand, Sunrise Yellow, and Stone convey warmth yet still remain subtle and almost understated. It creates a juxtaposition of design elements that is a perfect metaphor for the symmetrical yet unbalanced form of a ball. It combines all these into a design that will fit perfectly inside modern homes, regardless of the interior motif.
Bonk is also a design that’s a bit in touch with nature, even if indirectly. It can be 3D printed using FDM technology and utilizing PLA, a more renewable and sustainable form of plastic in wide use with this production method. Simple, striking, and sustainable, Bonk tries to challenge the status quo of home decor design where these elements can come together in a harmonious composition that not only brings light to your space but also sparks joy in your life.
New releases in fiction, nonfiction and comics that caught our attention.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/history-of-overhyped-tech-charles-burns-final-cut-richard-powers-playground-163018545.html?src=rss
Excel’s PivotTable feature is a fantastic option for data analysis, allowing users to consolidate and analyze data from various sources in a single, dynamic table. By mastering the art of creating PivotTables from multiple data sources, you can unlock valuable insights and make data-driven decisions with ease. This guide will walk you through the essential […]
In today’s fast-paced and information-driven world, leveraging the power of AI-powered study apps can significantly enhance your learning efficiency and retention. The video below from Shu Omi gives us a look at eight standout applications designed to help both students and professionals alike in their quest for knowledge acquisition and mastery. Each app offers a […]
I don't know how many more times I can say what an intense two weeks it's been since the last time I posted an Engadget review recap without sounding repetitive. Ever since we launched the first of these roundups last month, companies have relentlessly launched new hardware each week, contributing to a growing pile of products for our team to review. With all these announcements overlapping, it can be easy to miss a review that, say, was published at the start of the iPhone 16 event or another that went up at the same time as Meta's Connect keynote this week.
That's why I write these — it's a good opportunity to catch up on reviews that we recently published and revisit some of the products now that we've had more time to spend with them. And looking at my list of items for this edition, there's plenty to go over. From Apple's iPhone 16 series, AirPods 4 and Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 to the PlayStation 5 Pro and some games and software, here's a recap of things we've been testing lately.
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review
by Billy Steele
Just a few days after Apple unveiled the AirPods 4, Billy had to file his draft for the review, which was slated to go up on Monday. Thankfully, these were a fairly straightforward update, with evaluating the new active noise cancellation (ANC) feature being the main task. Of course, Billy went further than that, gauging how much the device's H2 chip and refined design impact the AirPods' performance. He also went many extra miles, delivering report after report on topics like how the new hearing aid and hearing test features for the AirPods Pro work and a deep dive on how Apple designed ANC for an open-ear headset. Just head on over to Billy's author page for a full list of the many articles he's dutifully written up on the AirPods (and more).
Apple Watch Series 10 review
by Cherlynn Low
Words alone can't express how grateful I am that Apple didn't end up releasing three new models of the Apple Watch like was previously rumored. Considering the review of the Apple Watch Series 10 was published just one week and a day after the launch event in Cupertino, having to test more than one smartwatch was going to be a challenge. Heck, even reviewing a single new smartwatch was tricky, considering the other reviews we were preparing at the same time. That's why when we first published our review on Tuesday, we did not feel ready to present a formal score, instead sharing just our evaluation of the Apple Watch Series 10 up till that point. We eventually updated our review after spending a few more days getting to know the watch better, adding a score and more findings later that week.
Here's the summary. Though you might expect a lot more fanfare and features for the tenth Apple Watch simply because it's the tenth generation model, there's not a lot that's changed. And the company arguably didn't need to do much, since the Apple Watch is a fairly mature device. What it did manage to deliver — a bigger display in a thinner body — is impressive, and the Series 10 continues to deliver the best smartwatch experience that any iPhone owner can get.
Of course, there are questions around the blood oxygen detection feature that remains the subject of litigation between Apple and Masimo. But whether that (or the new sleep apnea feature) are available doesn't actually impact my experience with the watch, and therefore had little bearing on our score. If you're using an older Apple Watch that has the blood oxygen detection enabled and it's something you use frequently, it might be better to hold on to your device for now.
The story of this year's iPhones is also a pretty straightforward one: Cameras, buttons and a lack of Intelligence. Apple Intelligence, that is. But through my testing, I started to realize that a couple of features began to stand out. The most obvious is the new Photographic Styles, which put Instagram's filters to shame.
On the iPhone 16s, you can swap these out both before and after shooting. You can also edit the amount of saturation, shadows and more within each Style. Most importantly, Apple has finetuned its processing and depth map so it's better at keeping skin tones within the realm of reality even as you crank up the saturation or contrast. I'm a huge fan of these improved filters and in the week since my review went up, I've been tempted to post nothing but Photographic Style samples to all my social media. The only thing keeping me from actually doing that has been tedium and a complete lack of spare time. But maybe one day I will.
The other thing that I learned was a subtle shift in Apple's overall approach was greater customizability. Old Apple was rigid and rejected the idea that its design might not be the best for all its users. These days, Apple is more than willing to let you set up your app grid however you like, and iOS 18 brings the ability to finetune your Control Center and lock screen shortcuts to your preferences (and needs) as well. I was surprised when I found out that not only could you tweak the sensitivity of the Camera Control's touch and pressure sensor, but you can disable the feature altogether.
I prefer this approach as it puts the user's needs and preferences first while still maintaining a secure and private environment. And while we still await the formal arrival of Apple Intelligence in October, it's likely that many of the AI-based features, which will be available throughout the iPhone 16 lineup as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, won't hugely impact our experience and score. Still, like we mentioned in our reviews of this year's flagship phones, we based our verdict on the devices we tested as they were, and might revisit our score when headline features like Intelligence roll out.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus review
by Billy Steele
I have to thank Billy for picking up the review of the base iPhone 16 models this year. Not only was he able to help with the workload, Billy also delivered a thorough and alternative perspective on Apple's non-Pro iPhones. I was heartened to see that he agreed with me on several things, namely that Photographic Styles are awesome and Camera Control is kind of clunky. I do have to admit that I hated having to look at a frog in the sample photo he included in his piece — frogs are my mortal enemies.
I barely mentioned the Camera Control in my section about the iPhone 16 Pro above, but this new button is just awkwardly placed, and I was glad to see Billy's experience was similar.
Both of us agree that it's nice to see the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus get features that are on their Pro counterparts. Sadly, though these phones were designed for Apple Intelligence, that just wasn't available to the public at the time of our review, which just makes it feel like they're missing something. That's not to say these aren't excellent phones. They're a nice step up from last year's base iPhones and come in an aesthetically pleasing array of colors that I adore.
We also have a guide from senior reporter Jeff Dunn on how to choose the right iPhone, which might be particularly helpful since this year's models all seem so similar. My main advice is: if you're into multimedia creation on your iPhone, get one of the Pros. If you need your phone to last more than a day, definitely spring for the Pro Max, as the iPhone 16 Pro will absolutely conk out after about 20 hours.
macOS Sequoia review
by Devindra Hardawar
Apple season isn't limited to new hardware. Last week, the company also released the latest updates to its software for its iPhones, Macs, watches, TVs and more. Our resident computing expert Devindra has been spending time with the new macOS since the beta was available, and was able to quickly put together his thoughts on Sequoia. His joy at being able to mirror his iPhone on his MacBook is evident in his review, and we were so convinced by his review that we also published a guide on how to mirror your iPhone in macOS Sequoia afterwards. To quote Devindra: "It sort of changed my life."
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review
by Billy Steele
I'm sure by now you can appreciate how hard Billy has been working, particularly these last few weeks. On Wednesday, Billy published his review of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which went up the same time as the start of Meta's Connect keynote. This is the last of our reviews of Google's new hardware this year, at least until it launches something else. Billy's evaluation is that these buds are smaller than before, which is a double-edged sword. They could be a better fit for some people, but the fact that they have smaller touch-sensitive panels means they're slightly harder to maneuver. Still, they produce decent sound and integrate with the company's new Gemini assistant to make hands-free requests more convenient.
Now that the last of the Pixel reviews are finally out of the way, we can finally consider the company's family of hardware as a whole and honestly, I'm impressed. I actually scored the Pixel 9 Pro higher than the iPhone 16 Pro, which is possibly the first time a Google flagship has been rated better than one from Apple. I think Google has proven with its 2024 devices that it has the chops to take on its gigantic rivals, and now just needs to continue its momentum if it wants to reach a larger audience.
PlayStation 5 Pro preview
by Jessica Conditt
After Sony announced the PlayStation 5 Pro the day after the Apple iPhone event, senior editor Jessica Conditt was able to spend some time with the console ahead of its November 7th release. In her preview, Jess says that for the right kind of gamer, the "audaciously priced" PlayStation 5 Pro is absolutely worth it.
Who's the right kind of gamer here? According to Jess, "If you regularly play PS5 games and can afford to waste (at least) $700 on a more powerful console with extra gills, you absolutely should get a PS5 Pro."
Of course, we'll have to get a device in for testing before we can deliberate on a score and official verdict. But with faster memory, improved rendering as well as support for VRR, advanced ray-tracing and “8K gaming,” the PS5 Pro seems like a promising upgrade.
Nintendo
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review
by Nathan Ingraham
Speaking of gaming, deputy editor Nathan Ingraham published a review this week of the latest in the Legend of Zelda series: Echoes of Wisdom. Nate was a diehard Zelda fan growing up, and found himself taken right back to his youth with this latest instalment.
My gaming tastes begin at Solitaire and end at Animal Crossing or Just Dance, so something as involved as Echoes of Wisdom is not my cup of tea. But even just looking at the pictures in Nate's review have me impressed at the dedication to detail and quality. As Nate puts it, the story involves "a series of otherworldly rifts that have opened up throughout Hyrule, swallowing up huge parts of the land and the people who reside there." That's absolutely the sort of plot that would draw me in, and when I read that this time around you'd play as Princess Zelda as she attempts to rescue Link, I was even more intrigued.
Perhaps that reversal of roles will also appeal to you, or maybe you're drawn in by the idea of completing puzzles in an adorable 3D environment. I have to admit I'm looking at my Switch and considering playing this instead of getting ludicrously upset at Match Factory. If you're a fan of the series, Nate thinks you should absolutely check out Echoes of Wisdom.
Fujifilm GFX100S II and Logitech MX Creator Console reviews
by Steve Dent
Our photography expert Steve Dent published a couple of reviews this week, showcasing his expert knowledge of cameras and the editing tools that accompany them. His analysis of the Logitech MX Creator Console, for instance, has me itching to get one so I can easily tweak and edit graphics in Adobe's suite of apps. Meanwhile, his review of the Fujifilm GFX100S II left me wondering how many months I can go hungry so I can afford the $5,000 camera because I imagine it'll make me as adept at taking photos as Steve. If you're curious about the actual picture and video quality of Fujifilm's camera, check out Steve's video on our YouTube channel.
Up next: What's on the horizon
Like I said, with all the events taking place these few weeks, there's plenty of gadget reviews to come. For example, Samsung had a mini event this week where it unveiled the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra, which are premium tablets that are regarded as the best in the Android space. The company also showed off the Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Watch FE LTE, which are lower cost variants of its flagship smartphone and smartwatch. All of these products are good candidates for us to test, since our audience (like yourself!) is likely to be wondering about whether they're better than their premium counterparts.
This week, Meta also launched the Quest 3S, which is a budget-friendly VR headset that should take the place of the aging Quest 2. Few people are out there shopping for VR headsets, at least, when compared to iPhones or even midrange Android phones. But it's still worth our time to test something like the Quest 3S, as it helps us learn about the technology that's available, even in relatively small product categories.
Meta also showed off its Orion AR smart glasses, but as that's more of a prototype right now, I don't expect we'll be properly reviewing it. Similarly, the fifth-gen Spectacles that Snap unveiled last week will only be available to approved developers who are willing to fork over $99 a month. That's not something we're likely to formally review, either.
It's hard to keep up with all the stuff that big tech companies keep launching and want you to buy, but we do our best. We're anticipating just a few more events coming this year, and are getting ready for the holiday shopping season, too. I'm sure people outside the tech industry are feeling a similar ramp up in work and life. Hopefully, we all get some time to rest and take care of ourselves soon. As always, we appreciate your time and wish you the best. Until the next Engadget Review Recap, good luck.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/engadget-review-recap-iphones-airpods-pixel-buds-and-an-early-look-at-the-playstation-5-pro-130018618.html?src=rss
Meta has unveiled the Meta Quest 3S, a budget-friendly VR headset designed to replace the Quest 2 as the company’s most affordable offering. While it makes some compromises to keep costs down, the Quest 3S still delivers a compelling VR experience powered by the latest Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. The Meta Quest 3S comes […]
For avid road trippers considering owning or renting a camping trailer, selecting the right features is essential. Your trailer will be your home on wheels, prioritizing comfort, convenience, and an enriched travel experience. With the RV and camping industry booming, and with so many options available, choosing the perfect one can be daunting. Given the substantial investment involved, it’s crucial to ensure your trailer meets your needs perfectly. Here are tips to get you going.
The dimensions and weight of a camper trailer significantly impact maneuverability and towing. For larger groups, prioritize sufficient sleeping and living space. Confirm that your vehicle can comfortably tow the trailer’s weight and consider the number of travelers and beds required so that everyone can sleep comfortably.
The Bruder EXP-8, a rugged yet sleek camper trailer designed for all seasons and environments. Equipped to handle rough terrains and extreme climates, this trailer features spacious interiors including a fully functional kitchen, living room, bedroom, and hotel-like bathroom with gallery windows for scenic views. Powered by solar panels, a 20 kWh battery, and a 500W inverter, it provides ample power for up to four occupants while its lightweight construction and adjustable height ensure easy towing and leveling on sloping camp spots. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a relaxation enthusiast, the Bruder EXP-8 offers the perfect blend of ruggedness and luxury for your camping adventures.
For small families, traditional RVs may seem practical, but their high maintenance costs and carbon footprints are often prohibitive. Teardrop trailers or tents offer more sustainable alternatives. Bridging this gap is the Hitch Hotel, a weather-resistant option that requires minimal storage and driving space but expands into a full-sized unit at the campsite, accommodating two adults and a child comfortably. This compact, towable, and expandable trailer measures just 3.5 feet when folded for storage, expanding to slightly over 7 feet when set up for camping. Its telescopic design provides a hard-shelled sleeping space with full protection and elevation from the ground. Constructed with a lightweight fiberglass body, it remains compact yet functional, featuring marine-grade canvas lining and padded insulation for comfortable overnight stays.
2. Spacious Interiors
In a compact camping trailer, spacious interiors are vital to delineate sitting and sleeping areas, preventing any sense of confinement. Though the trailer’s size remains fixed, the interior arrangement can drastically impact convenience during the journey. Smart storage solutions and strategic placement of amenities are crucial, ensuring ample walking space and a homelike ambiance, particularly during lengthy trips.
Hobby’s Maxia caravan blends Scandinavian design with mobile living, offering a luxurious city apartment on wheels. With a sleek exterior and panoramic windows, it brings elegance to traditional caravan aesthetics. Inside, it’s designed for comfort, featuring a fully equipped kitchen, convertible living space, and private sleeping quarters. Smart appliances and utilities enhance the road trip experience. Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet practical travel companion.
3. Functional Kitchen
Compact yet essential, the kitchen is the heart of the camping trailer, as it avoids reliance on restaurants or fast food and encourages you to cook fresh, cost-effective meals during long trips, offering healthy options. The kitchenette should include a cooktop, refrigerator, microwave, sink, basic utensils, storage cabinets for food and utensils, and ample counter space for meal preparation, ensuring convenience. Go for an easy-to-clean countertop surface to simplify cleanup and enhance your camping experience.
The Highland 60 from Sasquatch Expedition Campers is a compact yet robust off-road trailer. With a queen-size memory foam mattress, full-size kitchen, and amenities like a three-stove burner and outdoor shower, it’s designed for comfort on any adventure. Featuring dual-side entry, insulated walls, and a durable aluminum frame with Bigfoot suspension, it’s ready for rough terrain. Plus, the customized roof rack offers storage for optional solar panels.
4. Bathroom Amenities
Invest in a caravan with toilet and shower facilities to avoid relying on external amenities. Note that access to a clean, functional bathroom enhances comfort during trips. Opt for a wet bath with both shower and toilet or a dry bath with just a toilet. Check the size of the water tank and ensure there is a water heater for a comfortable showers.
5. Climate Control
Climate control is vital as it offers flexibility for traveling to various destinations. The air conditioning should function well in warmer climates, while a heater should be available for colder temperatures. The ensures that the trailer is perfect for both summer and winter adventures. Additionally, windows and roof vents are necessary to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation.
6. Ample Storage
Given the limited space, it’s essential to pack smartly to ensure you have all necessary items. Additionally, the camping trailer should feature ample storage options such as cabinets, drawers, built-in storage within multifunctional furniture, and under-bed storage to prevent the caravan from feeling cramped. You can also opt for outdoor storage compartments for items like the camping gear, fishing equipment and bikes.
Black Bean, a limited-edition teardrop trailer by a US-based company, redefining traditional trailers for comfortable off-road adventures. With enhanced ground clearance, easier galley access, and ample storage, it’s the ultimate portable cabin. Featuring a larger stove, expanded fridge, and cozy interiors, it’s perfect for outdoor cooking and camping. Plus, innovative features like a stand-on fender and solar panel add extra convenience and functionality.
7. Open-air Amenities
Expanding your outdoor living area is beneficial; consider installing an awning for shade during relaxation or cooking sessions. It is advisable to go for a large awning that can protect you from the sun and light rain. Invest in foldable and stackable outdoor furniture to maximize space efficiency.
The ALD09 trailer from ROC Trailers is a game-changer in eco-friendly camping. With its lightweight yet durable fiberglass-composite design and rugged off-road features, it offers unmatched versatility and stability. The teardrop-style interior includes a queen-size mattress and efficient kitchen setup, while options like a 57-liter water tank and solar panel upgrade make it perfect for extended wilderness stays.
8. Safety Features
Prioritize safety by choosing trailers with sturdy construction, strong suspension, and reliable brakes. Ensure they have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
9. Consider a Walk Around Bed
Adequate bedroom space ensures a good night’s sleep. Walkaround beds, often overlooked, offer convenience for couples, making bed-making easier and providing easy access for nighttime bathroom trips.
10. Provision for Remote Work and Entertainment
As remote work grows, a good workstation with Wi-Fi boosters and cellular signal enhancers is essential. Also, include a TV, DVD player, and sound system for home-like comfort while camping.
La Casa Nueva by Jag Studio is a timber camper designed for post-pandemic nomadic lifestyles. Doubling as a fully functional tiny home, it offers comfortable shelter for two with amenities including a bed, workstations, kitchen, and bathroom. Crafted with artisanal precision, its compact size and configurable layout allow for short-term stays in diverse locations. Featuring a wooden gabled structure and a yellowheart lumber shell, it rests on a metal trailer and offers adaptable exterior configurations. Internally, it’s divided into five zones, providing spatial capacity and creative versatility within its tiny timber confines.
Consider these points to ensure your travel trailer has the right features for a comfortable, convenient, and safe camping experience.
In the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, Android users are constantly seeking ways to optimize their devices for enhanced customization and productivity. Fortunately, a new wave of innovative applications has emerged, offering users the opportunity to transform their Android experience like never before. These six groundbreaking apps focus on streamlining your home screen, boosting multitasking […]
X only has to pay one last fine in Brazil to get its services reinstated, according to Bloomberg and CNBC. Supreme Court R has ordered the company to pay 10 million Reais, or around $1.9 million, for its non-compliance with Brazil's court order for two days. Moraes added that the company's return "depends solely on the full compliance with Brazilian legislation and the absolute observance of the court orders in respect of national sovereignty." Specifically, Moraes fined X on September 19 for restoring its services in the country for some people despite a ban on the website. The judge also fined the company after X disregarded the ban for a second time on September 23 through Starlink.
X's owner, Elon Musk, previously resisted Moraes' order to take down and freeze several accounts that were allegedly spreading disinformation on the platform. Musk saw it as censorship and opted to close its operations in the country instead of complying. In response, Moraes ordered the nation's internet providers to block the social media platform and to issue a new rule that anybody found to be accessing X through a VPN could face a daily fine of 50,000 Reais ($8,900). The court froze the Brazilian bank account of SpaceX’s Starlink internet service provider, as well. It ultimately withdrew 18.35 million Reais ($3.4 million) from Starlink's and X's account to settle previous penalties the Supreme Court had imposed on the social network.
A few days ago, however, X's lawyers reportedly filed a document in court naming the company's legal representative in Brazil, as Moraes had demanded. The website also removed the accounts the judge named in its initial directives and which he had identified as a threat to democracy, showing that it's now willing to comply with the court's orders. The New York Times reported back then that X had failed to submit all the necessary paperwork to get Brazil to lift its ban. Moraes' statement that the company can "immediately return to its activities" after it pays this fine suggests that X got that squared away, and Brazilian users may be able to access the website soon.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-can-be-immediately-unblocked-in-brazil-after-it-pays-a-19-million-fine-110001546.html?src=rss
If you are interested in learning how to install and run Meta’s latest AI model Llama 3.2 on your home private computer or network. This guide by Skill Leap AI has been created to let you harness the potential of Llama 3.2 by providing a step-by-step installation process and showcasing a wide array of practical […]
